Who can volunteer?

Anyone is welcome to volunteer! In return for your enthusiasm, we will work with you to find a suitable role or signpost you elsewhere if we can't.

We are proud to support local schools and colleges in offering work experience placements across our sites. Supporting students from a range of course backgrounds to gain skills and experience for work and education.

We welcome those looking to use corporate volunteering days through their employers to give back and get involved. It can be a great way to team build!

How can volunteering benefit you?

  • Learn new skills
  • Gain experience of working in a museum environment
  • Build confidence and self-esteem
  • Meet new people and work as part of a friendly, hard-working team
  • Improve your health and well-being
  • Find out what goes on behind the scenes at a museum
  • Share our amazing stories and help to inspire our visitors

What our Volunteers say:

"I always enjoyed visiting Oakwell Hall. When I got the opportunity to be a volunteer I jumped at the chance. I have spent my time doing various projects with the curator and as a guide in the hall. The staff team are very welcoming and supportive. I feel privileged to be able to share information about Oakwell Halls history with the visitors".

"The Museums in Kirklees are a wonderful facility; and the residents deserve the amenities provided by them. Supporting the staff by volunteering enables more people to take advantage of the services. Being involved provides a sense of purpose. It can be very therapeutic; and enables interaction with the community. Volunteers are never lonely."

Volunteer Roles:

Visitor engagement

Volunteers play an important role in bringing to life the stories of our collections.

Supporting learning

Volunteers are involved in supporting staff to run a wide range of workshops, events and activities.

Behind the scenes

A small number of volunteers are involved behind the scenes working alongside staff to provide important support.

Digital volunteering

Digital volunteering is remote, online volunteering. This is usually flexible and can be completed at a time that is convenient to the volunteer.

Outdoor volunteering

Our brilliant team of outdoor volunteers at Oakwell Hall play a crucial role in maintaining the historic country park and gardens.

Where can you volunteer?

You can choose to volunteer at one or more of our 3 museum sites, although some of our roles are site specific. There is also the option to volunteer remotely, online.

How to become a Kirklees Museums and Galleries Volunteer:

To find out more about volunteering at Oakwell Country Park, please contact: oakwell.hall@kirklees.gov.uk

For all other volunteer enquiries, please contact: museumsandgalleries@kirklees.gov.uk