Visitor Experience Volunteer

Background

The Royal Institute of British Architecture champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture. 66 Portland Place is the home of the RIBA and our ambition is to become the major cultural destination within which to explore architecture, design and the world around us. With an internationally recognised collection of over four million books, drawings, photographs, models and other archives (free and open to the public) and an exciting programme of exhibitions, talks and workshops, the RIBA inspires and engages a diverse range of audiences.

There’s never been a better time to get involved with the RIBA: this February will see the opening of a brand new museum quality architecture gallery at 66 Portland Place, our London headquarters. The gallery will host an exciting programme of free exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing items from our world-class collections.

Launching the new architecture gallery, The Brits Who Built the Modern World 1950-2010 (13 February – 27 May 2014), tells the fascinating story of the transformation of British architecture as it grew to become world-leading in the second half of the 20th century.

Our vision is to transform 66 Portland Place and provide a unique and inspiring visitor destination - a place to explore and discover architecture.

As a Visitor Experience volunteer, you will be part of the transformation of the RIBA’s headquarters and will help us to become an accessible, public cultural destination for all.

We are looking for volunteers to: greet visitors as they enter the building and The Architecture Gallery; to assist with gallery supervision; to provide a friendly and helpful welcome (giving directions and answering queries about exhibitions, displays, the public programme and our onsite facilities.)

We ask that volunteers commit to at least three months of volunteering, once a week, one day per week. We can offer a full volunteer induction, training, and travel expenses.

Role outline:

  1. To provide a primary welcome to visitors to the RIBA, 66 Portland Place and to advise visitors of the building layout, contents andgallery/visitor policy
  2. To supervise The Architecture Gallery, welcoming visitors, replying to enquiries and requests in a polite and friendly manner
  3. When supervising The Architecture Gallery, liaise with the Public Programmes team regarding any concerns about the safety and security of objects on display
  4. To support group visits to The Architecture Gallery by acting as a gallery supervisor whilst tours take place and providing additional support for the curator/tour leader during such visits
  5. To promote the RIBA’s upcoming exhibitions, events and supporter schemes by distributing information (leaflets etc.) and talking to visitors about the programme/such schemes
  6. To act as first point of contact for visitor comments & complaints and refer visitors on to a member of Reception team or the Volunteer Coordinator, where appropriate.Record feedback and complaints for future reference.
  7. To attend any necessary training which the RIBA may provide to carry out the role.
  8. To be committed to Health & Safety, and become familiar with the RIBA’s Health & Safety Policy.
  9. Look smart and tidy at all times ensuring that you follow the Volunteers’ dress code and wear identification provided whilst in a public area.
  10. Be security conscious, ensure familiarity and cooperation with all RIBA security procedures

To undertake this role, volunteers will possess the following skills and attributes:

  1. A good level of visitor care skills with a visitor-first attitude (experience of a public-facing or customer service role within the cultural/museum sector would be an advantage).
  2. A friendly manner with the confidence to interact with visitors and anticipate their needs
  3. Enthusiasm for architecture and design, and willingness to learn from RIBA staff about the collections and exhibitions
  4. Good spoken English, with the ability to convey accurate information about the RIBA to visitors and colleagues in a succinct and friendly manner.
  5. Reliable and trustworthy with the ability to use one’s own initiative and operate as part of a team. Able to adapt to new or changing situations.
  6. Able to maintain a level of physical activity within the venue, which may involve the need to stand and walk for extended periods of time
  7. Smart presentation and a confident style.

The RIBA is committed to equal opportunities for all its staff, volunteers and visitors.

How to register your interest:

Please complete our volunteer application form - available as a PDF or Word document on and return to Elena Smith, Friends Development Manager, RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD. We also welcome emailed applications – please send to

Deadline: Monday 20th January 2014, 5pm

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Elena Smith, Friends Development Manager, on 020 7307 3810 /