Volunteering

We have many volunteers who contribute to the running of Beamish across all areas in a wide range of roles.

This includes engaging the visitors in period areas, delivering family learning activities, assisting the Curatorial and Costume Teams behind the scenes and much more.

The volunteering roles that are currently available are listed below. If you can’t find anything that matches your availability, skills or interests, please do check again periodically as this page is regularly updated.

You are welcome to submit an application form to us now, and we will arrange a time to meet you before then.

We are committed to ensuring good practice in the recruitment, selection, induction and retention of volunteers. We aim to ensure that volunteers are matched to suitable roles.

Our recruitment procedure consists of the following steps:

Step 1 – Application Form

Click here to visit our online Volunteering application website.

Step 2 – Attend an informal interview

Once you have returned your completed application form we will get in touch with you to arrange a time for an informal interview at the museum. We will endeavour to get back to you within three weeks.

Step 3 – Checks and costume provision necessary for role

For some volunteering roles it is necessary for the following to take place:

• Reference checks
• Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks
• Provision of period costume
• DVLA D4 medical for safety critical roles

There are no fees for any of the above.

Step 4 – Arrange Start Date

Once you’ve been accepted and had any necessary checks for your chosen role, the Volunteer Placement Coordinator will arrange a start date convenient to you and the team you will be working with.

Step 5 – Induction and trial period

You will receive a warm welcome from our staff and volunteers and an induction into your role. After your first four weeks of volunteering, the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to make sure that the role you have started in is suitable.

You must be 16 years or over to volunteer.

We are sorry but we don’t currently pay transport, subsistence or childcare costs.

No. We appreciate any amount of time you can give us as a volunteer, and while we would ask you to let us know when you will be coming in, there is no need to commit to a fixed amount of time.

No, we do not require any specific experience for volunteering roles. The museum will provide training as required.