Volunteering

Volunteers are integral and valued members of the Horniman team assisting us in both visitor-facing roles and vital work behind-the-scenes.

Along with a supportive learning environment, we offer the chance to gain new skills and experience or simply to do something you enjoy.

Current vacancies

Communications Volunteer (Volunteering Team)

Closing date: 24/03/2024

The Horniman hosts around 200 volunteers who make a fantastic contribution to every aspect of museum and garden life.

This role, based in our small, friendly volunteering team, will focus on showcasing their talents as well as involvement in work to improve our volunteers’ experience. You will have lots of scope to develop the role, be creative and get hands on with day to day activity.

To apply, read the role description below and email volunteering@horniman.ac.uk to receive for an application form.

  • Please submit applications by 24 March
  • Interviews will be held on 2 April
  • The induction will be held on 11 April

Handling Collection volunteer

Closing date: 15/04/2024

Our displays and galleries are complemented by an extensive Handling Collection containing over 3,700 objects. We are establishing a small team of volunteers who will work together to offer support with the care and repair of the Handling Collection. Training will be provided.

To apply, read the role description below and email volunteering@horniman.ac.uk to receive for an application form.

  • Please submit applications by 15 April
  • Interviews will be held on 22 April
  • Induction will be held on 10 May

We can only accept applications when volunteering roles are advertised.

Find any current roles on this page.

We take volunteers from age 15 upwards though some roles will only be available to those aged 18 and over. Where this is the case, this will be clear on the role description. There is no upper age limit.

No. Volunteer roles are different from staff roles and do not lead to paid work.

However, they do provide an opportunity to gain skills and experience.

We reimburse out-of-pocket travel expenses up to a maximum of £12 per day.

Volunteers offering a full day shift can also be reimbursed lunch expenses.

For on-going roles which are usually weekly or fortnightly, like Engage, Family Activity or Gardening, we ask for a minimum of 4-5 months if possible.

Fixed term student volunteer placements last 3 months, doing 1-3 days a week.

We are able to provide a few work experience opportunities for school students each year, depending on capacity. Find out more on our work experience webpage.

Yes, you may volunteer whilst on benefits, but you would need to let the Job Centre know about your volunteering.

The Horniman acknowledges the contribution of volunteers in supporting the organisation to achieve its aim to connect people with global cultures and the natural world, and encourage everyone to shape a positive future for the world we all share.

Read the Volunteering Policy (PDF).