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

Engage volunteer - Saturdays

Closing date: 20/03/2026

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to engage with visitors to have a richer, more hands-on experience through handling objects and talking about our displays. This is a weekly ongoing role with a minimum 4-month commitment on Saturday mornings. Find out more in the role description below.

You don’t need any previous experience, just commitment and enthusiasm. We welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds. A diverse group of volunteers makes for a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Please complete our online application form, or email volunteering@horniman.ac.uk for an application form or if you have any questions.

  • Application deadline: Midnight 20 March
  • Informal group interview: 4 April, 11.00 – 12.30pm
  • Start date and induction: 11 April, 9.00 – 12.45pm

Gardens volunteer

Closing date: 23/02/2026

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our Garden Teams in the maintenance of our award-winning formal and natural landscapes. This is a regular ongoing role with a minimum 4-month commitment. Find out more in the role description below.

You don’t need any previous experience, just commitment and enthusiasm. We welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds. A diverse group of volunteers makes for a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Please complete our online application form, or email volunteering@horniman.ac.uk for an application form or if you have any questions.

  • Application deadline: Midnight 23 February
  • Selection sessions: 4, 5 and 6 March, 10am-12.30pm
  • Start date: Week commencing 9 March

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).