Become a Volunteer

Introduction

 

There are several thousand Grade II listed buildings in Derbyshire.

With an innovative approach, and the power of volunteers, we plan to complete a condition survey of each and every one.

Our aim is to use a digital application (app) to identify which buildings are most at-risk, as this will enable us and our stakeholders to focus support and investment towards the most vulnerable buildings. It is also an excellent opportunity to get out and about, actively engaging with your local area and heritage.

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​How you can help

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The Buildings at Risk project provides a uniquely flexible volunteering opportunity.

No prior knowledge or experience of historic buildings is required – just an inquisitive nature and enthusiasm to explore!

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There is a 30-minute training module to complete before joining the project to ensure that every volunteer, whether novice or enthusiast, has a consistent approach to their building condition surveys. It is then up to you whether you dip-in while waiting for a bus, or structure a full day of exploring with friends. This project is an opportunity for us to build a community of volunteers; people like you who are interested in the historic landscape of Derbyshire and passionate about preserving this for future generations.

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There are so many buildings to survey, we are looking for as many volunteers as possible. Whether you only survey one building or one hundred, all contributions are important. Each survey takes around 5 minutes, so you’ll be able to fit them around your day – whenever and wherever you like; there are historic buildings everywhere!

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You can sign up to become a volunteer in 3 easy steps.  

 

Follow the steps to get started with Mergin Maps (the app that hosts our Buildings at Risk project), complete your online training module and registration then we can add you straight to the live project! It takes around 30 minutes to sign up.

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All our volunteers are immensely important to us and make this project achievable.

 

This exciting new initiative has been made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Players.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​The Three Simple Steps to Becoming a

Buildings at Risk Volunteer

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1. Sign up for the Mergin Maps app. 

   • Click here for a video on how to download the Mergin Maps app and create an account.       

   • Click here for a video about how to accept the DHBT Workspace invitation in Mergin Maps.

2. Complete our volunteer training module. Get started with your online training here.

3. Once your training is completed send us an email: volunteers@derbyshirehistoricbuildingstrust.org.uk

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Please include the email address you used to sign up for Mergin Maps, your Mergin Maps username and your full name in your email.​​​

 

​​​​​Volunteer Handbook Documents

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These documents are designed to help you with every aspect of volunteering.

 

They form the ‘Volunteer Handbook’.

 

Please refer back to them as often as you need when volunteering. You may want to download these to your device or print them to take out with you.

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These volunteer materials have been adapted with the kind permission of Historic England and West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust from Historic England’s (2015) Volunteer Guide (C) HEAGO61. Any reproduction of the original work requires Historic England’s prior written permission and any reproduction of this adaptation of that work requires the express written permission of both Historic England and West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust. All Rights Reserved. Historic England does not accept liability for loss or damage arising from the use of the information contained in this work. www.HistoricEngland.org.uk​​​