Museum Education Volunteer

About the West Midlands Police Museum at the Lock-Up:

The West Midlands Police Museum is dedicated to telling the history of policing in the West Midlands from the early days of law and order right through to today. As well as talking about the past, we'll also be engaging visitors with current policing messages. We need your help to tell these important stories to our visitors.

About the role:

The role of Educational Activities Assistant is a voluntary post, which supports the role of the Museum Engagement Officer during visits by schools and other similar groups.

Main activities of the role:

• Supporting the Museum Engagement Officer and other staff with museum tours, educational inputs, and hands-on activities, as required;
• A combination of collaborative and independent work, including some opportunities for costumed role play;
• Outreach work within local schools and other organisations (if you have indicated that you are able to do so).

Opportunities:

• To learn about the history of policing in the West Midlands;
• To meet new people;
• To improve customer service skills, particularly in relation to working with children and young people of all ages and backgrounds;
• To learn about museums and heritage;
• To improve presentation and public speaking skills;
• Safeguarding training.

Skills and experience needed:

• Passion for policing heritage and museums;
• Confidence to engage with the public, in particular children and young people;
• Great communication skills;
• Enthusiasm for learning;
• Willingness to travel to the Lock-Up and other venues if required;
• A professional approach to working with vulnerable persons.

Volunteering Times:

• The museum will be open to schools Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm. This is mostly term time but we do have school bookings in the school holidays.
• School visits are normally 10am - 2.30pm.

We do not require our volunteers to complete a minimum number of hours each month, but the expectation is that an individual volunteers once a month at the museum.

Location:

The West Midlands Police Museum at the Lock-Up, Steelhouse Lane B4 6NW.

Vetting:

All volunteers will need to be vetted by West Midlands Police to undertake this role. In addition to this, a DBS may be required - if successful post interview the team will inform you if the DBS is required.

Contact:

For further information please contact either Tracey Arch (Engagement Officer) on tracey.arch@westmidlands.police.uk or Helen Taylor (Museum Manager) on helen.taylor2@westmidlands.police.uk.