Discover a world of opportunity at Watts Gallery as a young volunteer.

Embark on a journey of personal and professional development as you contribute to the culture of Watts Gallery. Our volunteer program offers a unique platform for young individuals to cultivate essential skills and knowledge, enriching their CVs and personal statements with valuable experiences.

Benefits:

• Developing skills and knowledge that will help with the production of personal statements and CV’s.
• Meeting staff and learning about opportunities in the art and leisure industry.
• Free access to the Gallery and Limnerslease as well as training opportunities.
• Discounts in the Visitor Centre and Tearoom after 12 hours of volunteering.
• Can be used towards D of E and Arts Award. Please talk to the Duty Manager about what is required.
• References can be given once a minimum of 12 hours of volunteering has been completed.
• Assistance with bus or train fare up to £6/shift, while funds allow.

The Role

The Gallery is open 10.30am to 5pm most of the year, closing at 4pm in winter (1 November to 1 February). Limnerslease is open 10.30am to 4pm all year.

Shifts last 2 1/2 or 2 1/4 hours in the Gallery and 3 hours in Limnerslease. Volunteers can sign up to the rota online, by phone or in person. You are welcome to sign up for more than one shift in a row.

Scheduling is flexible, though the minimum commitment for all volunteers to maintain benefits and for the provision of a reference is 12 hours over 3 months. That is approximately one shift every three weeks in Limnerslease or one a fortnight in the Gallery. Young Volunteers are welcome to Steward during the holidays and weekends to suit their studies.

Shift times:

10.15 – 12.45, 12.30 – 3.00pm, 2.45. – 5.00pm in the Gallery or 10.15 – 1.15pm and 1.15- 4.00pm

Location: Watts Gallery, Limnerslease House and Studio.

Requirements

As a volunteer Steward you make all the difference to every visitor’s experience at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village. You also enable us to borrow art form other collections knowing that someone is keeping an eye on all the works on display across the site.

By giving a warm welcome to all visitors you directly support our vision to be a diverse and inclusive organisation where new visitors want to come back, and repeat visitors always have a great experience.

By talking with our visitors, you will help them learn about and enjoy the stories of G F and Mary Watts and get the most from their visit.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Watts Gallery Trust’s vision, mission, and values whilst onsite and engaging in your duties following the Watts’ Code of Conduct for all staff and volunteers.

• Provide a warm welcome to visitors, answering any questions and assisting and enabling them to have an enjoyable visit.

• Develop an understanding of the collections, exhibitions, building and history of Watts Gallery – Artists’ village.

• Watching over the art and ensuring the works are not touched or removed.

• Learn how to use the radio provided and inform the Duty Manager (DM) of any hazards, issues, or incidents you may identify whilst carrying out your duties and assisting them in responding to emergencies as required.

Person Specification

You should be personable and able to engage with a wide variety of individuals, as well as aware and vigilant.

You will be provided with a seat, so you don’t have to spend hours on your feet. All spaces are accessible for volunteers with limited mobility.

Role-specific training

You will receive an induction before you start stewarding and your first shift will be a shadow shift with an experienced volunteer steward or staff member.

All volunteers can attend our quarterly meeting or specific training session on new exhibitions or specialist subjects by signing up when advertised in our weekly E-Newsletter.

Reporting Structure

Visitor Services Manager > Head of Operations > Director