Houghton House Monitor Volunteer Role Description
Why does English Heritage need my support? Houghton House today is the shell of a 17th-century mansion commanding magnificent views, reputedly the inspiration for the ‘House Beautiful’ in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. and would benefit from a monitoring visit. Monitor volunteers play an important role in looking after English Heritage sites and ensuring those sites are safe and well presented for our many visitors. Whether that be checking for any issue’s for the buildings and ruins, to the wider landscape or entry to and from the site. You will help us to better understand and care for our sites, by reporting issues and helping to maintain the sites presentation.
How much time will I be expected to give? 1 visit per week so 6-8 hours per month to suit, depending on travel time Can be arranged with Volunteer Manager
Where will I be based? Hazelwood Lane, Ampthill, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK45 2EZ
What will I be doing? You will collect any litter found on site, provided it is safe to do so. You will provide feedback to the Free Sites South Team about any damage to the house or any problems you find on the site. You will, as far as possible, respond to, or pass on to EH, visitors’ questions with regard to the site or its history. You will be carry out visitor counts during your monitoring visit. You will try as far as possible, to inform EH about any events taking place.
What skills, qualities and experience do I need? This role would suit someone living in the local area, who has a reasonable level of fitness and an interest in helping to ensure the site is kept in a presentable condition. This role may suit a local dog walker or hiker with an interest in local history. You might have an interest in local history.
What support and training will I receive? You will meet with one of the English Heritage team members, who will show you around the house and introduce you to the organisation and explain how you will be making a valuable contribution to its work. You will be given some information regarding the history of the site.
What will English Heritage expect from me? Houghton House, Monitor Volunteer v1
Houghton House Monitor Volunteer Role Description
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. A volunteer pass allowing free entry to English Heritage properties is available on completion of six months of volunteering. Reimbursement of reasonable local travel costs for meetings 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.
Houghton House, Monitor Volunteer v1