We’re looking for new volunteers to join our Collections Archive Group.
Our volunteer Collections Archive Group works with Leeds Civic Trust’s historic collection of photographs, objects, and printed materials, to scan and catalogue these items, and preserve them for safe storage.
We’re looking for new volunteers to help us scan our photography collection to be uploaded to Leodis, Leeds’ online photography archive.
Here’s an article from the group’s Chair Andy about the upcoming work: Yes, We Scan.
Find details about this volunteering opportunity below.
What will I be doing?
- Digitising images by scanning prints and slides (training provided)
- Cataloguing images
- Collaborating with external organisations such as Leodis, the West Yorkshire Archive Service, the Discovery Centre.
- Work with the Trust’s other volunteering groups to suggest how our archival materials could be used, for example in exhibitions or events
What are the required skills and experience?
- Basic knowledge of photography and photographic materials
- Basic knowledge of archiving and archival collections (not essential)
- Good IT skills
- Passion for Leeds’ visual history and identity
- Forward-thinking in terms of how the current and future will become the past, and capturing this material
Will there be any training to complete?
All new volunteers must attend training on Wednesday 13 January 2026 at the Leeds Civic Trust office (17-19 York Place, LS1 2EX). In this training session, our current Collections Archive Group volunteers will cover how to use our scanners, how to upload scanned images to our database and how to work within Leodis requirements for digitised images.
Where will I be volunteering?
The Leeds Civic Trust office in Leeds City Centre – 17-19 York Place, LS1 2EX
Will meetings be held, and if so where will they be?
Meetings will be arranged on an ad-hoc basis depending on the projects in progress. Ad-hoc meetings may be held online or in person depending on the availability of volunteers. Scanning sessions will be held during our office hours and operate on a drop-in basis.
About volunteering with Leeds Civic Trust
Leeds Civic Trust thrives with the support of over 100 volunteers. We value the incredible contribution made by volunteers in achieving our charitable objectives. Our volunteers play a vital and collaborative role in helping us protect, celebrate and improve Leeds’ heritage, places and communities.
LCT is committed to welcoming and involving as broad a range of people to our volunteering community as possible. We champion equality of opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics or background. We particularly welcome applications from people who may face barriers to volunteering, and we consider all applicants fairly and on an individual basis.
Can I claim expenses?
We will reimburse reasonable travel expenditure (usually public transport via the most cost-effective route) to meetings, events or site visits, when volunteering away from your own home.
Who will support me?
The group is self-managed to some extent and led by its most experienced volunteers. In addition, the group is supported by Heather Griffiths, the Trust’s Volunteering and Engagement Coordinator: heather@leedscivictrust.org.uk
How do I sign up?
If you’d like to join our Collections Archive Group and help with the scanning effort, please email heather@leedscivictrust.org.uk by Friday 13 November to express your interest. We will be in touch in late November with more information.
All new volunteers must attend training on Wednesday 13 January 2026 at the Leeds Civic Trust office (17-19 York Place, LS1 2EX). If you know you cannot make this date, please include this in your email.
