Summary
We’re looking for someone with a love of history and an eye for detail, who’s friendly and open with people. This role is about looking after a historic house and its collections of precious objects, furniture and works of art. And it’s about presenting all of this to people visiting, and helping to make every person’s day memorable and enjoyable.
Salary: £15,502.5 pro rata
Hours: 22.5 hours per week. During the open season, you'll be working Thursday, Friday 08:30 - 16:30 and Sunday 09:30 - 17:30.
During the closed season (October - mid March), you'll be working Monday to Wednesday 08:30 - 16:30.
Bank Holiday and weekend working is required.
Provisional interview date: 19th May 2026
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
Shaw's Corner is a small Edwardian villa in the rural village of Ayot St Lawrence in Hertfordshire. The home of the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, Shaw's Corner is filled with the remnants of a vibrant and varied life, from unique works of art to the everyday ephemera of an author.
The house at Shaw's Corner is open Thursday - Sunday between the end of March and the end of September, welcoming around 10,000 visitors each year. During the winter period we are closed the public and that is when our big conservation cleans take place.
What you'll be doing
As a Collections Assistant, you’ll be working with a supportive housekeeping team in an inspiring historic setting. You’ll be helping with the day-to-day cleaning and care of the precious collections of objects, works of art, textiles and furniture that are part of the house’s history. You’ll be alert to details and changes, and will keep a keen eye on everything from the environmental conditions in a room to any signs of wear and tear. You’ll also be keeping accurate records. Providing support to our Collections and House volunteers when needed.
It's a role that’s all about people as well, so you’ll be talking to visitors about the work you’re doing and the collections you help to look after.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all 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. good hand-to-eye skills, and happy to work from ladders or scaffold towers
2. comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
3. focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
4. a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
5. well-organised and versatile
6. willing to learn new skills
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.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places