Rosie Barker

Why do you volunteer?

My most recent volunteering has been chosen as a way to create the change I’d like to see in the sector. I’m keen that we actively address some of the barriers to working in museums that people face, so I’ve volunteered as a mentor for Arts Emergency to support young people from backgrounds that are underrepresented in the workforce.

I was lucky to be able to volunteer when I was younger, and I love Arts Emergency’s aim to help make arts and culture more inclusive and to support those who might be less likely to work in the arts.

I also volunteer for GLAM Cares, a sector support network encouraging care for staff and practitioners in galleries, libraries, archives and museums. I want to encourage the sector to think more broadly about staff wellbeing in the work we do, so this helps me feel I’ve got a voice to make change.

What are the benefits of volunteering for you?

Volunteering has done wonders for me. I’ve gained confidence, met new people, had new experiences and challenged myself, while learning a huge amount along the way. Acting as a volunteer mentor gave me access to training which I’ve used to support staff, and I learnt a lot from my brilliant mentee about her perspective on the sector and her experiences, and through talking things through with her.

Through GLAM Cares I’ve had the chance to meet more people working in my field; gain experience in chairing sessions and organising a conference; learn about best practice, and use it to advocate for change where I work. Volunteering has helped me focus on what matters to me, and to feel I’m contributing to changing the sector for the better, even in a small way.

Volunteering myself has also made me a better advocate for our organisational volunteers. I’m really keen that we make sure there are mutual benefits, and that we understand why people volunteer and help give them opportunities, social connections, experiences, or whatever else they need.

What has made it possible for you?

I was very lucky to be able to volunteer in several places when I was a student, which gave me really valuable experiences and opportunities – it’s why I wanted to volunteer through Arts Emergency, because I know not everyone has the privilege to do that, so supporting others matters to me.

Volunteering with Arts Emergency was possible because it was a manageable commitment, and one that was arranged to suit both me and my mentee – we often met in the evenings and at weekends by choice. I’m also lucky enough to be able to work flexibly in my job, so thanks to the organisation I work for I can fit in meetings for GLAM Cares, and know I can make the time up as appropriate, which I’m grateful for.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of volunteering over and above a paid role?

Think really hard about why you want to volunteer – what you want to get out of it – and then make sure that what you get out is equal to, or more than, what you’re asked to put in.

I know a lot of people can’t afford to volunteer so it’s not a choice taken lightly. Make sure that the organisation you want to volunteer for recognises this too, and they’ll be flexible, supportive and offer something back. And remember that if your needs or situations change, or the role doesn’t work for you any more, find something different.

Is there anything you would like to add?

So many of us who work in museums began our careers, or gained skills, through volunteering – so I’d encourage anyone who’s now working to remember what it was like to volunteer and to ensure they offer something to those coming behind. Whether that’s offering programmed volunteering opportunities, formal or informal mentoring, or just being willing to give an hour of your time to chat to someone about what you do, it all helps.

Rosie is head of participation at Birmingham Museums Trust, you can email her at rosie.barker@birminghammuseums.org.uk or get in touch via X (formerly Twitter) or LinkedIn