It is now easier than ever to become a volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering, email our volunteer coordinator Graham Aitken on volunteer.coordinator@bluebell-railway.com
We will then talk to you about the roles you are interested in and arrange a visit so you can find out more. There are over 50 roles that can be undertaken by volunteers, and these are shown below, which also gives broad details of any qualifications or skills needed, or preferred.
We also require a commitment from you to attend regularly, usually a minimum of twice a month, although this will depend on which role you undertake. Note that some roles are only required on specific dates or periods and this information will be clarified when you are contacted to discuss you preferred role.
Current volunteering roles available
Website Volunteer
Help the Bluebell Railway Enhance our Online Presence!
Are you experienced with websites and passionate about supporting the Bluebell Railway? We are looking for a dedicated volunteer to help us improve our website, ensuring an exceptional online experience for our visitors. By joining our team, you’ll play a vital role in bringing the Bluebell Railway’s extensive programme of events and opportunities to life for our online audience and beyond!
Your Role:
We’re seeking a volunteer 1-2 days a week (timings and days are flexible to suit) with a keen eye for detail, experience in website management, ideally with knowledge of WordPress, and excellent communication skills to help us:
– Identify and correct any inaccuracies in our website contentÂ
– Check for broken links and outdated informationÂ
– Provide feedback on ways we can improve the site’s usability and visitor experienceÂ
Why Volunteer With Us?
Your time and expertise will directly impact the railway, making it easier for visitors to discover our fantastic programme of events, book experiences, and stay informed. By giving your time, you’re not only improving our website but supporting our mission to enhance the experience of every visitor who joins us.
If you believe you have the right attributes for this post and would like to discuss this opportunity, please email James Cummins at james.cummins@bluebell-railway.com
Infrastructure Volunteer
Join Our Team as an Infrastructure Volunteer at The Bluebell Railway!
Are you ready to make a difference and help preserve one of the UK’s most iconic heritage railways? We’re looking for dedicated infrastructure volunteers to join our hardworking team at The Bluebell Railway.
This vital role involves:
· Working outdoors in all weather conditions.
· Manual handling of heavy materials and equipment.
· Working as part of a dedicated team.
· Be proactive and adaptable to challenges, quickly changing programmes and requirements.
· Willing to work on a varying range of projects across the railway.
Whether you’re passionate about railways, enjoy hands-on work, or want to be part of something historic, this is a great opportunity to get involved, meet new people, and support the Bluebell Railway’s future.
Candidates must be able to work in challenging conditions and have a clear understanding of the working environments required and differing locations across The Bluebell Railway.
Interested? Contact us today to learn more.
If you’d like to find out more regarding joining our infrastructure team, contact Matt Crawford at Infrastructure@bluebell-railway.com
Utilities Manager
The successful applicant will monitor the railways’ water & electrical consumption, read the appropriate meters across the various sites on the railway and produce brief reports for the Infrastructure Director.
Access to utility sites will be granted to negotiate the best rates, and a reasonable degree of computer literacy will be required for this role.
This volunteer position carries no remuneration or specific hours of duty but requires a reasonable time commitment.
The post holder must have their own transport.
If you believe you have the right attributes for this post and would like to discuss this opportunity, please email tony.astor@bluebell-railway.com
Carriage Works Administrator
The successful applicant will primarily work to assist with administrative work to support the Carriage & Wagon Department.
The applicant must demonstrate excellent organisational skills in preparing and maintaining records for the department.
This a volunteer position that carries no remuneration or specific hours of duty but requires a reasonable time commitment.
If you believe you have the right attributes for this post and would like to discuss this opportunity, please email your CV and contact details to rowan.millard@bluebell-railway.com
Railway 200 Project Coordinator
The Bluebell Railway will be hosting a major event celebrating ‘Railway 200’ from June to August 2025, which will attract large numbers of visitors to the railway.
The delivery of the event will involve the active engagement of many departments of the railway which will need to be planned and coordinated by a Project Coordinator.
This volunteer role is for one year from now until the end of September 2025. Frequent on-site presence at the railway is not expected to be required as the work can largely be carried out at home and using virtual meetings using MS Teams.
If you have project management experience and would like to be part of delivering this exciting event, the biggest ever staged at the Bluebell Railway, please contact lisa.boyle@bluebell-railway.com with a brief summary of your project management experience, and we will provide a full job description.
IT Project Manager/Microsoft Specialist
The Bluebell Railway is investing in IT and technology to enhance the visitor and rail enthusiasts experience.
We support key business and commercial applications utilising Microsoft Azure, Office 365 and Windows PC clients enabling our staff and volunteers to collaborate and operate the railway.
The IT department has a roadmap of projects over the next 12 months to continue the adoption and modernisation of our IT and Microsoft investment.
To support this roadmap, we are looking for volunteers with specific Microsoft expertise to join our current team. The role also requires project management and change control experience to ensure any changes are managed and coordinated.
You will be working with our partner, IT Outcomes, and will need to support a wide range of users with different levels of IT knowledge and experience.
