Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of volunteering?
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and strengthen your CV. You can receive a certificate to demonstrate work carried out for Historic England to show future employers or further education. 

2. Who volunteers for Historic England?
We welcome people from all walks of life, no matter how much or how little time people are able to give us.  

3. How much time do I have to give?
The majority of our volunteering opportunities are for a few hours a week and continue on an ongoing basis, but we have a range of roles with different needs. Take a look at the different roles we have available in volunteer opportunities to see how much time each role normally involves and choose the one that suits you best.

4. I'm under 16, can I still volunteer?
The minimum age for volunteering at English Heritage is 16. There is no upper age limit to volunteering; a volunteer’s ability to complete a task or role will be assessed on an individual basis.  

5. Can I claim benefits while volunteering?
Yes. You are free to volunteer while you are receiving benefits as long as the work you do is unpaid, and you meet the rules of your benefit. You can find all the latest information about volunteering and benefits on the GOV.UK website.

6. I’m not a British national, can I volunteer in the UK?
There are no restrictions on people volunteering from the European Union. Volunteers from outside the EU (including refugees and asylum seekers) need to have an appropriate visa or confirmation that they are able to undertake work in this country.  

7. What skills and experience do I need?
The majority of our roles don’t require any specific skills or experience. The skills and qualities we are looking for are always specified in the role description. Current roles are listed in volunteer opportunities . If our volunteering roles require particular skills these will be clearly explained.

8. What training and support will I be given?
Your volunteer manager will help to prepare and support you to fulfil your role. All volunteers have a staff member who they can go to for help and support. Often there are also more experienced volunteers to offer advice to new members of the team. You will also be provided with a Volunteer Handbook which gives practical information to help you in your role.

9. Can I claim expenses?
Whilst as a volunteer you give your time for free, we do not expect you to be left out-of-pocket for any volunteering activity you carry out for Historic England. You are able to claim reasonable travel expenses.

10. Where can I volunteer?
We have volunteer opportunities at our head office in London as well as our regional offices and opportunities for people to volunteer from their own home.

11. Does Historic England offer work experience or internship opportunities?
We do offer work experience for students between 14 and 18 years old. These are advertised each September on the volunteering section of the website. We don’t offer any unpaid internships. Placements for students who are currently studying for a relevant qualification are occasionally available and are advertised along with volunteering opportunities.

12. How do I contact you?
You can contact us by email [email protected] or by phone on 0370 333 0607. We'll get back to you as soon as possible. Due to the high volume of enquiries this may take up to 10 working days. Unfortunately we cannot respond to speculative enquiries. Current roles are listed in volunteer opportunities.