Imperial War Museum (IWM) Duxford is the UK's largest aviation museum, located on a working airfield. Volunteers help bring the Museum's collection to life, promote a great visitor experience and care for many significant objects.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- as an IWM Duxford volunteer, you will be working as part of a team - it can be a great way to meet like-minded people;
- as a volunteer, you will receive excellent training, mentoring and support - you'll be learning new skills and growing in confidence;
- keeping history alive is an important way to ensure that all of the sacrifices that were made are remembered and hopefully not repeated.
"What I enjoy most about my role…is the camaraderie of being with other volunteers. But it’s also about engaging with the public. You meet so many interesting people and every day is like a new adventure." Harry - an IWM Duxford volunteer
How to contact
Where to go
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Duxford Airfield
Cambridgeshire
CB22 4QR
What to expect
There are four types of volunteer role at IWM Duxford:
- Supporting visitors by providing a warm welcome, bringing collections and stories to life and answering visitor questions.
- Sharing your knowledge if you are a veteran or eyewitness of conflict by taking part in education events or contributing to understanding.
- Supporting collections by working with Conservation, Curatorial and Preservation teams to protect, preserve, conserve and make accessible collections.
- Supporting research by connecting digitally from home to contribute to the development of IWM's War Memorials Register - a free and publicly accessible online record of all war memorials in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man together with the names of the individuals who they commemorate.
Registering to be a volunteer takes place twice a year (usually around March and September) - if your application is successful you will be invited to an online or in person information and selection session to find out more. Not all applicants are successful as it is important to match up each person's availability, skills and knowledge with what is needed at the Museum. Register on this IWM website link.
Volunteers are encouraged to do regular shifts, but you can discuss this with the volunteer team when you attend the information and selection day. If you are successful and are offered a volunteer role, training takes place over 1-2 days. Every new volunteer is assigned a 'volunteer buddy' to help you to get familiar with the role until you settle in.
Alongside adult volunteers is a Youth Volunteer programme to encourage young people from the age of 14+ to contribute their time and enthusiasm.
More information
Training and equipment is provided - including a uniform (a branded fleece top or polo shirt). Expenses of up to £15 per day for travel can be reimbursed. There is parking onsite and accessible toilets, and you'll be provided with free tea and coffee when you take a break.
There is a helpful 'Frequently Asked Questions' webpage. All volunteers are Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checked.
Volunteering is free.
How to contact
Where to go
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Duxford Airfield
Cambridgeshire
CB22 4QR
