Royal Pavilion & Museums – 2 new volunteer roles: Collections Digitisation Volunteer and Garden Greeter Volunteer

• Collections Digitisation Volunteer

The role

To support the work of the Royal Pavilion & Museums Local History & Archaeology (LH&A) department. We have a large collection of photographs, postcards and 2-D material that requires digitisation so that we can upload images to our collections database and websites. The task involves handling 2-D materials and primarily using a book scanner to scan material. It may also include processing the image files. Training will be provided. You would be based in our Digi room, above the Museum Lab in Brighton Museum, although room changes may be necessary from time to time.

Personal qualities and requirements

Experience of using scanners and handling 2-D materials is desirable. An interest in photography and/or local history is essential. Scanning photographs is a repetitive task so patience, as well as an attention to detail and a careful approach, is a necessary requirement.

Benefits of the role

You will be working as part of team of enthusiastic and committed people.  The collections of objects held by the RP&M are the backbone of our work and volunteers can benefit enormously from the privilege of working with them.

You will have the chance to develop skills and be offered opportunities to attend any in-house training that is relevant to your role.  We are more than happy to provide a reference on request for any future job applications.

Your availability

A commitment of at least half a day a week is the minimum requirement for a worthwhile engagement with collections-based work. The opportunity is for Wednesdays or Fridays, with an initial trial period of one month, with possible further volunteer opportunities beyond this.

Application

Please contact University of Brighton’s Volunteering Service, Active Student – at least 24 hours in advance of the deadline which is:  Friday 27 May 2016.

• Garden Greeter Volunteers for the Royal Pavilion Estate

The role

As a Garden Greeter, you will buddy with another Greeter and do a 2.5 hour shift, including a short break, in the Royal Pavilion Garden, greeting visitors to the Estate, answering queries, directing people, giving out information about what’s on, and sharing learned knowledge about the estate, the Garden, and its buildings.  There will be two shifts per day, initially through June 2016 on agreed days, and then rolling out across July–September.

Personal qualities and requirements

As a volunteer working for the Garden Greeters scheme you will ideally

• be able to be on your feet walking around for a minimum of 2 hrs
• be confident to approach people
• have an ability to learn quickly and keep information up to date
• be prepared to work in what will be a busy environment
• be reliable, on time, and flexible
• enjoy communicating with different people
• be able to summarise the daily queries

Benefits of the role

Support: As a volunteer you will be supported by the museum’s dedicated Volunteer Coordinator and the Volunteer Garden Greeter coordinator.

Experience:  You will learn about the history of the estate and its buildings and Garden, which you will build on throughout the season, imparting knowledge and information to visitors.  You will have an understanding of how the Estate works, in terms of its people, its venues and its activities.
Benefits:  As a volunteer at the Royal Pavilion & Museums you will be entitled to the same benefits as staff, including discounts in the shops/cafes.  Travel expenses within Brighton & Hove as a volunteer can be claimed back as part of our Volunteer Policy.  The Pavilion Garden Café will also offer free tea and coffee and 50% off all food.
Reference: We are more than happy to provide a reference on request for any future job applications.

Your availability

Through the summer season June – September 2016. The opportunity is for five months, with shifts of 2.5 hours available each morning and afternoon.  You can offer as much or little time as fits with you, but we do ask for a minimum of two shifts per week if possible.

Application

Please contact University of Brighton’s Volunteering Service, Active Student – at least the week before the deadline which is: Tuesday 31 May 2016.