Would you like to work for the charity that cares for hundreds of historic sites in every corner of England? We are looking for a Visitor Assistant to join us at Gainsborough Old Hall working 21 hours per week during the high season April to October with some hours during the winter period November-March.
No history background? No problem. What is important to us is a passion for people and excellent customer service. You will enjoy working with others as part of a team and understand what makes excellent customer service to deliver an engaging visitor experience to a diverse audience.
Heritage is for everybody, and we are here for heritage.
Heritage lives in places and people, memories and stories, artefacts and traditions. It can connect us all to the past, and to each other. It can make us happier, strengthen every community, and help shape society for the better. Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits it brings. That's why, as a charity, we care for over a million objects and hundreds of historic sites in every part of England, from international icons to local treasures. And it's why we open them up, share their stories and find new ways for everybody to enjoy, learn, play and create.
Gainsborough Old Hall stands in the middle of the market town of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, and is a building that reflects over five hundred years of history in its walls. From paupers to princes the history of this English town - once named the capital of England! - can be read through the Hall's development.
Today Gainsborough Old Hall welcomes visitors from around the world, of all ages. We receive around 21,000 visitors per year including school children who come to us for an educational day of learning history in an immersive setting. The Hall is popular for its gift shop and cafe frequented by locals and visitors alike, and hosts an exciting programme of events each year.
Please note; due to the responsibilities and requirements of this role, successful applicants will be required to undergo a basic DBS check, any employment offer will be contingent on this.
By joining us as a Gainsborough Old Hall Visitor Assistant, you will be part of an amazing team of employees and volunteers, ensuring visitors have a great time from the moment they arrive until they say goodbye. Through your recommendations, you will help personalise their visit - this could include talking about the benefits of English Heritage membership or recommending things to see and do on site. You will also contribute to making sure your site is accessible, safe and well presented at all times.
You will be expected to lead school visits, providing on-site learning for children of all ages.
It is a varied role - some days will be busy from start to finish and others quieter, especially on the wetter days! Some paid or voluntary experience with the public is beneficial but full training and support is provided as part of your induction. You will be required to work weekends and Bank Holidays, more information will be provided at interview.
We are looking for someone who enjoys interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds, welcoming visitors to site and helping them enjoy their visit fully. An ideal candidate will have some customer service experience but this is not essential as full training will be given.
Teamwork skills along with a pro-active nature are essential for this role as we are a small team which requires everyone to work together, to not only make the Hall a pleasant place to visit but also an enjoyable place to work.
Leadership skills are desirable, as well as some cash handling experience.
Benefits include:
- Comprehensive training
- The opportunity for career progression within the heritage sector in retail, food and beverage or general management
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Opportunities to go to some of our great live music and history events
- Free access to all English Heritage sites for you, and up to 6 friends and / or family members
- 25% discount in our shops and cafes
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/shared parental leave
- 25 days' holiday plus Bank Holidays pro rata rising to 28 days after 3 years
- Options to buy additional leave
- Matched pension contributions up to a maximum of 10%
You'll find it's a workplace which takes you behind the scenes of our extraordinary sites and supports you to share your ideas, inspire and make a difference.
Find out more about us and what we do: You can also meet some of our people and hear about why they enjoy working with us:
Everybody's welcome at English Heritage
Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. You can connect with others through our EDI networks as a member or ally. These include Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.
We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.
If you would like to talk to us before you apply e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Joley Baker, Site Manager, at joley.baker@english-heritage.org.uk. No agencies please.
Our interview and offer process will take place between 17th February - 10th March 2025, with new starters joining in the week of 24th March 2025