Volunteer Telford

The role of Gallery Assistant provides an opportunity to engage our visitors with one of the most important subjects for human history – the story of iron – from multiple perspectives including astrophysics, geology, biology and archaeology.  In addition to the main tasks outlined below, the role will include encouraging visitors to make a donation to support our charitable aims and supporting the exhibition evaluation process by gathering visitor feedback via feedback Forms

Main Tasks

To act as a meet and greet point for visitors to our 2024 temporary exhibition From Stars to Cells: The LiFe₂₆ of Iron, to monitor the gallery space and to assist visitors with interactives when required. 

To open the exhibition each morning and to lock up at the end of each day.

To welcome visitors to the exhibition gallery and keep an accurate log of visitor numbers.

To answer any questions the visitors may have about the exhibition or visitor facilities, or to signpost them towards someone who can answer it.

To gather visitor feedback via supplied forms.

To assist visitors with interactives in the gallery when required.

To monitor visitor activity in the gallery and contact security if required.

Location

The Coalbrookdale Gallery, located within our main offices at Coalbrookdale.

Coach Road
Telford
Shropshire
TF8 7DQ

We are looking for people who can ideally commit to one day per week.

Training

You will be provided with a brief that details the themes and subjects of the exhibition so that you can discuss it with our visitors. You will also be shown how to fulfil the main tasks of the role

To volunteer in Madeley Community Library to help members of the public visiting the library and assist in library routines, thereby maintaining an effective service in a pleasant environment.

Major Tasks

Undertaking general library routines and procedures including:

- Meeting and greeting library customers

- Joining people to the library

- Assisting library users with self service

- Helping customers to find the resources they want

- Helping customers with computers

- Assisting with library events

- Helping with library displays

- Helping to maintain the book stock

- Re-shelving books and keeping the library safe and tidy

- Checking shelves for requested items/books

- Notifying customers of the arrival of requested items

- Helping to promote the library service in the community

- Assisting with the location of books, audio books and DVDs

- Providing general information about Library services

- Book maintenance e.g. jacketing

- Supporting library activities e.g. children’s groups (Optional)

- Providing ideas and suggestions to improve and promote Library services

Regularity of Duties

A monthly rota is to be completed one month in advance by the volunteers to ensure that the library opening hours are covered so any hours that are not are brought to the immediate attention of the Parish Council Clerk and/or the Assistant Clerk. Alternative cover can then be made in sufficient time.

Training and Support

Each library support volunteer will receive induction training, and will learn day to day skills over a period of time by shadowing experienced library assistants, or other volunteers.

On-the-job training will be provided when routines alter, and refresher training will be available. Optional additional training will be organised periodically for those who wish to commit further.

A help line for volunteers will be provided by Telford & Wrekin Council should the need arise.

Ironbridge Coracle Trust is a small, registered CIO (Charity No. 1161685) focused on telling the story of the Ironbridge Coracle and its relevance to the wonderful World Heritage Site of the Ironbridge Gorge.  The Trust was established in 2015 and now has a strong core of 8 Trustees with varying skills that they bring to the board.

In 2019 the Trust was successful in securing National Lottery Heritage Funding and the project will be completed by the end of October 2022. The project has enabled the Trust to restore the Old Coracle Shed, create a Coracle Man Sculpture, and a New Shed which is now a visitor attraction telling the story of Coracles in Ironbridge, and run a varied programme of community focused events.

As the project comes to an end, we need to look at sustainability of the Trust without the financial support of the Heritage Fund. This can only be achieved by growing our fundraising. Therefore, we are looking a new Trustee with Charity or Heritage Sector Fundraising experience to ensure our resilience post project.

The Role of the Trustee

Ironbridge Coracle Trustees share ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run.

As a Trustee you will help develop and set the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. The skills and knowledge you bring will enhance the Board and support the Trust.

There is a core of Trustees who are very active in the delivery of events and organisational tasks, whilst others play a more strategic and guiding role.  All have something to offer the Trust.

Summary of Role: Ironbridge Coracle Trust (the Trust) is looking to appoint a new trustee with a professional background in charity fundraising to join Ironbridge Coracle’s Board of Trustees

Commitment: Flexible, initially we envisage more hours to help set up a fundraising strategy, but after this it may only take a few hours a month.

Fundraising Strategy

Once the project finishes at the end of October 22 the Trust will have no paid staff.  The Trust is currently clarifying its liabilities and developing a business plan for post project. The annual running costs are in the region of £7.5k- £10K with additional funding needing to be secured for discrete projects.

The Trust currently fundraises through a ‘mixed economy’ approach

- Sales of merchandise- (currently very limited)

- Sponsorship/ support from a local business

- Donations

- Events and activities including the annual Ironbridge Coracle Regatta

- Grants: four of the Trustees have experience in writing funding bids and as a small charity the Trust has been successful in raising funds this way.

Why we need your help:

We need your help to raise awareness for our donor register drives.  You will research and book venues to host a donor drive.  From high streets to shopping centres, supermarkets to newsagents, community fairs to school fetes; the more bookings you make, the more opportunities we will have to ensure the public know about the work we do and how they can support us.

What we need you to do:

- Book sites in targeted locations.

- Research new opportunities and initiate relationships with site decision-makers.

- Book depots to use on the day of donor drive.

- Seek opportunities for adding value, such as organising entertainment, refreshments and car-parking for volunteers.

- Carry out administration associated with bookings, including sending confirmation letters and updating the database.

- Seek opportunities in shops and other businesses and secure other opportunities to promote the charity’s events in line with the objectives of the Community Engagement team.

What we can offer you:

- The opportunity to gain fantastic skills and experience within a supportive and professional team.

- To become part of the RABC volunteer family.

- Toolkits and guidelines to support you in your role together with regular support and contact from your Community Engagement team.

- Valuable experience in sales, fundraising, communication and organisation.

What we ask of you:

- To follow RABC’s policies and procedures and complete documentation relating to the role.