Organisation Name:
National Railway Museum
Organisation's Cause(s):
Arts / Culture / Heritage / Museums
Location of voluntary activity:
National Railway Museum
Leeman Road
York
YO26 4XJ
When are volunteers needed: Volunteers are welcome during the Search Engine opening times:
Tuesday - Saturday, 10.00 - 12.30 and/or 13.30 - 16.30
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Admin / Office Support
Customer Service
Greeter / Welcomer
Role description:
Ignite Curiosity!
A touchpoint for visitors upon arrival in Search Engine, our volunteers help make everyone feels welcome in our library by encouraging their curiosity and supporting visitors to explore their research interests further.
To support us in delivering a great visitor experience for all, we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers either wanting to utilise or develop their customer care skills within a library setting. This is primarily achieved by answering visitor enquiries and directing them around our facilities. You will be provided with a dedicated Supervisor and training to develop your research knowledge and communication skills.
In this role you’ll be:
- Stewarding the Search Engine Welcome Desk during opening times.
- Providing a friendly welcome and reassuring presence to all visitors to Search Engine
- Helping visitors with their enquiries, exploring their research interests and supporting them with navigating the library.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
This role is perfect for people who:
- Are curious and enjoy delving into different areas of research.
- Enjoy collaborating with volunteers and staff as part of a supportive team
- Have an enthusiastic approach to delivering a positive visitor experience and developing your customer care skills
- Are able and willing to carry out activities unsupervised
- Are confident using online systems (Outlook and relevant search engines)
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 you’ll receive:
- An opportunity to develop skills and enhance your CV by operating in a research environment.
- Our Inspiring Service Training to help you develop your customer care skills.
- 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.
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.
Why are you interested in volunteering with us as a Search Engine Information Point volunteer?
If you have any questions about the role, please call Katrina, Volunteer Manager, on 01904 686248 or email [email protected]
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 27-05-2026