About the role

What will I be doing?

As an Alexander Fleming Laboratory Museum Volunteer Guide you’ll provide a friendly welcome for visitors to the museum. You will support and actively engage with a wide variety of visitors to explain the importance of the discovery of penicillin and the site in which it was discovered at St Mary's Hospital. You will also support ticket and shop sales at the museum shop.

Some of the main activities of the role include:

• Conduct short guided tours of Alexander Fleming’s laboratory for visitors to the Museum
• Assist the Archivist/Curator when there are group visits, including school visits
• Keep an eye on stock levels and inform Archivist if any items are running low
• Assist with light dusting of artefacts when necessary

What skills will I need?

We’re looking for volunteers who are friendly, caring and passionate about supporting patients and staff at our hospitals. You’ll also find the following skills and qualities are particularly useful in this role:

• A friendly, positive and approachable manner
• Knowledge of the hospital layout or an interest to learn
• Ability to be empathetic, patient and calm in difficult situations if they arise
• Working well within a diverse team
• Ability to follow instructions and be flexible
• Acting on your own initiative within set boundaries
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to volunteer on your feet for several hours at a time

What support will I get?

This fun and fulfilling volunteer role will give you the opportunity to make a positive impact on our patients during their time in hospital as well as developing your own skills.

At every step we’ll provide lots of support to help you in your volunteer role. You’ll have a member of hospital staff as your main contact as well as extra support from the volunteering team at your hospital. We’ll give you the chance to take part in additional training to further develop your skills and we’ll say thank you for all your fantastic efforts through our volunteering awards and regular newsletter. We’ll also reimburse you for your travel and food and drink costs during your volunteer shift.

How to apply

Before you can start volunteering with us, there are a few important steps.
Take a look at the graphic below to see each stage of your volunteering journey.

One more thing to remember. You’ll need to complete a DBS check to volunteer with us. Click the button below to find all the information you need.

Support with your DBS check

When you’re ready to apply, click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to get started.

Apply now