Volunteering

The vast majority of our visitors do not realise how important the Volunteer Team here at Slough Fort is. Our Volunteer Team work tirelessly alongside our Trustee Team to take on the painstaking process of restoring the Slough Fort site to its former glory, no matter what form that may take.

Our Volunteers take on a vast array of jobs, from limewashing and painting, to grass cutting and digging, to leading tours and making bacon sandwiches. 

Our Volunteer Team are the lifeblood of Slough Fort, and without their unwaivering support neither the Slough Fort Preservation Trust or the Slough Fort site itself would be where they are today.

If you would like to know more about what it’s like to be a part of our Volunteer Team here at Slough Fort, please read through our Volunteer Q&A below. Alternatively, if you have any questions or would like to join our Volunteer Team, please use the contact form at the bottom of the page to get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator. 

COVID-19 and Volunteering at Slough Fort

Here at Slough Fort, one of our main objectives is the restoration of the Fort site. However, more important than that is the health and wellbeing of all of our Volunteer and Trustee Teams, as well as our visiting guests. As such, we are carefully adjusting our contingencies to ensure that we are as up to date with the most relevant UK Government guidance to allow us to continue operating whilst also safeguarding all our Volunteers and Trustees. All volunteers are provided with their own PPE box, containing their own gloves, safety glasses, etc. We ask our volunteers to social distance whilst working at the Fort and not to attend if they are feeling unwell or have been in contact with anyone suffering from Covid-19. We also serve refreshments on an individual basis. We encourage all volunteers to wash their hands regularly, use the hand sanitiser and wear face coverings when in indoor spaces.

Volunteering at Slough Fort – Q&A

Q: How do I become a Volunteer?

A: For all enquiries regarding and applications for our Volunteer Team, please use the Contact Form at the bottom of the page to get in touch with our Volunteer Coordinator.

Q: Is volunteering at Slough Fort worth my time?

A: We believe so, yes! Not only will you be able to meet new people and learn new skills, but you will also be able to gain a sense of achievement over the weeks and months. We hope to have you working alongside us as more and more is achieved across the Slough Fort site. As well as this, Slough Fort is a part of the Time Credits scheme, where ‘vouchers’ can be earnt for time spent volunteering that can be spent elsewhere (please see the Time Credits website for an up to date list of places these can be used).

Q: What Volunteering Roles are there available?

A: At Slough Fort there is such an array of jobs that need to be completed, there is surely something for you! Jobs include leading Site Tours, Grounds Maintenance, painting, digging, fence building, computer-based work surrounding Grant Applications – and so much more. 

Q: I don’t have any historical knowledge, can i still volunteer?

A: Of course! At Slough Fort we pride ourselves on having a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, welcoming individuals of all knowledge levels to come along and help out. All our Volunteer Team and Trustee Team are learning more and more about Slough Fort with every passing day as our restoration work presses ever onward, and there are countless opportunities to learn more about the history of Slough Fort and the vital role it played throughout history.

Q: How much of my time do I need to spend Volunteering?

A: While there is no minimum requirement for how much time you would spend volunteering with us here at Slough Fort, we usually meet for 1 Work Days every month (for more information on these, please visit our Work Days page). These days start at about 9am, and finish at varying times due to the workload for the day and the weather – although there is no requirement to stay all day. Additionally, we have 2/3 Open Days across the year, as well as regular fundraising events, that we ask our Volunteer Team to support us with running. 

Q: What happens when I apply to Volunteer?

A: Once you have been in contact with our Volunteer Coordinator, there will be some paperwork to complete, as well as a site safety induction and a chance to meet the Trustees on your very first Work Day. After this, we keep our Volunteer Team up to date as often as we can with any important information or dates via email. 

Q: Do I have to wear a Uniform when I volunteer at Slough Fort?

A: No, there is no set dress code when volunteering at Slough Fort. Usually, our Volunteer Team are asked to come along in suitable clothing and stout footwear (often walking boots or safety boots). Any PPE required during the day is provided by the Slough Fort Preservation Trust. We do have a number of items of uniform available for our Volunteer Team – such as personalised Slough Fort Preservation Trust Hi-Vis Vests, polo shirts, hats and fleeces in the Slough Fort colour of Royal Blue.

Q: Are my travel expenses to and from Slough Fort covered?

A: No, unfortunately getting to and from the Slough Fort site must be carried out at the individual’s expense.