Kirkstall Art Trail (KAT) is entirely organised and run by volunteers. Nobody involved – including the organisers – is paid. We’re all giving our time because we care about the trail, and we’re glad you’re thinking of joining us.
Aim of the role
Information Point volunteers are often the first point of contact for visitors to Kirkstall Art Trail. We hope you’ll help create a warm, welcoming experience by answering questions, sharing information about the trail, and being a reassuring, visible presence at the heart of the event.
Why this role matters
This role directly supports KAT’s mission as a free community arts event by making sure visitors feel informed, safe, and welcome. It’s also a key safeguarding point of contact – the Information Point is where lost children and adults at risk are supported until the Lead Coordinator or Designated Safeguarding Lead arrives.
What we hope you’ll do
- Welcome visitors and answer questions about the trail, venues, artists, and facilities.
- Hand out maps and trail information, and help visitors plan their route.
- Act as the point of contact for lost children or adults at risk, following the Lost and Found Child and Adult at Risk Policy – keeping them at the Information Point, noting a description and the time, and contacting the Lead Coordinator or Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately.
- Note down (but not act on) any visitor requests not to be photographed, and pass this on to a Lead Coordinator or the photographer acting on behalf of KAT.
- Direct visitors who need a quiet or calm space to Kirkstall Abbey, Hollybush garden, or St Stephen’s Well Community Garden.
- Report any hazards, such as trailing cables, spills or slip risks, to the Venue Coordinator straight away.
- Record any incidents, near misses, or concerns in the Incident Log, however minor.
Role boundaries
To help keep the Information Point running smoothly and safely, we ask that you:
- Stay at the Information Point for the duration of your shift. If you need to step away, please contact the Lead Coordinator or ask another briefed KAT volunteer to cover briefly rather than leaving it unattended.
- Don’t attempt to investigate a safeguarding concern yourself – report it and let the Designated Safeguarding Lead take over.
- Don’t give out your personal contact details to visitors or make arrangements with them outside your volunteer role.
- Don’t make public statements to press or media on behalf of KAT – please direct any media enquiries to the Lead Coordinator.
Policies and procedures
As with all KAT roles, we ask volunteers to follow the Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct, along with the:
- Health and Safety Policy
- Safeguarding Policy
- Lost and Found Child and Adult at Risk Policy
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- Privacy Policy
- Environmental Sustainability Commitment
Copies of policies can also be found in the Information Point volunteer folder.
Who you’ll report to
The Venue Coordinator, who will brief you at the start of your shift. We will give you their name and contact details beforehand.
For safeguarding concerns specifically, contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately, using the contact details provided in the Information Point volunteer folder.
You will also be invited to the Kirkstall Art Trail volunteer WhatsApp group, this is a friendly chat where you can meet other volunteers and ask any questions.
Location and hours
The Information Point, Kirkstall. KAT runs over Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026, with shifts available in blocks. A minimum commitment of 2 hours per shift is welcome – let us know your availability and we’ll do our best to fit around it.
Skills and qualities
Essential:
- Friendly, approachable manner and good communication skills.
- Reliable and punctual, with the ability to stay calm under pressure.
- Comfortable following guidance and asking for help when unsure.
Desirable (not essential – full briefing and guidance provided):
- Local knowledge of Kirkstall and the surrounding area.
- Previous experience in a visitor-facing or customer service role.
Expenses
Kirkstall Art Trail will reimburse reasonable travel expenses incurred while carrying out your duties.
Changes to this role
If any part of this role description doesn’t work for you please talk to the Lead Coordinator. We’re happy to discuss reasonable adjustments.
Other opportunities
If this role isn’t quite right for you, we also have a Venue Support Volunteer role, helping coordinators at individual venues along the trail.Get in touch at info@kirkstallarttrail.co.uk or see the Volunteer page for more.