Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene is a community, arts and heritage venue based at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, run by Paddington Development Trust.

We create, foster, and present an eclectic and collaborative programme of music, arts and performance for young people, families, and adults in our three amazing spaces.

We are looking for new volunteers to join our tours programme, delivering inspiring and engaging talks and tours of our vibrant church and community arts venue. Our tours tell the story of the building’s rich Victorian history, and its connection to the development of the local area.

Where?

St Mary Magdalene’s, Rowington Close, Paddington W2 5TF

When?

Grand Junction’s free lunchtime tours run on the first Wednesday and third Saturday of every month. We ask for a commitment to deliver 1 tour per term and support 1 tour per term with the option to deliver more and with a level of flexibility. We occasionally offer extra heritage talks and tours to the public outside of these times from Monday – Saturday, both daytime and evenings.

What will the role involve?

Working under the supervision of Grand Junction staff, Heritage Tour Guide Volunteers will:

• • • • • Learn about the fascinating history of St Mary Magdalene’s Church, and the living heritage of the local area, and carry out independent research where necessary
        • Deliver engaging and inspiring scripted tours of the building and immediate local area for people of all ages and backgrounds
        • Offer visitors a warm welcome, and enrich their experience by supporting visitors to get the most out of their visit to Grand Junction
        • Champion inclusivity, and adapt talk and tour content to suit the audience
        • Keep accurate records of visitor numbers to the building
        • Support visitors to complete visitor experience feedback
        • Offer visitors information about our What’s On programme, and other activities and events at Grand Junction
        • Promote volunteering opportunities at Grand Junction to visitors and the public
        • Help to ensure that guests have a safe and enjoyable visit by monitoring health and safety considerations within and outside the building

Who are we looking for?

This role is suited to people who:

• • • • • Have a passion for, or a willingness to learn about, history, architecture and the living heritage of the local area
        • Are clear and confident communicators, and enjoy engaging with the public
        • Are friendly, approachable and welcoming, and champion inclusivity
        • Enjoy working as part of a team, but also thrive when working independently
        • Are committed to excellent customer service skills
        • Want to gain new skills and experience, whilst making a real difference in their local community

Our commitment to you

We value the contribution that volunteers make to our work. Volunteers in this role will:

• • • • • Receive thorough training, including a detailed volunteer induction and training specific to delivering tours
        • Receive reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, in accordance with the PDT volunteer policy
        • Receive ongoing support from Grand Junction’s Volunteer Manager, and other Grand Junction staff
        • Be supported to use their volunteering to access employment-focused opportunities, such as advice and signposting, where relevant
        • Be invited to regular volunteer social gatherings, community events, and talks

What you’ll gain

This role is a great opportunity to:

• • • • • Gain on-the-ground experience of delivering engaging heritage talks for the public
        • Develop new skills and increase confidence
        • Meet like-minded people and make friends!
        • Contribute to the local community and feel fulfilment in ‘giving back’

Additional information

• • • • • This role will involve being outdoors for short periods
        • All volunteers will be required to wear Grand Junction volunteer t-shirts
        • Volunteers must be prepared to undertake pre-offer checks, including references. Some roles may also require a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)

Interested?

Great! We look forward to receiving your application.

To apply, complete our short application form telling us why you’re interested in joining our diverse volunteering team. You will hear back from us within 5 working days.

For more information, or for an informal chat about the role, please contact the Heritage & Volunteer Manager, on volunteer@grandjunction.org.uk or call 020 7266 8261.

Grand Junction is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities.