Volunteers have long played a significant role at Imperial War Museums (IWM) and are integral to welcoming and shaping the customer experience and underpinning the Museum’s key ambitions and vision. We feel privileged to have volunteer support in a variety of roles and IWM values your expertise, knowledge and commitment.
Are you ready to be a part of our story?
Role Rationale
Developed in conjunction with the Conservation Team this is an exciting opportunity for individuals to help us preserve HMS Belfast for future generations. We are looking for candidates who are enthusiastic, approachable and friendly with a genuine interest in museums and can confidently represent the IWM.
Applicants should be available to volunteer 2 days per month. Full training and supervision will also be given. Volunteers will be on duty in support of and not to replace the roles already undertaken by our paid staff.
Who are we looking for?
- A flexible and helpful attitude
- Prior experience of engineering or restoration work can be extremely helpful but is not essential in this volunteer role. Volunteers will however need to be happy and able to undertake practical, hands-on conservation tasks
- A commitment to the conservation and preservation of historic ships
- A willingness to share their knowledge and experience with the general public
Training and Selection
Potential volunteers will be invited to a selection day to find out more about the role and our organisation. Successful applicants will then undertake an induction as well as task-based training provided by the Conservation team. With our support you will develop an understanding of the collection and processes to fulfill this role.
You will need to participate in one of the selection days; these sessions will also include applicants for our other London branches and may not all take place on HMS Belfast. We suggest selecting a session on HMS Belfast if feasible.
- Saturday 12th Oct (taking place at IWM London)
- Tuesday 15th Oct (taking place at IWM London)
- Wednesday, 16th Oct (taking place at Churchill War Rooms)
- Saturday, 19th Oct (taking place on HMS Belfast)
- Sunday, 20th Oct (taking place at Churchill War Rooms)
- Tuesday, 22nd Oct (taking place on HMS Belfast)
An Induction Day on HMS Belfast and role based training ill then follow shortly after.
Where will I be based?
HMS Belfast is moored on the River Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. It is easily accessible via public transport.
HMS Belfast is a Town-class light cruiser that was built for the Royal Navy and launched in 1938. HMS Belfast is one of only three remaining vessels from the bombardment fleet which supported the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944. Visitors can now explore all nine decks, climbing up and down ladders to areas such as the Engine and Boiler Rooms in the Lower Decks to the Flag Deck at the very top of the ship.
Additional Information
Uniform
All conservation volunteers will be given an overall as it can get very dirty and dusty. You are asked to wear comfortable and practical footwear. PPE will be provided as appropriate.
Access
We are committed to ensuring HMS Belfast is accessible to as many visitors, staff and volunteers as possible. There is wheelchair access to the main deck of HMS Belfast but there is no access below deck due to the nature of the ship. Weight restrictions apply when using the accessible lift on to the HMS Belfast quarterdeck. The maximum combined weight of wheelchair and user allowable is 275kg. Please be aware that many areas of the ship are only accessible via steep and narrow ladders.
You can find more access information on our website here: Accessibility at HMS Belfast | Imperial War Museums (iwm.org.uk)
Should you have any access requirement your Volunteer Line Manager will make reasonable adjustments to help you fulfil your volunteer role.
Expenses & Vetting statement
Upon offer all volunteers are required to complete and clear a basic disclosure.
Volunteers can claim up to £15 per week towards travel expenses. This is for incurred expenses only and will be reimbursed on completion of an expense form and receipts. (Conditions apply)
Diversity / Inclusion statement
IWM is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunities
Responsibilities and Duties
- To assist with conservation projects as determined by the Conservation Manager and his team.
- To interact with members of the public where appropriate.
Time commitment
Ideally the Museum is looking for a Volunteer who can attend on a minimum of two to three days per month. To allow effective project planning the days on which the Volunteer attends should vary as little as possible each month.
This role can be undertaken on any weekday between the hours of 10.00 AM and 3.30 PM to suit the availability of the volunteer, but a minimum of four hours attendance would normally be required.