Every volunteer role with the V&A is a chance to make a difference and have fun doing it. Whether you are into creativity and design or this is a whole new world to you, the V&A can be a platform for you to do something you care about.
Why volunteer with us?
- Give time in a way that suits you
- Get to know new people
- Do something you care about
- Connect with and represent your community
- Learn new things and grow in an area you enjoy
- Use your passion, experience and skills to benefit others
If you are aged 18 or above, we'd love you to join us:
What do I need to know?
Volunteer roles
In both public-facing and behind-the-scenes areas of the V&A, volunteers give their time to enhance and extend our impact and reach.
Volunteer roles range widely, including:
- helping visitors make sense of the collection
- supporting visitors to navigate our sites
- broadening our access offer
- improving the quality of our object records
Available opportunities are shared online. If there are no opportunities listed, then we aren’t currently recruiting. We encourage you to check back later.
We ask that you do not send speculative applications or offers to volunteer.
Giving your time
The amount of time you give is up to you. Some roles offer lots of flexibility, while others ask for more regular commitment due to the availability of support and supervision. Roles also vary in frequency and duration, from short-term to ongoing. Any anticipated time commitments will be included in the role description.
We encourage you to speak with us about the flexibility an opportunity can offer when you apply or at any time once in role.
Taking on multiple roles
We recommend that you apply for one role at a time. Once you are settled in a role you may want to take on additional roles, or switch to another one. We encourage anyone who takes on multiple roles to ensure this balances well with your other commitments and home life.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for friendly, curious and passionate people. Each advertised volunteer opportunity will describe the sort of experiences and skills that someone might bring to a role or want to develop.
Support and training is provided for everyone.
Vetting and checks
Some volunteer roles may need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The role description will say if a check is required. If a role you are applying for needs a check, we will arrange this and cover associated costs.
Volunteer expenses
We cover reasonable volunteer expenses of up to £12 per volunteering day for travel and sustenance.
All volunteer roles with the V&A are unpaid.
Can I volunteer if...?
I’m in receipt of benefits?
Yes, you can volunteer if you get benefits. You must continue to meet the requirements for the benefits you receive. We recommend that you tell your benefits provider that you are volunteering.
I am under 18?
To volunteer with the V&A you must be 18 years old or over.
I'm not from the UK?
Some visas will allow you to volunteer, but others don’t. Check if you need a UK visa on GOV.UK.
The V&A is unable to provide sponsorship for visa applications.
I am a refugee or an asylum seeker?
Yes, if you have refugee status or humanitarian protection you can volunteer. This is also the case if you are applying for this status or are appealing to refuse asylum.
I have a criminal record?
Having a criminal record will not automatically prevent you from volunteering, but we will consider the details of the offence and its relevance to the role. In some cases, this may prevent a role being offered.
If you are in the process of applying for a role and have concerns about this, message the Volunteering Contact listed on the application via the message centre.
I don't know anything about the V&A?
You don’t need to know anything about the V&A to volunteer with us. Support and training is provided to everyone, both when you start and during your time with us.
Need help?
Email us at volunteering@vam.ac.uk and we'll aim to reply in 10 working days.
For information about employment, apprenticeships, internships, and work experience opportunities see our careers page.