Volunteer contributions help to keep the HIVE running- and we aim to provide a range of skills and experience in return. There are so many opportunities, so best to come and have a chat with us about this.

Volunteer With Us

Volunteering with THE HIVE is a two-way street. We aim to make sure our volunteers get as much out of the experience as the people and communities they help.  We are open to volunteers of all age groups and backgrounds, and believe everybody has something unique and important they can contribute.

Volunteering helps to develop new and existing skills, build up your CV, and get networking.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering with THE HIVE, please get in touch with us via sarah@usethehive.org.uk

Current Volunteer Opportunities - Autumn 2022

Position: Events Support

Hours: dependent on events and availability

About: We are always looking for general support across a variety of events.  This may include the funded Community Conversations project on Wednesdays, set-up for exhibitions and music events, and any of the other events we run.  This support could look like greeting guests and helping them sign in, support with AV equipment, or general housekeeping.

What skills do I need?: Interest in working with people and the public, any relevant AV equipment experience (optional)

Position: Funding Bidder

Hours: Flexible

About: Researching and writing bids for funding bodies to finance HIVE operations, from covering premises and staffing costs to financing independent creative projects.

What skills do I need?:  Good English literacy skills and some knowledge of IT.  Previous experience writing funding bids (optional)

Position: Diversity Officer (Equal Opportunities)

Hours: Flexible- preferably available Tuesdays for meetings

About: We are looking to recruit a dedicated voluntary Diversity Officer.  The Diversity Officer will ensure that the Hive Equality and Diversity Policy and procedures are followed by all managers and volunteers, as well as keeping these documents up-to-date and annually reviewed.  They will be in charge of facilitating training and discussion on equal opportunities and diversity issues at the Hive as appropriate.

Jo Castle (current volunteer)

“Volunteering at the HIVE has been an incredible way for me to broaden my horizons. The space has great energy- I meet new people every time I come in.”

This is a picture of volunteer Jo, working on a large painting in the downstairs area of the Hive.

HIVE Community Board

As part of our ongoing mission to serve the Ipswich community, we want to keep contribution as open and transparent as possible. We want to create a space that caters to diverse needs and gives a platform to local talent.

The HIVE Community Board is a project in the pipeline that aims to take this further. For Autumn/Winter 2022, we aim to set up regular forum-style meetings for community members to come along, voice ideas and get involved in the HIVE’s work.

Details of meeting events will be posted on our socials and on the ‘What’s on’ page.