The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a 170 acre site protected for its’ industrial heritage and natural history. Almost thewhole site is classed as a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
We open to the public to share the exhibitions and offer tours and activities. We run a schools programme that fits with the history of the site and the National Curriculum. We offer hire space and interesting environments for filming.
The charity’s aims are to protect, preserve and enhance the special aspects of the site and to share the story of the industrial and social history, the science and the nature.
The Gunpowder Railway
There are various tasks and responsibilities within the Railway Team, requiring different skills and commitments, including driving the train. The team members need to work together to ensure the passengers enjoy their visit safely. We need volunteers to welcome and assist visitors, operate the trains and/or to assist with the ‘behind the scenes’ work of maintaining the rolling stock and track.
As guided by the Railway Leadership Team and dependant on the time/tasks offered –
Duty Officer-Complete the training and pass an assessment to oversee all the operations during any specific day of running
Driver-Complete the training and pass an assessment to then drive the engine passenger trips.
Guard-Complete the training and pass an assessment to then be a guard on passenger trains.
Station Steward-Welcome visitors and assist them on and off the carriages.
Maintenance-To take an active role in preparing and caring for rolling stock and line.
All team members are to provide information regarding the railway, its locomotives and rolling stock where they can and welcome visitors.
All team members are required to complete their share of helping to set up and shut down.
- Everyone must ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with the Company’s
Health and Safety Policy and other relevant policies especially the Railway Handbook.
If you bring existing skills beyond those outlined above, your role may be developed to a suitable level.
Skills
We seek someone: :
- With the ability and willingness to understand and follow the rules/procedures to enable the visitors to enjoy their experience in safety and comfort and/or work safely in the workshops and on the line.
- Who is able to work with a wide range of the public in a calm, helpful and friendly manner, being confident and polite in communicating with the visitors.
- Who has a positive attitude and will work cooperatively in a team environment.
- Who will be able to keep to time allocations for the running of the passenger service.
- Keen to work out of doors.
- If possible with experience/skills in relevant practical work.
- Reliable, e.g. informing the relevant railway representative or RGM staff ASAP, if not able to attend on any pre-agreed days/times.
If you are unsure of any of the above please feel free to phone and have a chat.
Details
- Accessibility
- Data Protection policy
- DBS check required
- Equal opportunities policy
- Expenses reimbursed
- Health and Safety Policy
- Ongoing support
- Suitable for under 18s
- Training provided
- Volunteer induction
- Volunteer policy
- Volunteers covered by insurance
- Written role description
When can I volunteer?
Start Date: 01/01/2025
End Date: 01/01/2026
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Afternoon | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Evening | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Availability Details
Between 9am - 5pm. We will arrange a rota on the days we operate the passenger service and we ask volunteers to offer their time whenever they can during these days. There will also be other days for behind the scenes work.
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