At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors and share the fascinating history of Raby Castle.
- Company: Raby Estates, a historic site with a vibrant visitor experience.
- Benefits: Free admission to attractions, social events, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive volunteering environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting team and create memorable experiences for visitors.
- Qualifications: Outgoing personality and confidence in engaging with the public.
Location: Raby Castle
Department: Leisure and Tourism
Employment Basis: Voluntary
Overview of Raby Estates
Raby Castle near Staindrop has been the home of the Vane family for generations and is open to visitors. Lord and Lady Barnard seek to develop the Castle and grounds so that it becomes one of the foremost visitor attractions in the North.
The Raby Estate comprises substantial landholdings and trading operations including in-house farms, let farms and residential property, along with sporting enterprises across Estates in Co Durham and Shropshire. We also have visitor attractions at Raby Castle, High Force Hotel and Waterfall in Upper Teesdale and The Wrekin in Shropshire.
Role Details
Raby Estate is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to welcome visitors to Raby Castle. Applicants should have a friendly and outgoing personality as they are the first point of contact to welcome thousands of visitors each year. This is a hands-on role where you will be expected to work independently and as part of a team.
What you’ll be doing
- The successful candidate will report to the Castle Custodian and public engagement/learning officer and will deliver exceptional customer service ensuring that visitors receive a positive first impression and a friendly welcome.
- Volunteers play a crucial role in helping to share Raby Castle’s rich and fascinating history with visitors.
- We are currently recruiting volunteers to support the Raby Castle team from Monday to Sunday.
- Assisting the Visitor Services Team to prepare the property for public opening and assist in the closing down procedure.
- Helping visitors to discover more about Raby Castle and be inspired during their visit.
- Be ‘on duty’ in the public rooms of the Castle throughout the day to ensure that all visitors view the property at its best and impart information about Raby Castle visitors.
- Welcoming visitors at entrances and explain what’s on each day, advertising our range of tours, family-fun activities and special events.
- Providing an excellent visitor experience; being proactive and approachable with the visitors’ experience in mind.
- Being informative and knowledgeable when answering visitors’ questions about Raby Castle.
- Engaging with children using hand out trails and activity sheets.
- Being proactive in providing low-level security to Raby Castle during opening hours.
- Work within Raby Castle’s procedures.
- Work in compliance with the Raby Castle Health and Safety policy at all times.
- Undertake training as and when required.
- Potential for future volunteering opportunities across the wider grounds including gardens and visitor services.
What we need to see
We are looking for someone with an outgoing, helpful and friendly personality, confident in engaging with members of the public. You will be familiar with our beautiful spaces at Raby, from the stunning Octagon Drawing Room to the grand Entrance Hall. We are looking for confident, enthusiastic and friendly faces to welcome visitors to Raby. Help to provide a memorable experience by highlighting special items from our collections and being on-hand to answer questions.
What we’ve got to offer
- A welcoming and enjoyable volunteering experience.
- A full induction and training programme with on-going support.
- Monthly volunteer coffee mornings and other volunteer social events such as the annual Christmas Party.
- Historical book borrowing from the Volunteer Library.
- Free Admission to visitor attractions for Volunteers (plus one adult).
- Social Events.
It’s people that make a place, without people, a place is simply an empty shell. At Raby this is certainly true, it’s our people that make Raby special. We strive to offer our volunteers an excellent learning environment and the tools to perform, enabling them to achieve their goals and be the best they can be.
How to apply
If you would like to be part of our journey, we’d love to hear from you. If you feel you have the necessary skills, experience and personality to undertake this role, we’d love to hear from you.
Raby Volunteer in Staindrop employer: Raby Estates
Raby Estates offers a unique and enriching volunteering experience at the historic Raby Castle, where you can engage with visitors and share the castle's fascinating history. With a supportive work culture that includes comprehensive training, social events, and opportunities for personal growth, volunteers are valued as integral members of the team, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of one of the North's premier attractions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Raby Volunteer in Staindrop
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Raby Castle inside out! Familiarise yourself with its history and key features so you can impress visitors with your knowledge. The more you know, the more engaging you'll be when chatting with guests.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Being friendly and approachable is key in this role. Try volunteering at local events or simply engage with people in your daily life to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show enthusiasm! When you're excited about what you're doing, it rubs off on others. Share your passion for Raby Castle with visitors to create a memorable experience for them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and how to make a great impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Raby Volunteer in Staindrop
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show off your friendly and outgoing nature. Remember, we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers who can engage with visitors.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role at Raby Castle. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with what we’re looking for, like customer service or teamwork. This will help us see how you fit into our team!
Show Your Passion:Express your passion for history and visitor engagement in your application. We love candidates who are excited about sharing Raby Castle’s rich history with others. Let us know why you want to be part of our journey!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Raby Estates
✨Know Your Castle
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Raby Castle's history and its significance. Familiarise yourself with key features and events that take place there. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Your Friendly Side
Since this role is all about welcoming visitors, practice showcasing your friendly and outgoing personality. Think of examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service or engaged positively with the public. Be ready to share these stories during your interview.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the volunteer role, the team, and what a typical day looks like at Raby Castle. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you understand if this is the right fit for you.
✨Dress the Part
Even though it's a volunteer position, first impressions matter. Dress smartly and comfortably for your interview. You want to convey professionalism while also being approachable, just like you would when welcoming visitors at the castle.
