Tour Guide
Application Deadline:
30 December 2024 Department:
Visitor Experience Employment Type:
Zero Hours Location:
London Reporting To:
Visitor Experience Manager/Assistant Visitor Experience Manager Compensation:
£13.60 / hour
Description
We are recruiting a small team of tour guides to help deliver our Historical Highlights tours at Somerset House, currently focused on the history of our site, with more tours planned in the future. Our tour guides will welcome visitors and deliver tours to the public in an entertaining, informative and engaging way, whilst ensuring a safe and secure visit to Somerset House.
As a tour guide, you should be a natural public speaker and storyteller, with the ability to learn a script or story whilst bringing energy and enthusiasm to the subject matter.
The tours will last for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour so you will need to be able to hold an audience’s attention throughout the tour. A passion for sharing knowledge is key; you will be required to retain the knowledge to field questions and invite engagement from the audience.
We have 5 mandatory training dates which you will be required to attend:
January 27th, (10:30-16:30) February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, (10:30 – 16:30) March 3rd, (10:30 – 16:30) Interviews will be held for shortlisted candidates on 8th and 9th January, 2025. Key Responsibilities
Ensure consistently high standards of visitor engagement, providing a friendly welcome and responsive visitor experience. Deliver our tours to the public in an entertaining, informative and engaging way. Ensure tours start on time and keep to required timeframe. Deliver tours to commercial events clients’ groups, sponsors or funders as required. Learn and memorise the required script or story, ensuring key points in history or relevant subject matter are consistently shared. Continue to develop knowledge of Somerset House, its history and programme to make recommendations for additions or adaptations to the tour. Adapt tours as required when some locations or stops are not accessible. Use provided technology to check tickets and scan entry, or direct visitors to purchase tickets via the website. Check routes in advance of tours and liaise with internal partners to maintain safety. Be responsible for the health and safety of the tour groups, reporting any incidents or near misses. Keep up to date with Somerset House emergency procedures and play an active part in evacuation if required. Work with volunteers to lead the tours safely around site to meet all the tour stops. Actively assist visitors with access requirements and promote an inclusive environment. Share your knowledge and enthusiasm about Somerset House and its programme with our visitors, including promotion of forthcoming events or exhibitions and the onsite catering and retail opportunities. Deal with customer complaints and feedback confidently and calmly, sharing recommendations to the visitor experience management team for improvement. Undertake any other duties and responsibilities as required in line with the obligations of the role. Physically able to walk and stand for long periods.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Experience :
Of delivering public tours or activity involving public engagement, ideally in a historic or cultural setting. Working to a set script or format, making adaptations and suggesting improvements where appropriate. Public speaking, with demonstrable ability to command an audience. Confident to talk about Colonial Histories from different perspectives with sensitivity and care. Customer service experience, including handling feedback and complaints. Ensuring Health and Safety procedures are followed. Skills :
Excellent English language and presentation skills. Ability to share knowledge in an engaging and enthusiastic way. Be a great storyteller. Ability to work independently with excellent timekeeping skills. Excellent customer service skills. A commitment and passion for ensuring an outstanding visitor experience to a diverse audience. Fluency in other languages (desirable).
Benefits
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed Pension
5% employer 3% employee pension contributions *as long as criteria is met Discounts, offers and free stuff!
The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites Discount to local leisure centres Somerset House is a London Living wage employer #J-18808-Ljbffr
Application Deadline:
30 December 2024 Department:
Visitor Experience Employment Type:
Zero Hours Location:
London Reporting To:
Visitor Experience Manager/Assistant Visitor Experience Manager Compensation:
£13.60 / hour
Description
We are recruiting a small team of tour guides to help deliver our Historical Highlights tours at Somerset House, currently focused on the history of our site, with more tours planned in the future. Our tour guides will welcome visitors and deliver tours to the public in an entertaining, informative and engaging way, whilst ensuring a safe and secure visit to Somerset House.
As a tour guide, you should be a natural public speaker and storyteller, with the ability to learn a script or story whilst bringing energy and enthusiasm to the subject matter.
The tours will last for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour so you will need to be able to hold an audience’s attention throughout the tour. A passion for sharing knowledge is key; you will be required to retain the knowledge to field questions and invite engagement from the audience.
We have 5 mandatory training dates which you will be required to attend:
January 27th, (10:30-16:30) February 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, (10:30 – 16:30) March 3rd, (10:30 – 16:30) Interviews will be held for shortlisted candidates on 8th and 9th January, 2025. Key Responsibilities
Ensure consistently high standards of visitor engagement, providing a friendly welcome and responsive visitor experience. Deliver our tours to the public in an entertaining, informative and engaging way. Ensure tours start on time and keep to required timeframe. Deliver tours to commercial events clients’ groups, sponsors or funders as required. Learn and memorise the required script or story, ensuring key points in history or relevant subject matter are consistently shared. Continue to develop knowledge of Somerset House, its history and programme to make recommendations for additions or adaptations to the tour. Adapt tours as required when some locations or stops are not accessible. Use provided technology to check tickets and scan entry, or direct visitors to purchase tickets via the website. Check routes in advance of tours and liaise with internal partners to maintain safety. Be responsible for the health and safety of the tour groups, reporting any incidents or near misses. Keep up to date with Somerset House emergency procedures and play an active part in evacuation if required. Work with volunteers to lead the tours safely around site to meet all the tour stops. Actively assist visitors with access requirements and promote an inclusive environment. Share your knowledge and enthusiasm about Somerset House and its programme with our visitors, including promotion of forthcoming events or exhibitions and the onsite catering and retail opportunities. Deal with customer complaints and feedback confidently and calmly, sharing recommendations to the visitor experience management team for improvement. Undertake any other duties and responsibilities as required in line with the obligations of the role. Physically able to walk and stand for long periods.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Experience :
Of delivering public tours or activity involving public engagement, ideally in a historic or cultural setting. Working to a set script or format, making adaptations and suggesting improvements where appropriate. Public speaking, with demonstrable ability to command an audience. Confident to talk about Colonial Histories from different perspectives with sensitivity and care. Customer service experience, including handling feedback and complaints. Ensuring Health and Safety procedures are followed. Skills :
Excellent English language and presentation skills. Ability to share knowledge in an engaging and enthusiastic way. Be a great storyteller. Ability to work independently with excellent timekeeping skills. Excellent customer service skills. A commitment and passion for ensuring an outstanding visitor experience to a diverse audience. Fluency in other languages (desirable).
Benefits
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed Pension
5% employer 3% employee pension contributions *as long as criteria is met Discounts, offers and free stuff!
The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites Discount to local leisure centres Somerset House is a London Living wage employer #J-18808-Ljbffr
