At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with museum tours and educational activities for schools and groups.
- Company: Join the West Midlands Police Museum, dedicated to sharing policing history.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, meet new people, and receive training in safeguarding and public speaking.
- Why this job: Make a difference by engaging young minds and sharing important stories of policing heritage.
- Qualifications: Passion for museums, confidence with children, and great communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering schedule; no minimum hours required, just once a month.
About the West Midlands Police Museum at the Lock-Up: The West Midlands Police Museum is dedicated to telling the history of policing in the West Midlands from the early days of law and order right through to today. As well as talking about the past, we will also be engaging visitors with current policing messages. We need your help to tell these important stories to our visitors.
About the role: The role of Educational Activities Assistant is a voluntary post, which supports the role of the Museum Engagement Officer during visits by schools and other similar groups.
Main activities of the role:
- Supporting the Museum Engagement Officer and other staff with museum tours, educational inputs and hands-on activities, as required;
- A combination of collaborative and independent work, including some opportunities for costumed role play;
- Outreach work within local schools and other organisations (if you have indicated that you are able to do so).
Any necessary training will be provided.
Opportunities:
- To learn about the history of policing in the West Midlands;
- To meet new people;
- To improve customer service skills, particularly in relation to working with children and young people of all ages and backgrounds;
- To learn about museums and heritage;
- To improve presentation and public speaking skills;
- Safeguarding training.
Skills and experience needed:
- Passion for policing heritage and museums;
- Confidence to engage with the public, in particular children and young people;
- Great communication skills;
- Enthusiasm for learning;
- Willingness to travel to the Lock-Up and other venues if required;
- A professional approach to working with vulnerable persons.
Volunteering Times: The museum will be open to schools Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm. This is mostly term time but we do have school bookings in the school holidays. School visits are normally 10am - 2.30pm. We do not require our volunteers to complete a minimum number of hours each month, but the expectation is that an individual volunteers once a month at the museum.
Location: The West Midlands Police Museum at the Lock-Up, Steelhouse Lane B4 6NW.
Vetting: All volunteers will need to be vetted by West Midlands Police to undertake this role. In addition to this, a DBS may be required - if successful post interview the team will inform you if the DBS is required.
Contact: For further information please contact either Tracey Arch (Engagement Officer) on tracey.arch@westmidlands.police.uk or Helen Taylor (Museum Manager) on helen.taylor2@westmidlands.police.uk.
Museum Education Volunteer employer: West Midlands Police
Contact Detail:
West Midlands Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Museum Education Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the history of policing in the West Midlands. Understanding the key events and figures will not only help you engage better with visitors but also show your genuine interest in the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your public speaking skills. Since you'll be interacting with children and young people, being able to communicate effectively and confidently is crucial. Consider joining a local group or club that focuses on public speaking or storytelling.
✨Tip Number 3
Reach out to current or past volunteers at the museum. They can provide valuable insights into their experiences and tips on how to excel in the role. Networking can also demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your passion for museums and heritage during your interview. Think about what draws you to this field and how you can contribute to the museum's mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Museum Education Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Museum Education Volunteer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experiences align with these requirements.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for policing heritage and museums. Share specific examples of your enthusiasm for engaging with children and young people, as well as any relevant experiences you have had in similar roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to emphasise your communication skills and any experience you have in public speaking or working with diverse groups. Mention any previous volunteer work or educational activities that demonstrate your ability to engage effectively with the public.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread it for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows professionalism and attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Midlands Police
✨Show Your Passion for Policing Heritage
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the history of policing and museums during the interview. Share any personal experiences or interests that relate to the role, as this will demonstrate your genuine commitment to the museum's mission.
✨Engage with Confidence
Since the role involves interacting with children and young people, practice your communication skills beforehand. Think of ways to engage your audience effectively, perhaps by preparing a short presentation or activity idea that showcases your ability to connect with younger visitors.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
The position requires both collaborative and independent work. Be ready to discuss examples from your past experiences where you successfully worked in a team, as well as instances where you took initiative on your own.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Demonstrate your interest in the position by preparing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. Inquire about the types of educational activities you might assist with or how the museum engages with local schools, showing that you are proactive and eager to learn more.