Volunteer with OUTSIDE
Current Volunteering Opportunities
The Nicholson Institute Museum and Gallery
The Friends of The Nicholson Museum and Gallery are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join the team as they prepare for the museum’s reopening in Autumn 2026.
Help bring the Nicholson Museum and Gallery to life! We’re looking for volunteers to support:
- Visitor welcome and gallery stewarding
- Storytelling and interpretation as a museum explainer
- Museum shop activities
- Learning and school programmes
- Collections care and research projects
There are also lots of behind-the-scenes roles too:
- Programming and exhibition planning
- Operational delivery and development
- Fundraising and partnerships
- Community engagement and content creation
Why Volunteer at the Nicholson Museum and Gallery?
Volunteering at the Nicholson Institute is a great way to meet new people and develop new skills, all while working with an incredible collection at the heart of your community. Most importantly, you’ll help tell your community’s stories and play a part in shaping a fresh, inclusive future for the Nicholson.
Whether you have lots of time or just a little, whether you’re creative, organised, a people-person or prefer behind-the-scenes work, there’s a place for you here.
No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. Full training will be provided for all roles.
Click here for more information and to sign up to get involved.
Earthly Delights – Ilam Hall, National Trust
When: 31st July – 2nd September, any time from 9am-4pm
Where: Ilam Hall
We are looking for volunteers who are able to help water the installation, Earthly Delights. This installation by Staffordshire Moorlands artists celebrates 200 years since the completion of Ilam Hall and is situated in Ilam Park.
Volunteers will need to be able to get to Ilam Park independently and will be shown what to do to help keep the installation looking its best.
Contact the National Trust directly, either Abby Chillingford Abby.Chillingworth@nationaltrust.org.uk or Emma Timpson emma.timson@nationaltrust.org.uk to arrange a visit and rotas.
Alebrijes Mexican Mask Making Workshop
Volunteer with Ale this August and help deliver her popular Alebrijes Mexican Mask Making Workshops. This is a fantastic opportunity to support engaging creative sessions, meet new people, and help participants discover a unique artistic tradition.
Where: Little Peaks OT, Bank House, 20–22 St Edward Street, Leek ST13 5DS
Workshop dates:
- Saturday 16 August
- Saturday 30 August
The workshops will run from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm
Volunteers will help to welcome participants, support with activities and assist with setting up and packing away.
To sign up to get involved, contact Ale here.
Volunteering with OUTSIDE
Welcome! We’re so glad you’re interested in becoming a volunteer with OUTSIDE Arts! Here you’ll find answers to lots of frequently asked questions, including how to get involved, the kinds of roles available, how to claim expenses, and lots more helpful info. Still have questions? No problem – contact Nic at volunteer@outsidearts.org. We’d love to hear from you!
What kind of volunteering is on offer?
OUTSIDE delivers a year-round programme of arts and creativity shaped by and for the people of the Staffordshire Moorlands. Our projects are all co-created – that means we create projects with communities, not just for them. This makes our work more meaningful and gives volunteers a wide variety of exciting ways to get involved.
Volunteers have supported everything from public events and creative workshops to welcoming visitors and supporting artists. There’s something for everyone.
How do I become a volunteer?
The first step is to read and sign up for our Volunteer Newsletter – just click the link below:
This will take you to our most recent newsletter, where you can click Subscribe (top left) to join the mailing list.
We only send emails once a month, with the occasional extra one when there’s something we’re especially excited to share.
The newsletter is full of great updates about OUTSIDE events and other activities in the Moorlands – all with details on how to get involved.
How do I sign up for a role?
Once you’ve read the newsletter and found an opportunity you’re interested in, just email the contact listed under that opportunity. The person running the activity will get back to you and help you get started.
If nothing catches your eye or things feel unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out to Nic for a friendly, informal chat. We’ll help match you with roles that suit your interests.
You can also register your interest in volunteering opportunities by filling in this form or email volunteer@outsidearts.org
How much time do I need to commit?
Volunteering with OUTSIDE is super flexible. We know life is busy, and we’ll never pressure you to give more time than you want.
There are regular, longer-term roles for those who enjoy routine, as well as short-term or one-off opportunities – some lasting a few weeks, others just a few hours. You can pick and choose what suits you.
Can I volunteer in more than one role?
Absolutely! We encourage you to explore different roles and follow your interests. If you’d like to try something new — or if your current role isn’t the right fit — just let us know. We’re here to help you have a great experience.
Will I get training?
Yes! We want volunteering with OUTSIDE to be a joyful, confidence-building experience.
We’ll provide health and safety training relevant to your role, along with any additional training needed. You can also view risk assessments, and there will always be a Project Lead from OUTSIDE available to support you.
If you ever feel like you need more support or training, just ask — we’re happy to help.
Is volunteering accessible?
We welcome people from all backgrounds, with different skills, experiences, and availability. OUTSIDE is committed to being flexible and inclusive, and we’re happy to discuss how we can support you to make volunteering work for you.
If you’d like to talk things through, get in touch with Nic at volunteer@outsidearts.org.
Can I claim expenses when I volunteer?
Yes — we’re committed to making sure volunteers aren’t out of pocket for any reasonable expenses when volunteering with OUTSIDE.
To claim, you’ll need to be set up in our system (it’s quick and only needs to be done once). Here’s how:
- Follow this link: Get Set Up to Claim Expenses. Send the completed form to Rose at accounts@outsidearts.org.
- Once you’re set up, complete this form for each claim: Claim Volunteer Expenses Email your form and a photo of your receipts to accounts@outsidearts.org.
Need help or a paper version of the form? We can arrange a time for you to meet with Nic or Rose and we will set you up on the system.
If you need payment urgently, let us know — we’ll do our best to fast-track it.
What will I get out of volunteering?
Volunteering with OUTSIDE can be really rewarding:
- Learn new skills
- Build confidence
- Boost your CV
- Meet new people and feel part of a community
- Be part of a team delivering fun, creative activity across the Staffordshire Moorlands
Most importantly, we want volunteering to bring you joy.
Are you interested in volunteering and would like to find out more?
- Wednesday 20th May
- Wednesday 22nd July
- Wednesday 23rd September
- Wednesday 11th November
Shape our volunteering strategy
Would you like to have a say in the future of volunteering at OUTSIDE? We’re looking for a group of volunteers to help shape our strategy. Email volunteer@outsidearts.org to find out more and join the group.
Committed to removing barriers
OUTSIDE has a flexible approach and we are interested in hearing your ideas about how we can support you in volunteering in a way that means that you get what you need out of the experience. If you want to chat about what would help you to get the most out of the experience, please get in touch: volunteer@outsidearts.org
Image (above) by @quiddity_photo
Rachel’s story
“I never expected that volunteering at The Festival of Brilliant would have such an impact on me. I joined through a connection, unsure of what to expect, and at first, I avoided tasks I thought I couldn’t handle – like directing traffic or using walkie-talkies. But soon, I found myself diving into challenges I hadn’t imagined. I can remember the exact moment that created this change: I had collected school children from the car park to walk them up to the hall. As we walked, I could see what the children could see, we weaved our way through a dark and gloomy woodland, past ponds and over bridges, and eventually we glimpsed the flags and the turrets. The excitement was bubbling. The festival reignited a spark I’d lost during the pandemic, and now I’m constantly on the lookout for new opportunities to get involved, like going for a walk and coming to the top of a hill and finding a fantastic view – an unexpected pleasure.”