From tour guides to welcomers and object packers to trustees, V&A volunteers contribute their time, passion and expertise to the V&A, and in-turn provide wonderful and memorable experiences for the museum’s visitors.
As we expand the V&A family, we are rethinking how we work with our volunteers – ensuring that we meet the needs of everyone. Since 2022 we’ve been working with Snook, who design services and experiences, as well as multiple internal stakeholders to launch a reimagined volunteering offer. Building from the huge success of volunteering at the South Kensington museum, we have brought together colleagues, current volunteers and volunteers outside of the V&A family to get the offer just right. We want a V&A volunteer’s experience to be well designed – at every point from sign-up, through to training and support.
Opening on 1 July 2023, Young V&A volunteering kicks off the first phase of this exciting new offer with four new opportunities and a transformed volunteer experience. Becoming a Young V&A volunteer will:
- Provide connections – you’ll join an energetic and creative team who are committed to creating the most joyful museum in the world. You’ll build relationships with visitors, both from the local community and further afield.
- Fit in with your life – we welcome anyone, but recognise that it’s not always easy to find the time to volunteer. Whether it’s a few hours a month or once a week – we value all contributions, and will provide thorough training, so you feel confident in your role and ready to get stuck in.
- Give you a fun, dynamic learning experience – the roles have been designed with variety and – most importantly – fun in mind! No two days will be the same, and if you’re looking for a new experience, the roles are designed to offer plenty of opportunities to develop.
Over the coming months we’ll be introducing Young V&A’s four new volunteering opportunities: Playmaker, Storymaker, Changemaker and Host. We can’t wait to share these with you and give a bit more insight into what they’ll do.
For now, you can join the adventure by signing up to the volunteer newsletter below. As well as filling you in on these exciting new roles, we’ll be sending updates of upcoming volunteer taster days, online Q&As and Young V&A news.
Still have questions? Email yvavolunteering@vam.ac.uk
