Explainer Volunteer

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic people to help our visitors to understand and enjoy their experience of Ranger’s House.

Ranger's House is an elegant Georgian villa built in 1723, the official residence of the 'Ranger of Greenwich Park'. It houses The Wernher Collection, a world-class art collection amassed by the 19th-century businessman, Sir Julius Wernher. Over 700 works of art are displayed across a dozen panelled interiors, and include medieval sculptures, glittering enamels, ornate jewellery, Renaissance paintings including Madonna of the Pomegranate (Madonna della Melagrana) from Sandro Botticelli's works.

You will help to provide a warm and friendly welcome for all visitors, and convey the story of our site, by actively engaging with visitors and answering their questions. You will also;

• Tell stories about the house or collection
• Support with family trails
• Help to preserve and protect the collection
• Attend relevant training courses and workshops to increase your knowledge of our site

We would ideally like you to volunteer regularly, preferably one session per week when the house is open (although we are flexible). Sessions run from Wednesday - Sunday (and Bank Holiday Mondays) from 9.50am-13.30pm and/or 13.20pm-17.00pm until the 3rd November 2024. We will be closed from the 4th November 2024 until 30th April 2025.

We need people who have a friendly, enthusiastic manner and enjoy chatting with people from all walks of life. Have confidence in their ability to communicate well with all age groups. Are keen to learn more about our sites, and happy to be on their own with members of the public.

Full training and support will be provided to help you settle into your role, you will receive;

• A site and role induction with your dedicated Volunteer Manager
• All relevant health & safety training and clear guidance on how to address security or safety issues.
• You will always have access to a member of English Heritage staff.

What will English Heritage expect from me?

• To be the friendly face of English Heritage and deliver excellent customer service
• To be reliable in attendance and dependable
• Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties
• To wear English Heritage volunteer uniform where provided
• Help us protect our properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures
• Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public
• Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of English Heritage
• Observe organisational policy and procedures
• Safeguard confidential information about English Heritage and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of English Heritage that you think might be controversial
• Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of English Heritage (unless otherwise agreed in writing).

What can I expect from English Heritage?

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience
• To be treated fairly and with respect
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution
• A full induction and training programme with on-going support
• Reimbursement of reasonable local travel costs between home and volunteering location within agreed limits
• A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for English Heritage is available on request to show future employers or further education providers
• You will be covered by English Heritage’s own indemnity arrangements in respect of all liabilities that may result from your appointment as a volunteer.