Every year, we host a series of guided walks led by volunteers. The topics of our guided walks are wide ranging. We’ve hosted historical walks like ‘Medieval Leeds’, walks around a particular topic like ‘Victorian Circuses of Leeds’, photography walks and more!
We’re looking for new walk leaders to join us!
Walk guides lead engaging, informative and enjoyable guided walks around Leeds, bringing the city’s history, architecture, people and stories to life for residents and visitors.
Walks may be delivered/adapted from a pre-existing script or can be written by the walk leader.
What will I be doing?
- Welcome and guide groups safely around designated walking routes
- Share accurate and engaging information about Leeds and its heritage
- Adapt commentary to different audiences and interests
- Encourage questions and create a friendly, inclusive atmosphere
- Represent Leeds Civic Trust positively and professionally
- Help ensure walks run to time and follow agreed routes and procedures
- Work with the walk Backstops to ensure all walk participants are accounted for and safely up to speed with the whole group
Leaders for guided walks should have:
- Enthusiasm for Leeds, its history, architecture or heritage.
- Confident communications and storytelling skills.
- An approachable, friendly manner and ability to engage groups.
- Reliability, good timekeeping and willingness to prepare.
- Commitment to making walks accessible, enjoyable and welcoming to all.
Will there be any training to complete?
All new walk leaders are expected to attend a training session on 1 December where we will show you how to use our audio equipment and go over the basics of backstopping.
Where will I be volunteering?
All walks involve being outdoors. We recommend that volunteers in this role are happy to be outside, occasionally in inclement conditions and will be prepared to dress accordingly.
Will meetings be held, and if so where will they be?
There are no specific regular meetings involved with this role, but we may ask walk leaders and walk backstops to come together on occasion for workshops, and to share their experiences and provide feedback. Any such meetings would most often take place at the LCT offices.
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?
In addition, all LCT volunteers are supported by the staff team which includes Heather Griffiths, the Trust’s Volunteering and Engagement Coordinator: heather@leedscivictrust.org.uk
How do I apply?
If you are interested in becoming a guided walk leader, please email heather@leedscivictrust.org.uk to introducing yourself and letting us know if you have a guided walk idea of your own or would like to deliver a walk from a pre-existing script.
Please email Heather by Friday 13 November.
