Do you have a few hours to spare? Are you retired and looking to keep busy? Would you like to learn new skills? Are you a parent with time to spare whilst the children are at school? If so, then the Arkwright Society has a volunteering opportunity to suit you.
Join the volunteer team at Cromford Mills and play a vital role in preserving and sharing the story of the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill.
Whether you’re greeting visitors, sharing the fascinating history of our UNESCO World Heritage Site or helping care for the beautiful estate, you’ll become part of a friendly volunteer community making a genuine difference.
You don’t need previous experience- just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. We’ll provide the training, support and encouragement you need to feel confident in your role. Our volunteering roles are flexible, and you can give as much time or little time as you are able to give.
“Volunteering not only gives you experience for your CV, but it gives you a chance to develop skills, gain firsthand experience and help charities stay alive.”
-Will, Marketing Volunteer
Ready to get involved?
If you’d like to be part of our story, we’d love to hear from you. Browse our current volunteer opportunities or contact our Volunteer Coordinator to find out more about joining the team.
Contact: volunteering@arkwrightsociety.org.uk
Download application form here.
The Arkwright Experience Tour Guide Volunteer helps visitors discover the story of Sir Richard Arkwright, Cromford Mills, and the Industrial Revolution through the Arkwright Experience immersive short film.
Our Attic volunteers help generate vital income that supports the preservation of Cromford Mills, ensuring this internationally significant heritage site can continue to inspire visitors, deliver community programmes, and safeguard its unique history for future generations.
Our historical character volunteers play a vital role in preserving and sharing the story of the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill. You will wear period costume and play researched and prepared roles such as mill workers, craftsmen, and the mill manager to engage our visitors with the lives of the people from the past.
Events Support volunteers are key to welcoming visitors and delivering successful events at Cromford Mills. From weekend markets, outdoor theatre, family fun activities to evening talks, if you enjoy interacting with the public, then this role is for you.
As a Learning Volunteer you will play a key role in the delivery of activities and help bring the 18th century to life. You will work with the Learning Team to help children and families learn, have fun, and engage with the history of Cromford Mills, guiding them through workshops, activities or tours.
Cromford Mills is a historic site and visitor destination with a vibrant programme of events, activities, heritage projects, and community engagement. The Social Media Volunteer will help promote the work of Cromford Mills by creating engaging digital content, increasing awareness of events and activities, and supporting online engagement with visitors, volunteers, and the wider community.
Join the volunteer team at Cromford Mills and play a vital role in preserving and sharing the story of the world’s first successful water-powered cotton spinning mill. As a Volunteer Tour Guide, you will inspire visitors, bring history to life through storytelling, and help people understand the lasting impact of Cromford Mills on the Industrial Revolution and the modern world.
Every year, thousands of people visit Cromford Mills to discover the birthplace of the modern factory system and explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a Visitor Welcome Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in shaping their experience from the moment they arrive.
Are you looking for a great team building activity and a way to give back to the community?
Corporate volunteering days with the Arkwright Society offer the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors whilst doing something super constructive that also benefits our local charity.
Over the years we have welcomed many teams of volunteers from a variety of organisations, including Severn Trent Water, Rolls Royce and Allianz who have made a real difference to our site. This work really makes a difference to the long-term conservation of Cromford Mills and the surrounding area – benefiting the local community and wildlife.
Activities available are determined by our wider estate management plan. They are usually all outdoors and vary throughout the year. We have worked with groups of all sizes and do our best to find a task that is suitable to the size and skills of your group. You can also book refreshments from our cafes as part of your day. If you are interested in finding out more then please email volunteering@arkwrightsociety.org.uk.