Overview
The National Trust is Europe’s largest conversation charity, proudly looking after 780 miles of coastline, over 250,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including lighthouses, villages, pubs and a gold mine!). We are a unique charity welcoming millions of people each year and with a vision to open up places for the benefit of everyone, for ever. In the Peak District, the National Trust own or manage 13% of the National Park, including Ilam Park and Dovedale National Nature Reserve in the White Peak – both stunning places to volunteer. The precious countryside that we look after offers a much-needed place to escape, relax and have adventurous days out away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Now more than ever we all need nature but at the same time nature needs us all to care for it. Help us to look after the places we all love by volunteering your time in the Peak District. There are so many ways to get involved, so why not make a difference to this special place for the benefit of nature and people.
What’s involved?
• Creating warm welcomes for every visitor, putting their needs first
• Sharing information, answering questions and helping visitors get the most out of their visit
• Helping visitors get their bearings and informing on the best routes around the property depending on their needs
• Multi-tasking across the site to help us keep the property looking tip top, reporting where something may need attention
• Looking out for ways to do the little things that make a big difference
• Finding out what’s on offer in the White Peak and other local sites, so you can promote the National Trust and deepen their connection to our cause.
• Keeping in touch with the wider team, so you know what’s happening
• You are important in making sure things run as smoothly as possible – this includes getting to know health and safety and evacuation procedures.
• Being part of a team that may need to adapt and change in response to local needs, National Trust priorities or changes to government guidelines e.g .Covid
We want all our volunteers to feel welcome and to have an equally positive experience when volunteering with us. So, volunteers will:
• Be provided with the necessary induction, training, equipment and reasonable adjustments to do this role well and safely
• Be offered expenses to cover agreed travel costs between home and place of volunteering.
• Have remote access to support, news and rotas via our volunteer website
This role will suit you if you are…
• Someone who loves meeting people and being part of a team
• Someone who loves the outdoors and wants to share that passion with others
• Keen to get to know our sites better, or already have a good knowledge of Ilam, Dovedale and the surrounding area
• Wanting to utilise your communication skills or develop them further
• Someone who enjoys a busy environment, but can also cope with the quieter days – you can always grab a litter pick and have a wander to see what you can find
• Cheerful and approachable, even if it’s a little bit hectic!
All National Trust volunteers will be asked to
• Respect and uphold the National Trust values whilst volunteering with us
• Complete training required of all NT volunteers and any role specific training
• Adhere to relevant policies and processes including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity
Our Visitor Welcome volunteers create a positive first impression with a warm welcome; helping all visitors get all they need from their visit. Based at either Ilam Park, Dovedale or out in the wider countryside, they are a welcoming presence for all.
By getting involved, you could
• Volunteer alongside a great team who are friendly, welcoming and passionate about the Peak District
• Volunteer in a beautiful and inspiring location – Ilam Park, Dovedale and the wider White Peak area are all stunning places to call your ‘office’!
• Learn more about our places and how we care for them; share what makes our places special and inspire our visitors to care for them too
• Use your smile and customer service skills to make a difference to someone’s day out
• You’d also be joining Europe’s largest conservation charity and the wider National Trust team proudly looking after 780 miles of coastline, over 250,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including lighthouses, villages, pubs and a gold mine!). We are a unique charity welcoming millions of people each year and with a vision to open up places for the benefit of everyone, for ever.
Induction and training will be provided. We provide equipment to help you do this role well and safely. We’ll also cover agreed costs of your travel between home and the White peak