Volunteering

From 2012 to 2022, we worked with 335 individuals who contributed 11,000 hours of support!

Our Volunteers are able to develop key skills, enhance their employability and confidence whilst contributing greatly to the service.

  • A stained glass window.

About our Volunteers

Volunteers work on a range of activities including exhibitions, collections, marketing and learning. Many student volunteers have developed valuable experience working within our team; with several acknowledging the experience they have gained as being a significant factor in securing employment.

We are always keen to work with volunteers, both at The Beaney and across our other museums in the city. Volunteering is an excellent way to learn new skills and meet new people whether you are interested in getting into a career in museums, or would just like to help out. Volunteers will gain wide experience of museum work whilst helping out with many of the activities listed below.

Please note: We can only consider applicants who are over 18 years old.

“My first week at my new internship is almost over and I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for the great opportunity to volunteer over the last few months. If I hadn’t volunteered for Canterbury Museums not only would I have NO idea of what I’m doing, but I would probably have never got (or looked for) this job in the first place.”

Marlene Verde, MA Graduate, Marketing Volunteer 

Collections Volunteers

Collections volunteers have the opportunity to work across the following areas:

Museum events:
Assist in running activities and manning explorer and information points, as well as getting hands-on with tasks to help and inspire the visitor.

Exhibitions:
Assist with the unpacking, mirror plating, display hanging, preparation of captions and interpretation, taking down, packing and clearing up.

Learning resources:
Researching links with the national curriculum or the council’s strategic policies that help produce museum activities and events that will help us reach new audiences.

Artefact archiving and database entry:
Gain experience in cataloguing artefacts onto a computerised database and improving existing data. You will receive training in safe handling procedures and assist in labelling and storing the collections.

Collections research:
Researching the collections in order to increase our knowledge of the artefacts we hold. You will also assist in answering public enquiries about our items.

Digital scanning and photography of artefacts:
Taking digital images of artefacts with cameras and scanners for use on the museum database and for sale.

How to apply (Volunteering)

Interested? For more information and an application form email: beaneycollections@canterbury.gov.uk
Please put “Collections Volunteer” in the subject line.

Work Experience

Due to high demand we can no longer accept new applications for work experience in 2024. If you are interested in applying for work experience in 2025 please check back this summer.

Work Experience at the museums is led by our Visitor Services team and focuses on customer service, visitor engagement and the day to day activities that happen at the museums.

Students spend up to a week working with colleagues at both Canterbury Roman Museum and The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge. Duties include working with the public, general workplace and administrative tasks, and projects involving research and presentations. Every week is different, and may also include team meetings and hands-on involvement with school workshops and special events. The experience helps students to learn new skills, build confidence and develop an understanding of everyday working practices within a busy museum environment.

Please note: We cannot offer travel expenses or specialised experience in archives, collections or curating. We welcome applications for work experience in 2024. Priority will be given to students living in Canterbury district.

How to apply (Work Experience)

For further information and an application form please email: canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk
Please put “Work experience” in the subject line.