Our Volunteer Models programme aims to increase museum teams’ knowledge and confidence to work effectively with volunteers. It will focus on supporting museums to create an inclusive and sustainable strategic approach, with plans that are robust and relevant for their museum.
Our Volunteer Models programme aims to increase museum teams’ knowledge and confidence to work effectively with volunteers. It will focus on supporting museums to create an inclusive and sustainable strategic approach, with plans that are robust and relevant for their museum.
The programme will support a small cohort of six museums to develop and implement Volunteer Action Plans through cohort training, peer networking and 1:1 mentoring.
The programme will be delivered from March 2025 to March 2026 and will be facilitated by Heritage Volunteering Group (HVG). Founded in 2014, HVG is a charitable organisation that helps heritage organisations unlock the power of volunteering to transform organisations, lives and communities.
The programme will have the following outcomes:
By participating in the programme museums will:
Develop their volunteer offer enabling them to support volunteers within their organisations, and use volunteer resources effectively.
Identify volunteering priorities and develop equity action plans to address them; priorities could be related to collections, audiences, workforce and/ or governance
Identify challenges and/ or barriers to volunteering within their organisation
Know where they can seek further support and external funding, including how their plans relate to funder’s priorities and requirements
Be supported to apply for strategic grant funding through Museum Development Midlands
Have access to a peer network of museums
The full details can be found on the Programme Information Sheet. Apply using the Expression of Interest form, downloadable from the Key Information box below.
Deadline for Expression of Interest forms: 9am, Friday 28 February
Key Information

How to find out more and apply
Attend the online Programme Information Event 10am-11am, Thursday 6 February.
Download and read the Programme Information sheet for all the details, than apply using the Expression of Interest form.
Apply by 9am, Friday 28 February
Newsletter Sign Up
To receive regular updates on our training, support programmes and grants please sign up for our newsletter.