Try new things and decide on the career for you. We offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities which are great for learning about the work of a particular location or role. At the Trust, there’s a role for everyone. Volunteering doesn’t have to be a slog – we’ve got a wide range of projects across Scotland that are suited to all ages. This is a very exciting time. Many local people visit the property regularly for a variety of reasons, it is also a popular stop-off point for a walk, food and beverages or to enjoy the playpark. The property runs a number of successful events throughout the year and we would like to know more about who comes to those events, is it mainly local people or do people come from more further afield? We would also like to know what draws them to the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, what is special about it and what else would help the property build and maintain stronger community relationships or perhaps we need to offer different types of events that would appeal to visitors. To find this information out we need to ask people their views and so we are seeking to recruit a small team of Engagement volunteers to help us carry out research at each event who we will support and train to ask those important questions. What’s included in the role? The main part of this role will have you positioned in the Burns Museum when events are happening, interacting with visitors, etc and asking a series of set questions to help the Trust gather vital information about the community needs, aspirations about days experience. Why should I volunteer in this role? Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to meet lots of different people and make new friends. Most of our volunteer roles are flexible and can be tailored to meet your needs. Our volunteer manager will be happy to discuss any help that you might need to volunteer when you first meet up.

Try new things and decide on the career for you. We offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities which are great for learning about the work of a particular location or role. At the Trust, there’s a role for everyone. Volunteering doesn’t have to be a slog – we’ve got a wide range of projects across Scotland that are suited to all ages. Are you interested in taking guided tours? We have opportunities for volunteer guides for public tours or to help with school visits. Tasks will include welcoming local and tourist visitors, sharing the history and stories of Burns Birthplace cottage along with the option of helping at special events. This is an excellent opportunity to meet lots of a new people and gain hands-on experience in a unique and fascinating heritage site, with privileged access to an outstanding historical building. What’s included in the role? · Welcoming visitors and customers to our property · Provide information about the building, its history and stories · Working as part of a team · Provide information regarding the National Trust for Scotland and other NTS properties. · Opportunity to assist and run guided tours. Most of our volunteer roles are flexible and can be tailored to meet your needs. Our volunteer manager will be happy to discuss any help that you might need to volunteer when you first meet up. "I have been a volunteer for more than a few years now at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. I take guided tours round the Museum site, organise the free, open to all Highlight Talks held at the Museum roughly every fortnight from September to June. I've also been involved with fund raising events to support the work of the Museum. A memorable moment, from volunteering, was the fun of reading the Gruffalo in Scots for two Australian visitors. I just happened to meet them in the Monument Gardens, got talking and agreed to their request to read the Scots language version of the book. Another memory is meeting the family of the Night Watchman who prevented Suffragettes blowing up Burns Cottage in 1914." - Melvyn

Our volunteers help us look after this wonderful museum, welcome visitors from around the world and ensure that they have a fantastic experience while visiting. Our volunteer guides explain the museum's long history to our visitors, and help them understand more about the importance of Robert Burns. What’s included in the role? · Welcoming visitors and helping them to enjoy their visit · Ensuring that the property and its contents are respected and secure · Ensuring the people working and visiting the property remain safe at all times - Lending a hand in maintaining the surrounding gardens - Learning and explaining crafts that would be common in the time of Burns, such as spinning or ink-making Who will I be working with? Generally, you’ll be working with a team of other volunteers and Trust employees, and as you’ll usually volunteer on a specific shift, you’ll see the same volunteer team on a regular basis. If you need help while volunteering, your volunteer manager or another appointed person will also be around to assist. Who can volunteer with the Trust? We have an Equality and Diversity policy, and our volunteering opportunities are open to anyone to apply. After you apply, we’ll get in touch to arrange an informal chat with you, to help you understand a bit more about the role and see if it’s right for you. What if I need some extra help to volunteer? Most of our volunteer roles are flexible and can be tailored to meet your needs, although due to the shift pattern for this role, here we’re looking for volunteers who are regularly available at specific times. Our volunteer managers will be happy to discuss any help that you might need to volunteer, including adapting the role or assisting with volunteer expenses, when you first meet up.

Today, our volunteers help us to look after this wonderful place and welcome visitors from around the world who come to admire our museum. As the number of visitors to our tearoom increases, we are looking for additional tearoom volunteers to work alongside our existing team of staff and volunteers to ensure our visitors receive great service at our shop and a high-quality food & beverage offering at our cafe. We want our visitors see the tearoom as part of the experience at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum as it is one of the main income streams that enables us to continue to maintain and care for this unique location in Alloway, Ayr. What’s included in the role? · Providing a warm welcome to visitors using the tearoom · Taking orders and payments using EPOS system · Serving hot / cold drinks and a range of scones / cakes · Keeping the tearoom serving area and indoor / outdoor seating areas clean and tidy · Greeting and serving customers at the shop · Managing the till at the shop · Ensuring all food safety rules are followed · Replenishing the shelves when required · Maintaining a safe environment for staff, volunteers and visitors at all times Full training will be provided for all aspects of the role. Who will I be working with? Generally, you’ll be working with a team of other volunteers and Trust employees. If you need help while volunteering, your volunteer manager or another appointed person will also be around to assist. Do I need any previous experience for this role? In general, you don’t need any specific experience or qualifications to volunteer with us. For this role, we’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic about the work of the Trust, passionate about its values and objectives, and happy to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds. You’ll be able to provide clear and helpful information to our visitors and ensure they all have a great experience. We’ll provide an induction and training for you (all about the Trust, its values and your role) to get started, and we’ll help you keep learning while you’re volunteering with us. This includes free access to all of the courses in our online e-learning system.