Volunteering at the Royal

The Royal benefits immensely from the time and expertise that volunteers bring. Whether it’s a few hours on a small project to ongoing assistance, there will be something for everyone.

Members can download our Members Volunteering Form or contact the general manager.

Current volunteering opportunities are listed below. If you have a project in mind, and it is not listed below, please contact the relevant department about ways of working.

Please note, some of the projects may be restricted to philatelists or members of the Society, due to subject specialisms

Expert Committee

All Expert Committee roles require attendance on either a Tuesday or Thursday each week to complement our existing volunteer team. Full training and guidance on expert procedures will be provided. Volunteers will join a collaborative team where responsibilities are shared and everyone contributes to the expertisation process.

1. Certificate Writer

A person with neat handwriting to complete certificates in our standard format using the philatelic details provided by the Expert Committee.

2. Worksheet Preparation Assistant

A person to prepare worksheets for the Expert Committee when assessing submissions. General philatelic knowledge and familiarity with Stanley Gibbons catalogues are required.

3. Expert Room IT Support

A person with good IT skills to assist with VSC and PV equipment in the Expert Room.

4. Image Processing Assistant

A person to crop and save individual stamp images in PNG format from original album page photographs. This work can largely be undertaken from home; however, visits to the RPSL premises will be required to download the original images and later upload the completed files to the Experts Database.

Commitment:
All Expert Committee roles require attendance on either a Tuesday or Thursday each week to complement our existing volunteer team. Full training and guidance on expert procedures will be provided. Volunteers will join a collaborative team where responsibilities are shared and everyone contributes to the expertisation process.

Philatelic Collections

We are looking for volunteers to assist with:

Postal Stationery

Exhibition Labels

Volunteers with expertise in either area who can attend the RPSL premises, ideally on Mondays, would be particularly welcome.

Welcome Hosts on RPSL Meeting Days

Volunteering as a Welcome Host (previously known as “Meet and Greet”) is a simple and rewarding way to become involved in Society activities.

Welcome Hosts volunteer during Thursday meetings and events, typically between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, for periods of 30 minutes or longer, ideally one hour.

This is an excellent opportunity to meet fellow members and become more involved in Society life. Our current team of regular volunteers greatly enjoys this friendly and sociable role. Volunteers support David Taylor, RPSL Steward, during busy Thursday meeting days when members and visitors are frequently arriving and departing.

Responsibilities include:

  • Opening the entrance door using the release system.
  • Greeting visitors and members.
  • Ensuring visitors sign in and receive a name badge.
  • Providing a friendly welcome to first-time visitors and members attending Abchurch Lane.
  • Following basic safety procedures, which will be explained by David Taylor.

Experienced Welcome Hosts are usually present and available to assist new volunteers.

Digital Technology (Various Roles)

1. AV Desk Support

Set up and monitor the live streaming of meetings and events to YouTube. While a basic workflow is currently in place, there is significant scope for further automation and development.

2. Zoom Meeting Assistant

Assist with the hosting and management of online meetings. Volunteers familiar with Zoom are particularly encouraged to apply. This role may also develop into supporting publicity and promotion of online meetings.

3. Website Content Assistants

Assisting with the content and development of the website. As we improve event planning and reporting there are multiple opportunities to help.

These roles are ideal for individuals with an interest in technology. Some positions may be carried out remotely, while others will require attendance at meetings and events.

RPSL Stand at National and International Exhibitions

Exhibition Stand Volunteers

Assist in promoting the Society at national and international exhibitions.

Any time that volunteers can contribute is greatly appreciated and helps support the exhibition rota.

Volunteers help to:

  • Raise awareness of the RPSL.
  • Encourage new memberships.
  • Support the sale of publications and merchandise.
  • Respond to enquiries from existing and prospective members.

We look forward to hearing from members who would like to contribute their skills, experience, and enthusiasm to support the work of the Society.

Interested in a University placement?

University students on a museum/library/archives course who wish to base their university placement at the RPSL should contact Nicola Davies, Head of Collections: daviesn@rpsl.org.uk.

Current onsite volunteering opportunities

If you are interested in any of the volunteering opportunites below then please contact us at volunteering@rpsl.org.uk.

Collections Volunteers (Library, Archives & Museum)

You will assist the Collections’ staff with the ongoing care and conservation of the library, archive and museum collections.  There are opportunities to get involved with various projects across the collections or to develop skills in a particular area. Please contact Nicola Davies at daviesn@rpsl.org.uk for further information.