Organisation Name:
National Railway Museum
Organisation's Cause(s):
Arts / Culture / Heritage / Museums
Location of voluntary activity:
National Railway Museum
When are volunteers needed: We will aim to open the signal box every Saturday and potentially some additional days in school holidays.
We would ideally ask people to volunteer at least once a month on Saturdays through a flexible rota, which can be adapted depending on your availability. The times are split between 10.30 - 13.30 and 13.30 - 16.30, with scope for flexibility within this.
Key dates:
• Volunteer Open Days: Saturday 29 November, Saturday 6 December
• Volunteer Inductions: Saturday 13 December
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Customer Service
Education
Engineering
Volunteering with Children & Young People
Volunteering with Older Adults
Role description:
Inspire our visitors!
As a Signal Box Volunteer, you will join our Curatorial team, enriching our visitors’ experience by bringing railway signalling to life through interaction and play. This is a great opportunity for those new to signalling, or those with previous experience. Training will be provided to help develop your signalling knowledge and visitor interaction skills.
Signalling is fundamental to the operation of the railways. Changes in signalling over the last two centuries have been pivotal to improving safety and increasing the railway’s capacity. The NRM Central signal box on the signalling gallery is a full-size interactive signal box simulator. In this role you will work in pairs to guide visitors to interact with the signal
box, including pulling levers and using the telegraph instruments to send messages. Through this activity you will be showing visitors the basics of how railway signalling works and why it is important to a safe and efficient railway. We will aim to open the signal box every Saturday and potentially some additional days in school holidays.
In this role you’ll:
• Interpret railway signalling for visitors
• Assist visitors to safely use the equipment in the signal box
• Be courteous, welcoming and reassuring to all visitors
• Answer visitor queries
• Be well informed of the main attractions and facilities in the museum.
If you need help with your application or would like to talk to us about what we can do to support you through this process, please email Katrina at volunteer.nrm@railwaymuseum.org.uk or call 01904 686248.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
This role is perfect for people who:
• Have an enthusiastic approach to delivering a positive visitor experience, connecting with a wide range of people from different backgrounds.
• Enjoy collaborating with volunteers and staff as part of a supportive team.
• Will be reliable and are happy to work to a rota.
• Are willing to learn about the museum and its collections.
We ask all volunteers to show inclusive behaviours, valuing everyone’s contribution, and promoting a culture of openness.
Will there be a DBS check? Yes
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
We want to ensure you have a rewarding experience with us. That’s why we’ll provide:
• An opportunity to develop skills and enhance your CV.
• A chance to meet new people and make friends.
• A reference upon request for all volunteers who have supported the museum.
• An opportunity to make a difference to our museum.
• Training will be provided to help develop your signalling knowledge and visitor interaction skills.
How to get involved:
We believe in a culture that recognises and values different experiences, mindsets, and expertise and welcome applications from all backgrounds. You can apply for this position via our careers site.
Please answer the following questions in the Supporting Statement section of the application form.
1. Why are you interested in volunteering with us as a Signal Box Volunteer?
If you have any questions about the role, please email, Volunteer Manager, on volunteer.nrm@railwaymuseum.org.uk
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 23-11-2025