Summary
As the public face of Allan Bank and Townend, you’ll provide a warm, friendly welcome, give information about the property, answer questions and make sure everyone has an enjoyable and memorable visit.
Salary: £12.75 p/h - we’re currently undertaking our pay review process and it is likely that this salary will be increased from 1st April 2026.
Contract: This is a permanent annualised contract
Hours/working pattern: Two roles available between 7.5 and 22.5 hours p/w. Must be able to work 1 weekend day a week and more hours during our peak season (school holidays). Most hours being worked during our open period between March and December.
This role is based on annualised hours, where the amount of hours you work each month may vary, however your salary will be paid in 12 equal instalments over the year.
For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here
Do you love meeting people, sharing stories, and helping visitors have a memorable day? Join our friendly Welcome & Service Team at Allan Bank and Townend. This permanent part time role is an exciting opportunity to work between two National Trust properties in the heart of the Lake District.
Allan Bank is situated in Grasmere and has been the home of William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley. It is a fine example of one of the first villas in the area and stands in beautiful Victorian 'pleasure grounds', with a stunning woodland walk and a backdrop of Grasmere Lake and fells. It is a place visitors can walk, relax and possibly spot a Red Squirrel, with changing exhibitions meaning there is always something new to see.
Townend is situated in the picturesque village of Troutbeck, near Windermere. It is a farmhouse that has been in the Browne family for over twelve generations and much of the woodwork has been carved by the Victorian George Browne. Townend has a library of over 1500 books, some of which are not found in any other collection. They cover a wide range of subjects, as well as a special collection of ‘chap’ books.
Your role is to make sure our visitors have the best day they can. Great visitor experiences are in our nature, and we believe everyone should feel welcomed, appreciated and more engaged because of the excellent service you provide. This role would suit anyone with enthusiasm for delivering great customer service.
What you'll be doing
As a Welcome & Service Team Member, reporting to a Welcome Manager, you'll be the friendly face that greets our visitors and helps them make the most of their visit. Your role involves welcoming visitors warmly and providing excellent customer service, answering queries, and listening carefully so you can share helpful information.
You'll also process admissions and promote the benefits of National Trust Membership in line with our Growing Support targets. In addition, you'll be working alongside our volunteers, while ensuring the property is always well presented, with cleaning tasks needing completing throughout the day.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you're:
1. customer focused with an understanding of the importance of great service
2. a team player, but also can work on your own initiative
3. well organised and adaptable
4. willing to learn new skills
5. have a positive attitude
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
6. Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
7. Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
8. Rental deposit loan scheme
9. Season ticket loan
10. EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
11. Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
12. Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
13. Flexible working whenever possible
14. Employee assistance programme
15. Free parking at most Trust places