Organisation Name:
National Railway Museum
Organisation's Cause(s):
Arts / Culture / Heritage / Museums
Transport
Location of voluntary activity:
National Railway Museum, Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ
When are volunteers needed: We would love volunteers to help support the delivery of our Cab Access experience during the school holidays and/or once a month. We use a flexible rota to enable this and to suit your schedule.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Advice / Information / Support
Customer Service
Engineering
Event Support
Greeter / Welcomer
Role description:
EXHIBITION ENGAGEMENT VOLUNTEER
Hours
10.30-12.30 / 13.30 -15.30 (flexible)
Key Dates
Volunteer Open Days: Monday 22 and Thursday 25 June (please attend one of these sessions)
Volunteer Inductions: Thursday 02 and Monday 06 July (please attend one of these sessions)
Start Date: July 2026
Inspire our visitors!
As an Exhibition Engagement Volunteer, you will join our Public Programme team, enriching the visitor experience by bringing the museum’s collection to life. From Mallard and Eurostar cabs to passenger carriages in Station Hall, you will enjoy regular up-close access to our exclusive national collection by facilitating physical access to these iconic vehicles. Through these warm, welcoming interactions, you’ll be creating memorable experiences that encourage visitors to see how railways, and the science behind them, connect to their own lives, identities, and interests.
In this role, you’ll build skills in communication, visitor experience, and museum learning. Full training will equip you to access our vehicles safely and share engaging stories for audiences of all ages. You will help reveal wonder, spark conversation and inspire our visitors.
In this role you’ll:
- Provide visitors with physical access to selected locomotives and carriages in our national collection, sharing detail on the interiors.
- Learn and share information about our collection with our visitors,
- Be the friendly face of the museum, ensuring all visitors feel welcome
- Assist with stewarding and engaging visitors in our event and exhibition spaces
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
This role is perfect for people who:
- Are willing to learn about the museum and its collections.
- 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.
- Are reliable and happy follow a flexible rota.
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 reference upon request for all volunteers who have supported the museum.
- A chance to meet new people and make friends.
- An opportunity to make a difference to our museum.
- Our Inspiring Service Training to help you develop your customer care skills.
How to get involved:
How to apply
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 Railway Museum Volunteering Page.
Please answer the following questions in the Supporting Statement section of the application form:
1. Why are you interested in volunteering with us as an Exhibition Engagement Volunteer?
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Grace, Volunteering Assistant, via [email protected] or 01904 686280.
Additional information:
- To volunteer in this role you must be 18 or over.
- If successful we’ll request a basic criminal record check. We’ll arrange and process this for you and will cover all the costs. Any issues raised in the check will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- We are legally required to ensure all volunteers from overseas have the right to volunteer in the UK, so please check your visa before applying.
- Visit https://www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/about-us/support-museum/volunteering for more information.
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 16-06-2026