Digital Heritage Project Volunteer

Overview

Bradford Police Museum is recruiting volunteers to join the Digital Heritage Initiative (DHI) - a structured, project-based programme designed to develop practical skills in digital content creation, storytelling, and online engagement within a museum setting.

This role offers a hands-on opportunity to work on real digital outputs across the museum’s social media, website, and communications platforms. As a Digital Heritage Volunteer, you will contribute to projects such as short-form video creation, research-led writing, and visual content design, helping to bring the museum’s collections and stories to wider audiences.

The initiative is made up of clearly defined projects, each with set outputs and deadlines, allowing you to gain experience working to creative briefs and producing content for public audiences. You will have the opportunity to develop portfolio-ready work while gaining insight into how museums use digital platforms to engage audiences and build their identity.

This role is ideal for students or graduates interested in careers in museums, heritage, marketing, communications, or the creative industries. It is also well suited to those looking to build confidence in content creation, writing, or design within a supportive but structured environment.

Volunteers can take part in one project at a time, with flexibility to work remotely depending on the nature of the project. Guidance and feedback will be provided by the Museum Manager, ensuring that volunteers are supported while developing independence and professional skills.

Location

City Hall, Bradford BD1

Time Commitment

This is primarily a remote volunteer role at The Bradford Police Museum, however some projects would require a visit to the museum to capture video content. Each volunteer project would require around 10–15 hours per month, which can be done flexibly to suit the volunteer.

Role Description

The Digital Heritage Initiative is made up of four structured projects. Volunteers will typically take part in one project at a time, depending on their interests and skills.

Reel Histories – Short-Form Video

Create engaging short-form videos (e.g. Instagram Reels) that bring museum objects and stories to life. This project focuses on visual storytelling and audience engagement through dynamic, accessible content.

Past to Page – Research & Writing

Produce a monthly research-based article (approx. 400 words) for the museum’s website or newsletter. This project develops skills in historical research, writing, and communicating ideas to a public audience.

Heritage in Design – Visual Identity (Short-Term Project)

Contribute to the development of the museum’s social media visual identity, including templates and branding guidelines. Ideal for those interested in graphic design and visual communication.

Heritage in Action – Content Implementation

Use pre-designed templates to create and schedule regular social media content. This project focuses on consistency, workflow, and applying design within a real-world context.

Key Responsibilities

As a Digital Heritage Volunteer, you will contribute to the development and delivery of digital content that supports the museum’s online presence and audience engagement.

Main Duties:

Create digital content for the museum’s social media platforms, website, and communications
Contribute to one of the Digital Heritage Initiative projects (e.g. short-form video, research writing, or visual design)
Work to a clear project brief, producing content within agreed timelines and deadlines
Research and interpret stories from the museum’s collection for public audiences
Collaborate with the Museum Manager to review and refine content before publication
Ensure all content aligns with the museum’s tone, style, and brand guidelines

Objectives:

To support the growth and consistency of the museum’s digital presence
To engage new and existing audiences through creative and accessible content
To develop practical skills in digital content creation, storytelling, and communication
To gain experience working on structured, real-world projects within a heritage organisation
To contribute to a sustainable, volunteer-led digital programme

Person Specification

This programme is ideal for:

Students or graduates looking to build digital or creative experience
Individuals interested in museums, heritage, or storytelling
Aspiring content creators, writers, or designers
Anyone looking to develop practical digital skills in a real-world setting

No professional experience is required - just creativity, reliability, and a willingness to learn.

What You Will Gain

Practical experience delivering museum-based learning sessions
Skills in public engagement, facilitation, and communication
Insight into how museums design and deliver education programmes
Experience working with school groups in a heritage setting
Training and support from museum staff and volunteers

This role is particularly suited to those seeking a career in museums, education, or community engagement, as well as individuals with relevant experience looking to remain active in a flexible, meaningful role.

Useful Documents

Digital Heritage Initiative Volunteer Opportunties PDF

Project 1: Reel Histories Project Brief PDF

Project 2: Past to Page Project Brief PDF

Project 3: Heritage In Design Project Brief PDF

Project 4; Heritage in Action Project Brief PDF