Oral History Project Volunteer (Oral History Project Volunteer)
Volunteering at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
The Royal Hospital Chelsea (RHC) is a historic institution providing sheltered accommodation and care for almost 300 retired soldiers, known as the Chelsea Pensioners. The Royal Hospital ensures that Army veterans are provided with the support and comradeship they need in recognition of their service to the Nation and safeguards their historic home for the veterans of tomorrow.
This is an exciting time to join our new corps of heritage volunteers as the Royal Hospital restores the Soane Stables and opens a Visitor Centre with new displays telling the history of the Royal Hospital and Chelsea Pensioners. This project has been part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and includes the development and delivery of heritage activities, tours, events and workshops for Pensioners, local residents, veterans, and tourists.
The role and its purpose
We are seeking volunteers to take part in an oral history project to record the life stories of some of the Chelsea Pensioners currently living at the Royal Hospital Chelsea who experienced the Second World War, Korean War and subsequent conflicts. Further details of the projects are below.
This is an opportunity for volunteers to support us with the recording of at least 25 oral histories before December 2025. Ideally, candidates will have a military background or interest in military history, although it is not compulsory.
About the Oral history project
This project aims to capture the stories of older veterans in the RHC community. The interviews collected will be deposited into the National Army Museum’s collection to enrich the historical record, supporting researchers now and in the future to understand the experience of Army veterans who become Chelsea Pensioners.
Volunteers will attend training delivered by the Oral History Society to learn how to capture oral histories effectively and ethically, before meeting and undertaking interviews with Chelsea Pensioners. Interviews will aim to reveal the varied life stories of the Chelsea Pensioner community, including potential experiences of conflict during their Army service. Successful applicants will also receive training in writing interview summaries and transcriptions. Throughout the project, volunteers will have the opportunity to come together to discuss their progress and will be supported by the Community Engagement and Outreach Manager, Oral History Society representatives and the team at the National Army Museum.
There will be opportunities for volunteers to share the stories they discover in creative ways, such as blog posts.
Although we don’t specify the time that you commit to volunteering, we ask that you give a minimum of 4 hours a month to support the project. The 4 volunteering hours would ideally be over any one or two weekdays, between Monday and Friday.
Before your start date:
Before your start date, you will be required to attend induction training, including information on your role as a volunteer and RHC policies and procedures which will support you in your day-to-day role. This will include safeguarding & professional boundaries training which you will be required to attend before you commence your volunteer role.
Gaining additional skills and qualifications:
We value our volunteers and will do our best to make your volunteer experience with us enjoyable and rewarding. We offer training for every volunteer role and extend opportunities for our volunteers to improve their existing knowledge and skills and gain new ones. This will include becoming a Dementia Friend, and opportunities to attend advanced courses in First Aid, Health and Safety, improving the customer experience for people with dementia, visual and deaf awareness and conducting visitor research.
Other training available
Refresher training is required two years after your start date should you still be involved as a volunteer in this role. We offer regular supervision to support you in your role and provide you with an opportunity to discuss your progress and needs through one to ones.
Other key information
There is a short settling in period of three months to see if the role is right for you and if you are right for the role.
You must be 18 years old or over to do carry out the role.
You will be required to complete a safe recruitment process, including providing 2 references and a DBS check which will be provided by the RHC.
Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from volunteering with us. We assess each situation on an individual basis.
The RHC will reimburse reasonable travel expenses incurred whilst volunteering. All expenses to be reclaimed should be agreed with the Volunteer Manager in advance.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion, where all backgrounds and abilities can reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on attracting a wide range of talent, removing potential barriers, and promoting equal opportunities. We know, the more varied and inclusive our teams are, the better our organisation will be for our community. We are a Disability Confident employer dedicated to hiring diverse talent and ensuring you are treated with respect throughout the volunteer recruitment process and upon joining our community.