Description
Wessex Community Assets is looking to appoint a Heritage Research Facilitator who will play a key role in the delivery of the National Heritage Lottery funded Flax Forward Project. The freelance contract will be offered by Wessex Community Assets and managed in partnership with Bridport Museum.
Wessex Community Assets are seeking a suitable person to work part-time (24 days ) on a freelance contract basis for a maximum of 9 months. A budget of £6000 has been allocated based on £250 per day. The postholder is expected to engage with a wide range of communities across the Bridport area, to recruit and train volunteers in the collection and recording of heritage data and information. Up to 15 community volunteers will be recruited and supported to research the flax heritage of the Bridport area. Monthly sharing meetings will culminate in multi venue exhibitions late in 2026 and into 2027. The heritage focus is the Flax and Hemp heritage of the Bridport area over the last 1000 years. All data collected will need to be deposited in the Bridport Museum archive and available to be shared with the public. The 'Flax Forward' project is made possible with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We have been able to fund this role thanks to National Lottery players.
Principal duties and responsibilities The following duties are not an exhaustive list but are an indication of the responsibilities of the post-holder: Develop and implement a programme of training opportunities to support heritage volunteers and ensure that they are engaged in high quality work producing valuable heritage material. Encourage and enthuse a wide range of people to get involved with the Flax Forward Project through varied communication channels. Organise monthly meetings of the Heritage Volunteers to provide opportunities for sharing findings, problem solving and development joined up heritage activity. Organise monthly public sharing events to ensure that emerging learning is widely available and that new people can join and engage in the project as it develops. Location: Bridport area. The role is home-based.
Liaise with local history groups and local archives to engage them with the project and the unique opportunity this offers to build and consolidate heritage data about the flax and hemp industry in the area. Liaise with project partners to ensure an effective programme of community/volunteer training is developed and delivered and that material is available for exhibitions. Ensure that all heritage activity is carried out adhering to Health & Safety procedures. Ensure volunteers and learners receive valuable experience and training plus enjoyment and a sense of achievement. Keep records of work undertaken and numbers of people involved. Measure and record outcomes and help collate other evaluation information as required by the Project Manager. Contribute output to the end of Project Exhibition.
To apply please provide a CV and covering letter explaining you suitability for the role and why you are applying for this part time contract.
Send covering letter and CV to [email protected] by noon Monday 30th March 2026.
Interviews for candidates will be held in the week beginning April 6th 2026.