Collections Volunteer

Purpose

To support with the day to day running of the collections held at the Research Centre located at Preston North End Deepdale Stadium.

Main areas of responsibility

• Cataloguing items using the modes system

• Creating and updating inventories

• Photographing collection items and uploading images to the database

• Assisting researchers in locating and accessing relevant items

• To work within the Volunteer Agreement guidelines and related organisational policies (Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Security).

Project-Based Collections Work

Volunteers may be assigned specific projects focused on a particular group of objects or collection area. This can include:

• Auditing the items to verify their presence, condition, and documentation

• Creating or updating inventories and ensuring records are accurate in the system

• Organising, labelling, and rehousing items as needed

• Cleaning and tidying storage areas to improve accessibility and care

• Identifying any gaps, duplicates, or issues in the collection data

This end-to-end approach gives volunteers the opportunity to take ownership of a project, contribute meaningfully to collections care, and gain hands-on experience in museum practice.

Time commitment

Collections volunteers are usually assigned a specific project focused on a group of objects or a collection area. This may involve auditing, inventory creation, organising, and improving storage conditions. Volunteers typically commit to one day per week for the duration of the project, with scheduling arranged in advance to suit availability.

What skills do I need?

Skills/characteristics required

• Detail-oriented – able to work carefully and accurately with collection records and objects

• Methodical and organised – comfortable following procedures and maintaining consistent documentation

• Interested in history and heritage – enthusiastic about supporting research and preserving collections

• Reliable and committed – able to attend regularly (usually once a week) for the duration of a project

• Good communicators – willing to ask questions, share findings, and work collaboratively with staff and other volunteers

• Confident using computers – especially for tasks like data entry, cataloguing, and uploading photographs (training provided)

When do I need to be available?

Details

Collections volunteers are usually assigned a specific project focused on a group of objects or a collection area. This may involve auditing, inventory creation, organising, and improving storage conditions. Volunteers typically commit to one day per week for the duration of the project, with scheduling arranged in advance to suit availability.

Where does this role take place?