Adult Volunteers 

The Egypt Centre relies on volunteers to run smoothly and effectively on a daily basis. 

Why do we need volunteers?

Without volunteers the Egypt Centre simply could not function.  The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm and comprises two galleries on separate floors. We rely on volunteers to: aid security through policing the galleries daily; and to act as gallery assistants welcoming visitors, answering enquiries and giving guided tours. Volunteers also ensure the gallery is safe and clean and that all equipment is working. They also work as school activity leaders for visiting school groups and are closely involved with the development of hands-on activities with the assistant curator. Many adapt activities already on offer by making props to enhance the activity such as headdresses, wigs etc. Volunteers also pilot new activities before they are offered to our visitors and evaluate the activities.   Finally, they help with shop duties serving customers, answering enquiries and carry out general reception duties.   Volunteers are also part of our widening participation programme.

What type of people are we looking for?

We are looking for any people between the ages of 18 and 90! You will need to be enthusiastic, enjoy working with others and meeting people from all over the world. An interest in Egypt is not essential but it helps! 

People who are specially looking for careers or experience in any of the following may find volunteering useful to gain valuable work experience:

- Most heritage related careers

- Youth Work

- Social work

- Teaching/training

- Academia/Research

- Librarianship 

- Tourism

- Customer care

- Retail 

- Marketing

What can I do as a volunteer?

The museum needs volunteers to complete three essential and core functions. These are:

1. Gallery supervision and security

2. Visitor and Customer Care and interaction and

3. School activities delivery.

There are a variety of roles you can get involved in, all of which will have at least one element of the core functions including

• Gallery Assistant, 

• Educational Assistant

• Librarian,

• Researcher,

• Shop assistant,

• Trainer,

• Meeter and Greeter  

Please note, we do not offer any "behind the scenes" or "office" work. All roles have an element of visitor interaction. 

More roles are currently being developed.  

Are there any restrictions?

Yes, all potential volunteers need to have satisfactorily references, a CRB check and as of July 2010 be ISA registered. This is because we work extensively with vulnerable groups. 

What time commitment is there, and when can I volunteer?

To volunteer at the museum you need to commit to a minimum of 3 hours a week, this is usually half a day, 10am to 1pm, or 1pm until 4.00pm or, a full day 10.00 to 4.00, Tuesday- Saturday. We also offer 1 hour volunteering over lunch times. If you wish you can volunteer for more than one day! If these times don't suit your commitments, don't worry,  just get in contact with the Volunteering Manager, who will discuss alterative arrangement if possible.  

How do I get involved?

Simply fill in the application form and post it to Ashleigh Taylor the volunteer manager. She will then process your application form, send off for your references and get in contact with you to let you know when your references have come back. (please note that due to the large amount of applications received, we are not able to acknowledge every application form sent to us). 

If you would like to receive more information on volunteering at the Centre, please contact:

Ashleigh Taylor, 

The Volunteer Manager, 

The Egypt Centre, 

Swansea University, 

Swansea, 

SA28PP 

Tel: 01792 606065

E-mail: a.a.taylor@swansea.ac.uk

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