Grime's Graves Tour Guide Volunteer

Tour Guide Volunteer Role Description

Why does English Heritage need my support?

Grime’s Graves is the only Neolithic flint mine open to visitors in Britain. This grassy lunar landscape of over 400 pits is of national significance, not just for its rare archaeology, but because it is set amid the distinctive Breckland Heath landscape, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a habitat for rare plants and fauna.

In 2022-24 Grimes Graves Visitor Experience has gone through a transformation thanks to funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund. We have redesigned the exhibition area illustrating the significance of this fascinating site; created a new pit building, enabling visitors to descend 9 metres (30ft) by ladder into one of the excavated shafts to see the jet-black flint, 5000-year-old hand dug tunnels, and now a new state of the art Video Projection! Alongside these changes we have also worked to create a new children’s landscape trail opening up lesser known parts of the site to the public.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us share more of Grimes Graves story with our growing visitors through guided tours of the site. You will be a crucial part of the new site team, helping us during busy periods to answer questions, lead groups, and assist in delivering our exciting new visitor journey.

Where will I be based?

Grimes Graves

What will I be doing?

The most important aspect of the role is conveying an enthusiasm for the site to visitors and getting them involved through brief guided tours. As well as sign-posting certain areas, volunteers will also need to incorporate the broader history in a way that helps visitors to understand the relevance of the site.

How much time will I be expected to give?  

This is flexible. We are looking for volunteers to help us on weekends during school term times, approximately 2 sessions a month.

During the school Holidays in May, July & August we are looking for more regular weekly volunteering, totally an average of 16 hours month.

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?   

An enthusiasm for history and an ability to effectively communicate are musts. No experience or qualifications are necessary, this is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about your local heritage, flora and fauna.

What support and training will I receive?

You’ll receive full training and have ample chance to practice in preparation for running the tours and to ensure that you are comfortable. You will be learning directly from the Site team who have a wealth of knowledge on the site. In addition you will be given reading material in order to understand the history of the site and prepare yourself for any visitor questions.

As part of our Engagement Strategy there will also be the opportunity to take part in further training throughout the year by joining our Expert Led Field Trips, covering the Archaeology, Geology and Nature of Grimes Graves site by local and national experts!

As an English Heritage Volunteer you will be supported by the Site team, the local Territory Volunteer Manager, and will have access to training, development and social opportunities through our Volunteer network online and in person.

What will English Heritage expect from me?

• To be the friendly face of English Heritage and deliver excellent customer service.
• To be reliable in attendance and dependable.
• Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties.
• To wear English Heritage volunteer uniform where provided.
• Help us protect our properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures.
• Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public.
• Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of English Heritage.
• Observe organisational policy and procedures.
• Safeguard confidential information about English Heritage and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of English Heritage that you think might be controversial.
• Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of English Heritage (unless otherwise agreed in writing).

What can I expect from English Heritage?   

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience.
• To be treated fairly and with respect.
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution.
• A full induction and training programme with on-going support.
• A volunteer pass allowing free entry to English Heritage properties is available on completion of 60 hours and four months of volunteering.
• Reimbursement of reasonable local travel costs between home and volunteering location within agreed limits.
• A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for English Heritage is available on request to show future employers or further education providers.
• You will be covered by English Heritage’s own indemnity arrangements in respect of all liabilities that may result from your appointment as a volunteer.