You can view our current opportunities to find a role that may be of interest to you. If you’d like to apply, please download an application form and send it to us via email: volunteering@bclm.com  or  post: Volunteer Manager, Black Country Living Museum, Tipton, Dudley DY1 4SQ.

In your application form, please make sure to let us know your area of interest so we can determine whether we have a suitable opportunity available for you.

Once you have sent an application form to us, your details will be passed on to the relevant Team Manager who will then assess your application. Once this information has been passed on, please allow two weeks for the manager to carefully review your application and determine whether we have the right opportunity for you.

You may be invited to come in for an informal chat with a member of the team, but don’t panic – this isn’t a job interview. We like to use this time as a ‘get to know you’ session. We will talk to you about the role we have in mind and you can ask us any questions you may have about volunteering with us.

Ongoing training and support is available for the duration of your volunteering. We make sure that each person is happy with their role, responsibilities, and training before beginning their volunteering. Our training process is as follows:

1. Formal Induction to BCLM – during this 30 minute induction, your nominated role coordinator or the Volunteer Manager will give you a guided tour of the site making sure to point out notable places, as well as showing you to your specific volunteer role area/station. You will also be given a Volunteer Handbook which includes all paperwork relevant to your specific volunteer role, including health and safety information that you need to be aware of while volunteering with us. If costume is required for your role, you will be taken to our costume room to be measured (costume to be collected on first ‘solo’ day of volunteering).
2. Training/Buddy Session – Once you have received your induction, you will be invited to come in for an initial training session with either an experienced member of staff or fellow volunteer who will train you on all aspects of the role. Training will differ depending on the nature of the role, but if at any time you are unsure or would like to be taken through something again, please let your nominated role coordinator or the Volunteer Manager know so we can arrange further training for you (we may ask you to come in for a second training session for this).
3. First day (solo session) – Once you are comfortable with the role and are happy, we will agree when you’ll come in for your first volunteer session. Everything you have learnt so far will be put into practice. There is a Duty Manager on site every day, and you can always go to your nominated role coordinator or the Volunteer Manager if you’d like any further support.
4. Trial Period (first three months) – training at your own pace. We offer ongoing training as appropriate to your role and individual needs.
5. Congratulations – Once all of the above has been completed, you are then a fully-fledged member of the BCLM Volunteer team.