Within its 140 year heritage, Bristol Animal Rescue Centre. has accumulated a vast and fascinating collection of information relating to animal welfare. We are now looking for an Archive Volunteer to support with an exciting new project, to formalise an archive for the charity.
This volunteer role will entail devising a digigtal and physical archive, helping to catalogue material relating to our charity - some of which dates back to our origins in the 19th Century.
Every volunteer contribution makes a difference, and we look forward to welcoming a new Archive Volunteer to our team. If you love history, and have a strong interest in animals, as well as a keen ability to organise – this may be the role for you!
What would I be doing as an Archive Volunteer?
As part of this role, you may be:
- Sorting through, organising and cataloguing archival materials
- Supporting to establish a digital archive system and image library for Bristol A.R.C.
- Scanning and uploading historic material to create digital copies, to ensure their safekeeping and easy access within a digital archive
- Repackaging and labeling documents, articles, photographs and records to ensure that original copies are arranged and stored well
- Developing archive handling procedures for users
- Assisting with the creation of indexes and catalogue descriptions to help users navigate collections
- Carrying out basic condition checks and reporting any preservation concerns
- Highlighting any items of special or topical interest to our Communications Team
- Potentially transcribing handwritten documents and assisting with data entry
- Adhering to confidentiality and data protection policies
Based at our animal rescue centre in central Bristol, this is a time-limited, project-based volunteer role. We anticipate that archiving will take approximately 6 months to 1 year in duration. We hope that our Archive Volunteer will stay with us for the life-cycle of the project, as we think this will allow the chance to get the best out of the experience.
How are the shifts arranged, and how often would I volunteer?
Shifts are typically weekly on the same day each week – either a Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Timing is morning or afternoon, with flexibility to suit the individual.
Who will I be volunteering with?
- Our friendly Communications Team will be the people you will volunteer alongside.
- You may well have contact with other volunteers and staff across your time volunteering.
What skills and attributes might I need for this role, ideally?
Experience, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved is always useful, and we would welcome hearing in particular about your:
- organisational skills and attention to detail
- interest in history, heritage or archiving
- ability to follow directions and carry out tasks independently when needed
- skills in managing records, data etc.
- level of confidence using computers
- knowledge about, or enthusiasm for animals and their welfare
- interest in the work of Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, and volunteering
What can I hope to get out of the experience?
- We will offer you training and guidance in your role. This will include general training and information, as well as about the specifics about volunteering in your role.
- We hope you will enjoy the chance to have a key part in developing our charity’s archive project
- The opportunity to learn more about Bristol A.R.C. and the history that has shaped it
- Ways to develop your analytical and archiving skills, learning more about animal welfare and handling historic documents
- Ongoing support from the Communications Team and a designated Volunteer Supervisor, as well as the Volunteer Coordinators
- We hope you will enjoy using your existing skills or gaining new ones, and getting to know the members of our team
- The chance to learn about animal rescue and the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of an animal welfare organisation
- Occasions to make new friends or connections through your volunteering
I haven’t had much experience. Can I still apply?
We welcome applications from anyone, and we would be happy to hear from you even if you do not have direct experience - we know that lots of skills are transferable.
To find out more about this role, and to complete an application form - please visit our webpage:
https://www.bristolarc.org.uk/volunteer-vacancies/archive-volunteer/
Thank you.