We’re very proud of the fact that Strutt’s North Mill is predominantly a volunteer led organisation and that their dedicated hard work has created a successful independent heritage organisation at the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. We’re constantly thinking of new ways to make the Mill a top class visitor attraction, and to do this we are always looking for new enthusiastic individuals to join our fantastic team of volunteers.

Volunteering Opportunities

There are many different opportunities that you can get involved in here at Strutt’s North Mill depending upon your interests and time commitments. Below is a brief outline of some of the volunteer roles:

Front of House

Reception Volunteer

Our reception volunteers provide a warm and friendly welcome to everyone who visits Strutt’s North Mill. Being a tourist information point, being prepared to get to know the local area is important as you’ll enjoy meeting and informing people from all around the world. A willingness to learn to work the till is essential as you will be responsible for drop-in ticket sales. Taking pride in maintaining presentation standards, you will also be required to keep the visitor information area tidy.

Volunteer Guide

Our guides play a vital role in bringing the history of the mill to life for our visitors. Conducting tours to both groups and individuals, you would need to have an interest in history with a willingness to learn, and a desire to share that passion for the mill with everyone who visits. Being a great communicator is key as well as an awareness of time keeping and the ability to adapt to different audiences.

Learning Volunteer

Being part of our education team, you will assist in running activities and tours for school visits and youth groups. A passion and ability to engage with children and young people about the history of the mill and the town of Belper is essential, as well as an enthusiastic and friendly manner. The team also run activities during school holidays, where you can get involved in creating and developing simple but imaginative craft sessions for children to enjoy with their families.

Events Volunteer

Strutt’s North Mill is looking to host a growing number of events throughout the year, from ghost talks to discovery days. As an events volunteer, you can get involved with all sorts of activities through the planning stages to the event itself. On the day, your friendly welcome selling tickets, providing refreshments or even dressing up will help make the event a success.

Guided Heritage Walk Volunteer

Become a guided walk leader or helper for our extensive and very popular guided heritage walks around Belper and the surrounding area. As a leader you will be talking to large groups, so you must be a confident and loud speaker with the ability to remember historical information. Walk volunteers should have an interest in local history, as well as a level of physical fitness, and a willingness to venture out in all weathers!

Costumed Character

Be part of initiatives to bring the story of the mill to life by helping develop costumed character roles for special tours and events. You will need to be a confident speaker with the ability to adopt a character and remain in the role throughout the event. Some experience of performance is desirable but not essential, but you need the ability to learn a script and adapt to different circumstances.

Behind the Scenes

Collections Volunteer

Being part of the collections team, you will help care for objects currently in store, keeping their records up to date whilst helping to interpret and understand the Trust’s collection. You will also help to catalogue any new items, and must be willing to have basic training in handling and conserving objects.

Research Volunteer

Strutt’s North Mill has a wealth of history just waiting to be uncovered. With an interest in history and research, as part of the research team, you’ll help uncover information for exhibitions, talks, website and social media content, as well as enquiries from visitors and other volunteers.

Fundraising Volunteer

Working closely with the North Mill Trust, you will help write funding bids and letters to help us acquire the funds needed for special projects and future operations.

Marketing Volunteer

You will work closely with the Trustees, Volunteer Support Officer and other Volunteers behind the scenes to create social media posts, website content, posters, articles and other means of spreading the word about Strutt’s North Mill. You must be competent with computers and be familiar with Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Digital Interpretation Volunteer

Working closely with the Trustees, Volunteer Support Officer and other Volunteers, you will create new ways of interpreting the mill for visitors to enhance their experience and bring new audiences in. You will have a creative approach and need to be competent with computers and digital programs or filming/photography and provide your own equipment.

There may be other roles that you can get involved in if you have a specific interest or skills. Just ask!

Fancy volunteering at Strutt’s North Mill? Get in touch by using the button below or call 01773 880474. We look forward to hearing from you.