ACTIVATOR VOLUNTEER

Role Title Activator Volunteer

Role Location Imperial War Museum Lambeth Road

Management & Mentorship

Volunteers will be initially under the guidance and mentorship of staff from the Library and Retail and Admissions Teams.

Valuing our volunteers

Volunteers have long played a significant role at Imperial War Museums (IWM). Their support is integral to welcoming and shaping the customer experience and underpinning the Museum’s key ambitions and vision.

We feel privileged to have volunteer support in a variety of roles and IWM values your expertise, knowledge and regular commitment.

Are you ready to be a part of our legacy?

Background to the role & section

At Imperial War Museums, we aim to provide the widest possible access to our outstanding collection and to connect the public with our cause and subject matter.

We are a charity. Support (whether in time or financially) helps us look after our historic sites including IWM Duxford, Churchill War Rooms and HMS Belfast in London; and the world‐class collections that make up our immersive and thought‐provoking museums IWM London and IWM North (in Manchester).

We are looking for volunteers who are proud to promote us as a charitable cause, encourage repeat visits and inspire visitors to have a deeper connection and understanding of our subject matter and collections.

By volunteering with us, you will be helping tell the stories of lives changed by war and conflict. As an Activator volunteer you are empowering, educating and informing the public by sharing ways to investigate our collections, stimulate personal connections and ensuring the legacy of individual support. We couldn't do it without you.

Where will I be based?

This is a fantastic opportunity for volunteers to develop skills in a practical setting alongside a diverse team at IWM London. Once the role has been established, there will also be the opportunity to volunteer at other IWM sites.

Responsibilities and Duties

This role is all about helping IWM build long lasting, active relationships with customers.

Liaising with the Library Team

 Sharing routes to connect with staff/ to donate items/ visit the research room  Advise on searching the IWM collection through our online catalogue  Advise on using the IWM website to access our various commercial offers  Use the Tracing leaflets and website to assist the public

Supporting the Retail and Admissions Team & Membership Team

 Product demonstrations and event support  Explaining the benefits of the supporter journey  Recruiting new members and supporting existing members

Supporting Volunteering and Engagement

 Encouraging remote volunteering contributions

Future activities may be:

 Supporting digital ‘how to’ sessions  Assisting the Marketing Team collecting visitor feedback

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking keen communicators that love engaging with people, who can proactively promote ways that customers can support us. Volunteers in this role will need to be flexible in carrying out a variety of tasks, happy to take time to listen and enjoy exchanging knowledge.

It is essential that you are empathetic; able to volunteer as part of a team and that you are friendly and approachable with both colleagues and visitors. An enthusiasm for fundraising, research and problem solving would be beneficial.

You will need to be aged 18 or over to take part in this role.

Essential criteria  An interest in IWM’s subject and mission  Experience in using tablets/iPads  Confident in speaking English  Self-motivated, positive and friendly with a confident outlook

Desirable criteria

Experience of (or a desire to learn more about) the below would be advantageous.

 IWM Collections Online and Collections Management processes  War Memorials Register/Operation War Diary/Lives of the First World War

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Your availability

Ideally, we are seeking volunteers who are available one day per week, Monday to Friday. We are seeking your regular commitment to make the most out of this role, the training provided to you, and to give you time enough to put this into practice/action.

Recommended volunteer hours are 10.30 to 16.30 including a morning and afternoon briefing/ debriefing and breaks.

Training & Selection

External applicants will be asked to attend an informal selection day and undertake two days’ worth of initial training at IWM London. Role related training: In preparation for the role and with our support, you will need to develop a broad understanding of the collection and processes to help you answer any questions visitors may have.

About IWM

 Being an IWM ambassador: IWM vision, cultural values, Customer Experience standards  Introducing your branch and staff  Supporter journey: the big picture

Being safe and feeling supported

 Asbestos Awareness (Safety Media E-learning module for those on HMSB and working with collections)  Equality and Diversity (Safety Media E-learning module)  Manual handling (Safety Media E-learning module)  Mental health first aid  Keeping children and vulnerable adults free from harm

Confidently Communicating

 Initiating & holding engaging conversations (PEL)  Selling Skills & Member Engagement (R&A and Membership)

Discovering Our Collections

 Accessing the Library & Research Room  Introduction to Collections Care  IWM Exhibitions  How we manage item donations

Additional Information:

The volunteer uniform is a red polo shirt and fleece (provided) with (not provided) dark trousers or skirt. We recommend sensible footwear as long periods of standing are expected. Wheelchair

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users are encouraged. Reasonable adjustments can be explored for those less able to stand for long periods.

Expenses & Vetting statement

Upon offer, all volunteers are required to complete and clear a basic disclosure.

Volunteers are offered £10 per week towards travel expenses. This is for incurred expenses only and will be reimbursed on completion of an expense form and receipts. (Conditions apply)

Diversity/Inclusion statement

IWM is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunities

Application

External candidates: To apply please visit the IWM website where you will be directed to our latest volunteer vacancies and then ‘Activator Volunteer’ (please remember to indicate Activator Volunteer in your General Interests) we look forward to hearing from you.

Internal candidates: To apply please visit your Volunteer Hub and indicate Activator Volunteer in your General Interests, we look forward to hearing from you.

Deadline for applications is 4 December 2019

Selection Days will take place 29 November or 6 December at IWM London

Branch Inductions will take place 16 or 18 December at IWM London

Core Role Training will take place January at IWM London

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