Walking Tour Guide Volunteer - The Bradford Police Museum

Role Title:

Walking Tour Guide Volunteer

Location:

Bradford Police Museum, City Hall, Bradford BD1

Purpose of the Role:

The purpose of this volunteer role is to lead and deliver engaging Victorian Crime Scene Walking Tours that educate and captivate visitors through storytelling. By guiding groups through historic crime locations, volunteers will help bring the city’s Victorian-era criminal history to life, offering insights into notorious cases, the development of policing, and the social context of the time. This role supports our mission to preserve and share local heritage, providing an informative and memorable experience for all participants.

What You Will Gain:

• Join a dedicated team of history enthusiasts and contribute to preserving Bradford's heritage.

• Develop and enhance your public speaking and presentation skills.

• Gain valuable experience in the tourism and cultural sectors.

• Contribute to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Bradford's history among visitors and locals.

• 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:

• Conduct engaging walking tours of Bradford's city centre Victorian crime scenes.

• Follow fully researched Walking Tour Brief, with full training and guidance provided. Use a wireless tour guide radio system to communicate with tour participants.

• Manage groups of 15 to 30 people, ensuring safety, punctuality, and a positive experience for all participants.

• Collaborate with museum staff to promote the walking tours and create awareness of Bradford's fascinating criminal history.

• Stay up to date on local regulations and guidelines related to tour guiding.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Excellent storytelling and communication skills, with the ability to present historical information in an engaging manner.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a friendly, approachable demeanour.

• A genuine interest in Victorian history, true crime, and local heritage.

• Willingness to learn and adapt to evolving research on Bradford's criminal history.

• Ability to walk for extended periods and manage groups of varying sizes.

• Comfortable using a wireless tour guide radio system to communicate with participants.