Volunteering

Volunteers are integral and valued members of the Horniman team assisting us in both visitor-facing roles and vital work behind-the-scenes.

Along with a supportive learning environment, we offer the chance to gain new skills and experience or simply to do something you enjoy.

Current vacancies

Play Area Evaluation Volunteers

Closing date: 07/05/2026
  • We are looking for two volunteers to help us evaluate how visitors use our new Cafe and Play Area in the Horniman’s grounds
  • This is a fixed term role, 1 – 30 June. There will be eight two hour sessions, on one mid-week date and one weekend date each week. We can also be flexible on the days of the week.
  • This role would suit someone who has good observational skills and is happy being outside
  • This role is open to applicants aged 18 and over.

Applying for this role

Find out more in the role description below.

Please complete our online form, or email volunteering@horniman.ac.uk for an application form or if you have any questions.

Applications close at 10pm on 7 May 2026. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an informal interview on Thursday 14 May.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and circumstances. Adjustments are available to support your application and placement in this role. Please get in touch if you have any questions. You do not need to have experience in all areas to apply for the role.

Community Outreach Volunteers

Closing date: 10/05/2026
  • We are looking for two volunteers to support sessions with young family community groups. The purpose of the outreach is to encourage non-visitors to come to the Horniman and widen participation with an overarching theme of instilling a love for nature.
  • This is a flexible role, at different locations and on different dates initially to the end of October with the possibility of extension.
  • This role would suit someone who is culturally sensitive, enjoys community engagement and is interested in working with families with under 5s.
  • This role is open to applicants aged 18 and over.

Applying for this role

You can find out more in the role description below.

Please complete our online form, or email volunteering@horniman.ac.uk for an application form or if you have any questions.

Please apply by 10 May 2026 at 10pm.  If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an informal interview on Thursday 18 May.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and circumstances. Adjustments are available to support your application and placement in this role. Please get in touch if you have any questions. You do not need to have experience in all areas to apply for the role.

We can only accept applications when volunteering roles are advertised.

Find any current roles on this page.

We take volunteers from age 15 upwards though some roles will only be available to those aged 18 and over. Where this is the case, this will be clear on the role description. There is no upper age limit.

No. Volunteer roles are different from staff roles and do not lead to paid work.

However, they do provide an opportunity to gain skills and experience.

We reimburse out-of-pocket travel expenses up to a maximum of £12 per day.

Volunteers offering a full day shift can also be reimbursed lunch expenses.

For on-going roles which are usually weekly or fortnightly, like Engage, Family Activity or Gardening, we ask for a minimum of 4-5 months if possible.

Fixed term student volunteer placements last 3 months, doing 1-3 days a week.

We are able to provide a few work experience opportunities for school students each year, depending on capacity. Find out more on our work experience webpage.

Yes, you may volunteer whilst on benefits, but you would need to let the Job Centre know about your volunteering.

The Horniman acknowledges the contribution of volunteers in supporting the organisation to achieve its aim to connect people with global cultures and the natural world, and encourage everyone to shape a positive future for the world we all share.

Read the Volunteering Policy (PDF).