Programme

In summer 2025, Our Past, Our Future worked in partnership with Make Your Mark and Volunteer Scotland to conduct new research into heritage volunteering. This session shares key findings and lessons learned. Speakers will discuss ways to improve accessibility, inclusion, and impact measurement.

Comfort and screen break; time to travel to the first workshop session.

This workshop explores Home-Start UK’s Community of Volunteering model, built on five guiding principles: volunteer-informed practice, inclusion, equity & accessibility, boldness and celebrating volunteers. Using Design Thinking, participants will engage hands-on to explore one principle, develop practical actions and create a tailored action plan. Attendees will leave with tools and frameworks to design meaningful, sustainable volunteer experiences across their own organisations.

This one-to-one surgery offers participants the opportunity to meet with an experienced Investing in Volunteers assessor to explore the UK quality standard for volunteer management. The surgery will introduce the standard and a structured self-assessment tool, which will highlight the strengths and development priorities for their volunteer programme. A follow-up session will be offered as part of the surgery.

Screen break; time to travel back to Education Centre lecture theatre.

Discover what helps volunteers feel valued, included, and motivated to stay engaged. This panel brings together volunteers from Make Your Mark member organisations to share real experiences of recognition, belonging, and navigating challenges. Gain insights on creating supportive, accessible and sustainable volunteer environments that honour every voice.

Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Arts & Museum Service began a 2021 project transforming Dumfries Museum’s historic main hall with young people. This session explores creating sustainable, youth-led volunteering that fosters ownership and impact, sharing practical tips for getting started, maintaining engagement and choosing activities. It highlights successes, reflects on challenges, and offers insights for developing meaningful, long-term volunteer opportunities that empower young people and enrich the museum experience.

Villiers Revealed (2025) at Melton Carnegie Museum, co-curated with communities and volunteers, celebrated hidden LGBTQ+ histories. This session explores how inclusive volunteering and meaningful collaboration can drive social impact, reflecting on the emotional and ethical responsibilities of volunteer leaders. Using this case study, participants will gain insights into shaping volunteer programmes that empower communities, foster inclusion and enable volunteers to act as catalysts for a more equitable and representative heritage sector.

The re-opening of Young V&A in 2023 prompted a complete redesign of its volunteering programme, putting volunteer experience at the centre. This workshop uses the Young V&A model and interactive activities to explore dynamic, mutually beneficial opportunities. Participants will reflect on volunteer experiences across the heritage sector, discuss redesign principles and develop action plans to foster a more inclusive and empowering volunteer culture.