Volunteer

Volunteer

Heritage Ambassadors are museum volunteers with varied roles ranging from working at reception, giving guided tours, to behind the scenes in collections and/or creating engaging digital content.

Why be a Heritage Ambassador?

If you enjoy interacting with others and have a desire to share the history of firefighting from its beginning through to our modern-day service you’ll fit right in! We are committed to providing the best possible experience for everyone who gives their time with a view to helping us share our rich and interesting history. In addition to a supportive and encouraging environment, the unique opportunity to support the Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage and the wider Scottish Fire and Rescue Service community, you will gain:

  • Training and support to develop as an integral part of our team
  • Opportunity to develop your transferable skills
  • Useful experience whilst undertaking meaningful projects and responsibilities
  • Spend time doing something you enjoy and meet others with similar interests

Heritage Ambassador Roles

We have five volunteer roles for you to get involved in. Please note that sometimes we will recruit for specific roles and not others depending on the needs of the museum.

  • Front of House – provide a warm, friendly, and efficient visitor experience
  • Gallery Guide – offer an engaging and informative experience for visitors to the museum
  • Special Events – assist in the organisation and delivery of special events and activities
  • Digital Content – assist in creating an engaging online experience
  • Collections Care – on scheduled days assist in our museum collection stores

FAQs

What are the requirements to become a Heritage Ambassador?
  • Meet the requirements of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme prior to being offered an unconditional volunteer post and are expected to maintain this while volunteering.
  • Have the legal right to work or volunteer in the UK. Non- UK citizens, if you are unsure whether you can legally volunteer please check your visa status.
  • Complete all relevant training courses for the role(s).
How old do I need to be a Heritage Ambassador?

A minimum age of 18 years old.

How often/long would I need to volunteer?
  • We ask that Heritage Ambassadors can commit to regular, set volunteering hours for a specific period (minimum 6 months).
  • For most visitor-facing roles, you’ll be asked to commit to volunteering for a minimum of six months.
  • On occasion we will ask for Heritage Ambassadors to undertake projects or to assist with events, these will be time specific and clarified at the time of advertising.
Will my expenses be covered?   

You will be reimbursed for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses based on the amount that you have spent as a result of the tasks or activities we ask you to undertake during your time spent volunteering; travel to and from home to the place of volunteering and any authorised travel undertaken during volunteering. 

How do I apply to be a Heritage Ambassador?
  • We periodically recruit for Heritage Ambassadors (Museum Volunteers), applications are completed on MyJobScotland.gov.uk
  • If we are not actively recruiting you can fill out the Volunteer Enquiry above and we will be in touch about possible opportunities.
Do you offer work experience for students?

We will consider work experience for students on an adhoc and project basis. Please use the Contact us form to enquire.

Image of the Make Your Mark (MYM) website logo. MYM is an organisation which support volunteering access and opportunities across Scotland. Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage is a member of MYM.
The Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage supports inclusive volunteering as a member of Make your Mark
Image of Three members of the Heritage Ambassador volunteering program cleaning a wooden ladder from an antique fire engine.
Volunteers cleaning objects in our heritage store