Tour Guide Volunteer - The Bradford Police Museum

Role Title:

Tour Guide Volunteer

Location:

Bradford Police Museum, City Hall, Bradford BD1

Purpose of the Role:

To welcome visitors and deliver engaging, informative tours of the museum’s Victorian police cells and courtroom, bringing the rich history of law, order, and civic life in Bradford to life. You’ll help visitors understand the evolution of policing and justice from the 19th century to today, offering an unforgettable experience rooted in real spaces and stories.

What You Will Gain:

• Experience delivering public tours and working in a heritage environment

• Deeper knowledge of local history and Victorian-era policing

• The chance to meet people and be part of a friendly, supportive volunteer team

• Training, mentorship, and development opportunities

Training & Support:

• All volunteers receive a comprehensive induction, access to a mentor, and ongoing support from the museum team. We hold regular volunteer meetings and development opportunities to keep you informed and involved.

About The Bradford Police Museum:

The Bradford Police Museum is an independent museum and registered charity, governed by a board of trustees and run by a team of passionate volunteers. We hold Arts Council England accreditation and were praised by The Times in 2023. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, the museum continues to expand its offer as we prepare for the City of Culture 2025.

Located in the heart of Bradford, the museum offers visitors guided tours of the beautifully preserved Victorian police cells and courtroom, alongside a gallery displaying items from our extensive collection. We are the only police museum in West Yorkshire and one of the few in the country to feature a fleet of historic police vehicles.

Our curatorial team works year-round to preserve and maintain our growing collection, ensuring the history and heritage of policing in Bradford is protected and shared with future generations.

Skills

Key Responsibilities:

• Greet and welcome visitors, assist with orientation, and provide information about the museum and its facilities

• Deliver 1-hour guided tours of the Victorian cells and courtroom, using storytelling to enhance visitor understanding and enjoyment (tour brief and full training provided) Lead or assist with occasional tours for private groups and educational visits.

• Answer visitor questions and help them engage with the museum's exhibits and interactive displays

• Support front desk and shop areas as needed, including ticket sales and merchandise transactions

• Stay informed about current and upcoming exhibitions, events, and any changes to displays

• Assist with the museum’s public events, such as our Trial by Jury and Ghost Tour.

• Follow museum policies, ensuring guidelines are adhered to.

• Participate in volunteer meetings and training sessions

• Maintain a reliable presence and communicate any changes to availability in advance

Desired Skills & Experience

• (Essential) Aged 18+

• Confident communicator with strong public speaking skills

• Friendly and approachable, comfortable engaging with visitors of all ages

• Passionate about local history and heritage

• Able to work independently and as part of a team

• Physically able to lead tours (including stairs and standing for up to 1 hour)

• Good awareness of visitor safety and appropriate handling of museum objects and spaces

• Willingness to complete first aid and other relevant training

• Experience in tour guiding, education, policing, museums, or customer service

• Interest in developing public speaking or historical interpretation skills

• Basic computer literacy (e.g., Microsoft Word)