Dear all,

Hoping that these 4 volunteer opportunities starting in April will be of interest.  

If you would like to apply, please email a CV to: [log in to unmask] by Monday 4th April, specifying whether you are interested in the remote or onsite positions. I will be very happy to answer any queries you may have.

1)	REMOTE VOLUNTEERS

Duration: April to June 2022 

3 positions available  

These positions will involve the cataloguing and transcription of some of the RHN’s most popular archives which have recently been digitised, including 12 extensive volumes of early admission case books and 2000 photographs relating to historical events and visits. This important work will ensure that information about former patients, staff, and visitors is more easily identifiable and retrievable by having each page or image catalogued through detailed descriptions and unique identification numbers. There will also be the opportunity to contribute to our blog and social media as volunteers will be encouraged to promote some of the fascinating material that they will come across.

Intermediate knowledge of Excel will be required for these positions and familiarity with an archive catalogue is desirable. Virtual training will be provided and regular guidance and support from the Archivist will be available via Zoom. 

These positions are particularly suited to individuals with an interest in archives and heritage management and/or the history of science and medicine. 

We are looking for volunteers to work a minimum of 4 hours per week for a 3 month period. Working hours are completely flexible.

2)	ONSITE VOLUNTEER

Duration: April to June 2022 

1 position available  

This position will also involve the cataloguing and transcription of our recently-digitised archives. As the volunteer will work onsite, there will be availability of staff and access to non-digitised material which will provide additional context for descriptions, particularly in relation to identifying our photographic collections. There will also be the opportunity to get involved with some of the project’s outreach work, including assisting with the outdoor and virtual exhibitions, helping out with tours of the building, undertaking research relating to internal and external enquiries, and contributing to our blog and social media.

Intermediate knowledge of Excel will be required for this position and familiarity with an archive catalogue is desirable. Knowledge of image editing software and/or design tools would be a bonus. 

The volunteer will be based in the Research Department which is situated in a hospital out-building, which has kitchen and toilet facilities and car parking. The Archivist and Project Assistant will be based in an adjacent room and will be available to provide training, guidance, and support at all times. 

This position is particularly suited to someone who is embarking on a career in archives and heritage management, who is interested in gaining experience in cataloguing and outreach work.

We are looking for the volunteer to work 1 day per week for a 3 month period. Working days should fall on either Tuesdays or Thursdays to fit in with the current working pattern of the Archivist.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

In July 2019, the RHN received a grant of £69,700 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a two-year heritage project to create a sustainable public engagement programme for the RHN’s new disability history archive. The grant began in December 2019 and the first year of the project focused on getting our archive collections in a suitable condition for public access with an extensive programme of repackaging, cataloguing and digitisation. Unfortunately, the project was severely impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, causing many activities to be cancelled and the project was extended to June 2022. Some of the project’s aims and activities have been re-designed as a result of the pandemic, to include an outdoor exhibition for display in the hospital garden for visiting patients, families, local communities, and the wider public, alongside an online exhibition for those who are not able to visit the hospital in person. The RHN Archive Service has decided to move some of the work on the project online to allow for more flexible working.

With best wishes,

Katherine Szentgyorgyi
Archivist

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Follow us online: www.rhn.org.uk | Facebook | Twitter

Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, West Hill, Putney, London SW15 3SW

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