Our volunteer policy

As an organisation we define volunteers as people who freely give their time to help us achieve our overall purpose. Although not bound in an employment contract, we expect all of our volunteers to sign our Volunteer Agreement at the start of each assignment to ensure that volunteers always know what is expected of them and what they can expect from us in return.

When recruiting we will create a specific volunteer assignment for volunteers to best understand the opportunities available and exactly what they entail. We will actively recruit volunteers who are suitable for the opportunity. Consideration will also be given to what the volunteer wishes to gain from the role. Volunteers give their time and expertise for many different reasons: some enjoy the social side of working with others, some want to make our collections and sites more accessible and others might want to gain new skills for career development.

A volunteering assignment with us is a chance to:

Boost your CV
Gain new skills and knowledge
Indulge your interests
Make new friends
Build networks
Support our cause
Inspire others

As a volunteer with Royal Armouries you can expect:

A supportive and positive environment that ensures you enjoy your volunteering, underpinned by policies and procedures
To be treated with respect and courtesy
To be treated fairly regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, parental or marital status, disability, religion, colour, race, ethnic or national origins, or socio/economic background
An induction and opportunities to undertake appropriate training
A named contact for support
Relevant and up to date information and advice
Recognition and thanks
Reimbursement of any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (in line with the Royal Armouries Expenses Policy)
Equal opportunities
Adequate public liability insurance
Respect to your right to privacy and that of your contacts

In return we ask that you:

Support our aims, objectives and values
Abide by and operate within the applicable policies and procedures
Remember that you represent the Royal Armouries
Reach a shared understanding with us summarising your role and commitment
Are open and honest in your dealings with us
Treat fellow volunteers and staff with courtesy and respect
Let us know if you wish to change the nature of your contribution
Let us know if we can improve the service and support that you receive

The Royal Armouries will not take on volunteers under the following circumstances:

To fulfil a post that exists in the museum’s staffing structure as a paid post
Where there is no volunteer assignment that is suitable for the skills and experience of the volunteer
Where there is no suitable member of staff to act as the assignment supervisor
Where the administration costs cannot be met by the budget
Where the applicant is under 16 years of age (if volunteer is aged 16 or 17, a young person risk assessment will be required and will be subject to safeguarding considerations)
Where the proposed volunteering period exceeds 12 months without a new Authority to Engage Volunteers being completed and authorised
Where there is a mitigating issue that may otherwise bar an assignment.

Our Volunteer Privacy Notice

Further policies and legal infomation can be found here