Why Volunteer?

By joining our friendly team you can:

• Enhance your CV with new skills and quality references
  
• Use your experience towards recognised awards, e.g. Duke of Edinburgh
  
• Enjoy a fun and fulfilling pastime
  
• Give back to the community
  
• Build your confidence
  
• Keep active with hands on projects
  
• Enjoy discounts at various Stratford-upon-Avon retailers
  
• Meet new people and expand your social circle

As a volunteer you can work flexible hours as a highly valued and integral member of our team. You will also be invited to a range of special volunteer events such as parties, workshops, drop-in sessions and awards events.

Volunteers play a crucial role at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, supporting our staff and enhancing the experience of our visitors. 

Meet some of our volunteers:

John, Gardens Volunteer 

John began volunteering with us in Spring 2023, joining the dedicated team of Gardeners. He enjoyed answering the odd question from passing visitors so much that after a while he decided to take on a second role as a Garden Host Volunteer, giving short historical talks. Through his two roles he gets the perfect balance of time outdoors and engaging with people.

Menna, Visitor Welcome Volunteer

Menna spends every Wednesday morning at Shakespeare's Birthplace, sharing her knowledge with visitors. Along the way she developed an interest in historic objects and supported us as a Co-Curator on a Heritage Open Days project. We can't wait to see what Menna will do next!

Harald, former Volunteer (now Visitor Services Assistant)

Harald joined us as a volunteer in September 2023 at Shakespeare's New Place and quickly began engaging with visitors and showing them items of archaeology unearthed from the site. Within 6 months he had progressed to a staff member, and joined our Access Panel to advise the Trust on how to make visits more user-friendly for those with a visual impairment.

He also took the lead on Object Handling, running a training session for volunteers on how to present historical replicas and original items from our collection, especially for visitors with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Apply to become a volunteer and join the team today!

We have so many roles to chose from! Explore the current volunteering opportunities and see which ones suit your skills. 

All you need is enthusiasm and a few hours to spare! Volunteers must be aged 18+.

Take a look at our current volunteering opportunities or contact us for an informal chat on +44 (0) 1789 201834.

Please give us a call if you would like to fill in the application over the phone and/or discuss submitting a video application (+44 (0) 1789 201834). We will require an email address to send updates on progress, but many aspects of the process can be carried out over the phone.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust are Disability Confident Committed (Level 1) and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities.