Museum Customer Services Volunteer

Unpaid role, Voluntary, Flexible Hours

Volunteers provide a vital service to help maintain the museum for the benefit of those who visit our nationally important collection. We now need Customer Services volunteers who can help us build on our exemplary reputation for visitor experience at the Combined Military Services Museum. (CMSM)

About CMSM

The CMSM is a journey through British military history beginning on the brutal medieval battlefields, through the Crimean & Napoleonic Wars and, WWI & WWII to current day conflicts. We look at the secretive worlds of Spies, their gadgets, weapons and disguises, Special Forces, the Special Operations Executive and their daring operations behind enemy lines. We hold stunning displays of combat uniforms, one of Europe’s largest public display of firearms, medical equipment used on battlefields as well as medals, swords, armour, missiles and three pieces of field artillery on outdoor display.

About the Volunteer Customer Services role:

The role is key to the success of the Museum as you will be an ambassador for our collection and the Trustees.  Working as part of our team of volunteers, and reporting to the curator,  the Customer Service role would focus on various tasks related to ensuring our visitors have an informative and enjoyable experience at the museum.

The main activities would include, but are not limited to : 

• In line with COVID-19 guidelines the Museum must be regularly cleaned and sanitised. PPE and training will be given. All staff and volunteers share this responsibility.
• Welcome guests to the museum.
• Take visitor payments and process through till or card machine
• Recommend COVID safety measures in line with current government guidelines.
• Promote the museum quiz and other activities to families
• Promote the filling in of gift aid form
• Maintain neat presentation of merchandise for display and sale
• Keep reception, lobby and shop area clean and tidy
• Keep leaflet rack in lobby well stocked
• Know the Emergency and Evacuation procedures to protect staff and visitors
• During ‘quiet’ periods assist with glass cleaning or other ad hoc tasks
• Learn the stories of the key items in the museum and promote them to visitors.

What skills will I need?

• Minimum age 18 years
• A warm and friendly disposition, happy to work in a customer facing role
• A neat and tidy appearance
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently
• Ability to work safely and maintain a safe working environment
• An interest in military, local, or home-front history is desirable but not essential

Training provided:

• Full induction
• Health and safety training
• Training in the history of the key objects in the collection
• Support and guidance from the team

Benefit of volunteering

• Become part of the museum team
• Free onsite parking
• Meet new people
• Personal satisfaction of giving back to the community
• Gaining new skills, knowledge and experience to build your CV
• Have fun!

How to apply

You will be asked to complete an application form and details of two references will be required for this role. Due to the nature of the collection additional security checks may be carried out.

Please contact Julie.miller@cmsm.co.uk to ask for an application form.

This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or constitute an employment contract.