Volunteers play a key role in keeping Kenwood free and open to the public all-year round, and support us with the delivery of our visitor offer, and special projects. You will be based in the magnificent rooms at Kenwood House and will help bring the site to life by telling stories about Kenwood and our beautiful artwork, architecture and historic objects. You will provide a warm and friendly welcome and help us to protect the collection by invigilating rooms and the collection.
If you wish to develop your skills, you may train to become one of our expert guides and lead highlights tours or your own spotlight talks, and there will be opportunities to increase your knowledge of the House, Estate and collection through training, special events, personal and peer-learning.
On the edge of Hampstead Heath surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens, Kenwood is one of London's hidden gems. The breath-taking interiors and stunning world-class art collection, including Rembrandt's 'Portrait with Two Circles' are free for everyone to enjoy.
Where will I be based?
The role is based at Kenwood in London. Our address is: Kenwood, Hampstead Lane, London, NW3 7JR You can reach us by:
- Bus: Runs between Brent Cross and Finsbury Park, via Golders Green and Archway, and stops right outside the entrance to Kenwood.
- Train: Highgate Underground station (Northern Line) is 1.1 miles away, with a walk along the road to Kenwood; Hampstead Heath Overground and Gospel Oak stations are approximately 1.4 miles away, with a walk through the park to Kenwood.
- Car: We have a staff/volunteer car park which you may use.
- Cycling or walking!
What facilities and amenities are available?
- We provide free tea, coffee, and snacks for volunteers in a dedicated Volunteer Mess Room. We also have two cafes on site and the closest shop is in Highgate Village.
- Detailed information about our accessibility offer is on the Kenwood page of the English Heritage website. We are always open to conversations about additional support needs and reasonable adjustments.
Why does English Heritage need my support?
We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic people to help our visitors to understand and enjoy their experience of our sites.
What will English Heritage expect from me?
- To be the friendly face of English Heritage and deliver excellent customer service
- To be reliable in attendance and dependable
- Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties
- To wear English Heritage volunteer uniform where provided
- Help us protect our properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures
- Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public
- Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of English Heritage
- Observe organisational policy and procedures
- Safeguard confidential information about English Heritage and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of English Heritage that you think might be controversial
- Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of English Heritage (unless otherwise agreed in writing)
What can I expect from English Heritage?
- A welcoming and enjoyable experience
- To be treated fairly and with respect
- Recognition and appreciation for your contribution
- A full induction and training programme with on-going support
- Reimbursement of reasonable local travel costs between home and volunteering location within agreed limits
- A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for English Heritage is available on request to show future employers or further education providers
- You will be covered by English Heritage’s own indemnity arrangements in respect of all liabilities that may result from your appointment as a volunteer