The Auckland Project
At the heart of our sites is Auckland Palace, the home of the Prince Bishops of Durham and the historic seat of faith and power in the North of England. The experience across our sites is deeply linked to those two themes and are repeated throughout the Palace and its gardens, the Faith Museum and the Mining Art and Spanish Galleries. The collection of our venues, spaces and places invites conversations about belonging, faith, loss, sacrifice, community, love and creativity. We would like our visitors to explore and to discover things about our town, our country and their own lives. We want to create encounters – and need your help to do so.
The role purpose
As Learning Officer, you will be responsible for planning formal and informal learning for the department working closely within the team. Key responsibilities are listed below:
· Support the Learning and Skills Manager in the further development of the department.
· Work closely with school core heads in planning and designing curriculum by area to suit their needs.
· Show round prospective new clients and help shape the vision to match their expectations.
· Coordinate learner evaluations to reflect on best practice and areas for improvement, and action where required.
· Assist in coordination of facilitating and managing groups within TAP attractions.
· Shape the standard offer delivery for secondary schools, coordinating bookings, invoicing and workshop preparation.
· Create resources for secondary school groups as and when required.
· Assist in the recruitment of new education volunteers from Universities.
· Oversee bookings and invoicing for schools alongside Learning and Skills Manager and team.
· Facilitate teacher led visits, and deliver TAP led sessions if required.
· Help create resources for teachers and coordinate any future development by school
· Work with Learning and Skills Manager in coordinating work placement offer to include internal liaison with departments.
· Assist where required in evaluation and reporting of externally funded projects
· Assist Learning and Skills Manager in designing a regular Newsletter for the department.
· Produce an inspiring and thought-provoking formal Learning programme for KS3 and 4.
· Outline clear criteria and targets for future KPIs and evaluate programmes for schools.
Internal and External Relationships
· Working collaboratively with colleagues across departments to achieve TAP's organisational objectives
· Maintain excellent relationships with the large team of volunteers and colleagues
Health & Safety
Be committed to good health and safety and access practice, ensuring familiarity and compliance with TAP policies, procedures and guidelines and the health and safety of visitors, staff, volunteers and contractors at all times.
Person Specification
Essential:
· A relevant level 3 qualification
· GCSE Level 5 or above Literacy and Numeracy
· An Enhanced DBS check (or willing to undertake)
· Sound knowledge of the National Curriculum, particularly KS3 4 History, RE and Art.
· Proven experience of working with schools and community groups and establishing networks.
· Ability to work as part of a team
· Knowledge of local communities and heritage in Durham and the North East
· Interest in history, religion and contemporary society.
· Excellent communication skills and ability to listen sympathetically and speak engagingly to a wide range of people and age groups.
· Good technical knowledge and ability to use video-conferencing, Powerpoint, etc.
· Attention to detail and accuracy
· Ability to follow procedures and instructions
· Good communication
· Organised
· Be professional and hard working with an enthusiastic approach to learning
· Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional integrity at all times
· A positive team player
· Highly motivated and flexible
Desirable:
· Undergraduate degree in History or similar subject.
· Postgraduate qualification in Museum Studies, Heritage Management or Education.
· Practical work experience in a museum, gallery or heritage site
· Knowledge of collections care standards for museums
· Knowledge of world religions and/or art history
· Experience of training and managing volunteers
The Auckland Project focus
The Auckland Project works hard to create a positive change for those living, working and visiting Bishop Auckland. We have created a visitor destination in Bishop Auckland, incorporating Auckland Castle (once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham), a Spanish Art Gallery, Faith Museum, Walled Garden, Deer Park, Mining Art Gallery, Auckland Tower visitor centre and Weardale Railway.
Our visitor destination and community development programme broadly fits into three areas:
* The social environment: we help individuals and communities by creating a sense of curiosity, hope and faith in themselves and the world around them. We provide opportunities for skills development and partnerships, building a year-round tourist market and supporting small creative industries to thrive
* The natural environment: we protect, sustain and enhance the world around us
* The built environment: we restore and enhance the beauty and historic significance of the buildings, structures and assets in our care.
By working with us, you are helping to ensure the town's future is as magnificent and vibrant as its past.
How to Apply
Apply for this role by downloading and completing an application form from and emailing this to
Closing date: 8th October 2025 at 12 noon
We are unable to accept CVs as application. We only accept a completed application form which can be found at
If we receive a high volume of applications, we reserve the right to close the application process early.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £19,926.53-£38,282.06 per year
Expected hours: 22.5 per week
Benefits:
* Free parking
Work Location: In person