Volunteering at Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood

Volunteers cleaning books in Sudbury's library

From the friendly greeting as you arrive, to the gentleman who to seems know Sudbury's history since the dawn of time, chances are they're a volunteer. Volunteering here at Sudbury isn't a one way street, it's a community of over 250 amazing individuals who are passionate about what they do.

What makes Sudbury special?

Sudbury is a place to share stories and let imagination run wild. We encourage play, creativity and curiosity across the property, giving a warm, relaxed and homely atmosphere so our visitors feel free to have fun and explore all that Sudbury has to offer.

National Trust Museum of Childhood
National Trust staff at the Museum of Childhood
National Trust Museum of Childhood

What could volunteering at Sudbury do for you?

People volunteer with us for a whole host of reasons but for many it's about trying something different, making friends and learning new skills. It's a fun way to get great training and experience in the heritage sector to enhance future career options.

Volunteers work alongside our staff teams, many of whom have progressed from volunteering roles. It's a fantastic way to integrate yourself into a friendly and hard working team and boosting confidence.

Whether you're looking to offer your skills and persue your passion or simply looking for something a little bit different and have fun, Sudbury is a very special place to get started.

 

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Make new friends and do something different
Volunteers laughing in a dance rehearsal at Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire
Make new friends and do something different


What does a role as Sudbury volunteer look like?

The truth is no two volunteers are the same, we have a wide range of different volunteer roles here at Sudbury - here are just a few examples.

Room Host Volunteer

Room host's bring the Hall and Museum to life with their passion for history and often astonishing knowledge (it comes with the territory). Of course we don't expect new volunteers to have any prior knowledge of the property, we provide full training and you'll be amazed how quickly you pick it all up. They can point out all the 'best bits' and answer the questions you didn't even know you had. We rely on our dedicated guides to share the stories of Sudbury in an interesting and enjoyable way to inspire our visitors both young and old.

Help history come to life
A guided tour at Sudbury Hall
Help history come to life

Business Support Volunteer

Our business support team work behind the scenes in the offices to provide essential administrative support for all departments and deal with telephone and email enquiries. They rely on the support of business support volunteers to keep things in the office ship shape, from odd jobs to data input to a hand in counting the pennies we currently have a team of eight volunteers who take turns to come in and lend a hand in our busy little office.

                                                                                                   

Conservation Volunteer

With a building and collection as large as Sudbury it's no easy task keeping it top condition, from day to day cleaning to caring for precious items in our collection. Learn about conservation on the job and see Sudbury in a whole new light... or should we say low light... bright lights and precious collections don't get on.

Taking time to care for our collection
A conservation assistant winding a clock at Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire
Taking time to care for our collection

Learning Volunteer

If you've ever worked in education or have children of your own you'll know what a fast paced role this is. Learning volunteers support our learning team with our popular school visit programme, help deliver our educational workshops and guided tours of the museum. We get lots of groups and school visits of all ages who come to learn about the history of childhood and have fun at the same time!

Step back in time
School room at the Museum of Childhood
Step back in time

Volunteer Driver

Our volunteer drivers work as part of our visitor services team, who are responsible for welcoming visitors to Sudbury. Our car park is situated a short walk away from the property itself which can be a problem for visitors with limited mobility. Our volunteer drivers are there on hand to collect visitors who need assistance from the car park and make everyone welcome.

Bookshop volunteers 

Just a year after opening we're not sure what we ever did without the second hand bookshop or the amazing volunteer team who sort, price and sell all of the books donated to us. They've already raised nearly £20,000 to go towards vital maintenance conservation projects here at Sudbury. Some of the extra crafty team have been busy making all sorts to sell as extra fundraising goodies, from origami bookmarks to adorable crochet creations.

Our bookshop heros
Volunteers at Sudbury's second hand bookshop
Our bookshop heros

Already a volunteer?
Why not sign up to MyVolunteering and keep up-to-date with the latest national volunteering news, and share your stories with volunteers nationwide.

Current opportunities

Keep an eye on what volunteering opportunities we may have via the link below or contact our volunteer recruitment team at sudburyvols@nationaltrust.org.uk for further information.