Volunteer

We are continually grateful for the time, energy and expertise that volunteers bring to Charleston throughout the year. There are many opportunities across different areas of the organisation, from helping with office administration to weeding the garden and working with the public. We hope to provide volunteers with experience and references they can use in developing a career in the arts, as well as a place to develop friendships and have fun.

“Volunteering here has enriched my life immensely and I have developed not only a deeper knowledge of the Bloomsbury group and the Charleston collection, but a profound affection for the place that will never leave me.” Clare.

“For me, volunteering at Charleston opens up a world that leads to so many fascinating insights into art and society in the early 20th century, particularly the Bloomsberries. I enjoy talking to the visitors, and seeing their reactions, particularly if they are enthusiasts.” David.

Current Opportunities for 2018

Memberships Volunteer – Monday – Friday

Our Memberships Volunteers support the administration of our Friends of Charleston membership scheme, which provides much-needed income to allow us to achieve our charitable objectives.  Using database and ticketing systems, the volunteer provides day-to-day administrative support for new members and renewals under the guidance of our Membership and Development Coordinator. For more information about the role please view Memberships Volunteer

House Stewarding Volunteer – Sundays & BH Mondays, March – October

Our House Stewards form the backbone of our front-of-house volunteering programme. Every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, stewards talk to our visitors to help bring Charleston’s collection to life, while also protecting the house and its contents. Sunday volunteers also get the added bonus of a piece of cake. For more information about the role please view House Steward Volunteer

Hall Stewarding Volunteer – Wednesday – Saturday, March – October

Hall Stewards assist in ensuring the smooth running of the Guided Tours in the House and are crucial in helping provide an excellent visitor experience for a diverse range of visitors.  Taking tickets and assisting in the visitor flow, the Hall Steward provides a warm welcome to visitors while also acting as an important guardian of the House and its contents.   For more information please view Hall Steward Volunteer

Applications

If you are interested in volunteering with us for any of the above positions, please fill out the Volunteer Application Form and send to: Volunteer Applications, The Charleston Trust, Charleston, Firle, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6LL or email volunteer@charleston.org.uk

If you have any access requirements or any other requests that you feel would help us to accommodate your needs both during an initial meeting and subsequent involvement at Charleston please let us know. In line with being an inclusive organisation we will accommodate all reasonable requests.

 

Volunteering Benefits

In recognition of their invaluable contributions to Charleston, volunteers enjoy a range of benefits including:

• Free entry to the house and garden during the open season
• 25% discount in the Charleston Shop and Charleston Café
• Free copies of Canvas, Charleston’s Magazine, available on site
• Discounts and offers for events and launches at Charleston (at the discretion of the Head of Public Programmes and Learning)
• Tea and Coffee on the days you volunteer
• Invitations to several social events at Charleston and outings for volunteers each year (2016 volunteer social occasions included talks at Towner and The Keep, a trip to Bath’s Victoria Gallery with curator’s talk, a trip to a Bloomsbury collector’s house, a Summer Garden Party and a Christmas Party)
• Travel expenses up to £6 for each occasion volunteering at Charleston.

You will be given your Charleston Volunteer card after 12 volunteering hours. It will be valid for that year and must be presented to receive your free entry to the house and discounts.

 

Equality and Diversity

The Bloomsbury group at Charleston forged a new way of living in the early 20th century, with Charleston acting as a living space of freedom and tolerance. Love and friendship, pacifism, atheism, homosexuality, open relationships and further diverse modes of living were actively embraced.

The Charleston Trust is committed to promoting equality and diversity, providing an inclusive and co-operative environment in which all individuals volunteering for and on behalf of the organisation feel respected and able to give of their best. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, disability, religion/belief, marital status, gender, sexual orientation or age.