The following skills would be an advantage:
- Working and practical knowledge of Microsoft products to an administrative level e.g. Office 365, Intune, SharePoint, Azure Security
- Working with end users to understand their requirements
- Creating end-to-end plans with 3rd parties and end users
- Change control and risk mitigation.
In return we offer an environment to apply and develop your skills and to see the benefits to our customers and staff.
The role carries no remuneration or specific hours of duty. It would suit someone early in their career keen to develop their skills or someone who has retired from paid employment and wants to continue to utilise their hard-earned knowledge and experience.
The successful applicant will require sufficient time and flexibility to be present at the railway to effectively undertake this role along with working remotely.
How to apply
If you believe you have the right qualifications for this role and would like to discuss the opportunity, please email your CV, and contact details to nigel.page@bluebell-railway.com
Non-Executive Chairman PLC Board (unpaid)
We are seeking a Non-Executive Chairman to lead and direct the Bluebell Railway PLC Board. This is an unpaid, voluntary position offering a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a cherished institution.
Your role
As the Non-Executive Chairman, you’ll steer the PLC Board of Directors with strategic acumen and unwavering dedication. Reporting to our principal shareholders, the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society (BRPS), you will play a pivotal role in steering our organisation towards continued success and growth. Your primary mission? To safeguard our legacy, foster growth, and ensure operational excellence in harmony with regulatory and stakeholder expectations. Your responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership: Guide the Board in charting a clear path forward, aligned with our mission and objectives. Lead by example, inspiring our team towards innovation and operational excellence.
Governance and Compliance: Uphold the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and governance. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of safety and inclusion.
Stakeholder Engagement: Forge meaningful partnerships with shareholders, the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society, and other stakeholders. Be the voice of our heritage preservation efforts, advocating for our mission far and wide.
Performance Management: Monitor and evaluate strategic objectives, ensuring alignment with stakeholder interests. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and talent development.
Succession Planning: Prepare for the future by ensuring effective succession planning and talent management. Ensure continuity in our mission, even in the face of unexpected circumstances.
Who we’re looking for
We’re seeking a dynamic leader with a passion for heritage preservation and a proven track record in business management.
Qualifications: A degree, MBA, or equivalent experience in business management.
Skills: A keen understanding of governance, finance, and regulatory frameworks. Excellent problem-solving, networking, and public speaking skills.
Attributes: A quick learner with a commercial mindset and a knack for inspiring others. An interest, if not expertise, in steam-operated railways is a plus.
Experience: Experience in the heritage or tourism sector is advantageous.
How to apply
Send your CV and a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role to Chris Barber, Director, People Services at chris.barber@bluebell-railway.com
Carriage and Wagon Director
Role Overview
As Carriage and Wagon Director, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our trains by delivering fit-for-purpose rolling stock. Reporting to the PLC Company Chairman, you will lead and direct the Carriage and Wagon department to maintain high standards of safety, quality, and reliability in our rolling stock fleet.
Key Responsibilities
Rolling Stock Management: Ensure the delivery of overhauled and maintained rolling stock to the Operations Department, meeting relevant standards and safety requirements.
Resource Management: Oversee the competence, adequacy, and fitness for purpose of departmental resources, including staff, plant, and equipment.
Budget Management: Effectively deploy the Carriage and Wagon budget allocation to support departmental objectives and priorities.
Procedural Development: Develop and implement procedures for maintenance, repairs, and examinations to high standards and tight deadlines.
Promoting Good Practice: Promote a clean and safe working environment, fostering effective workplace practices and procedures.
Qualifications and Experience
- Degree, MSc, Diploma, HNC, or equivalent in an appropriate engineering discipline.
- Chartered engineer with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers or related body.
- Background in engineering management at a senior level within the UK rail industry.
Person Specification
- Proven leadership and organisational skills.
- Knowledge of quality and environmental systems.
- Budget management and forecasting abilities.
- Practical experience with hand and power tools.
- Attention to detail and ability to read drawings/schematics.
- Understanding of welding/fabrication, painting, and vehicle electrics.
Why join us?
Leadership Opportunity: Take on an executive director role with overall responsibility for the performance of the Carriage and Wagon Department.
Heritage Preservation: Contribute to the preservation of Britain’s railway heritage through hands-on restoration and maintenance work.
Professional Development: Stay updated with technical and legislative developments impacting railway rolling stock.
Non-Remunerative Post: While this position is non-remunerative, the rewards of contributing to a cherished heritage institution are immeasurable.
How to apply
If you’re a seasoned engineering professional with a passion for heritage railways and a drive for excellence, we invite you to join us as Carriage and Wagon Director at the Bluebell Railway. Help us continue our legacy of delivering safe, authentic steam train experiences for generations to come.
To apply or learn more about this role, please contact Chris Barber, People Services Director at chris.barber@bluebell-railway.com
Commercial Director
Role Overview
The role will provide:
- The strategic direction, and determine the priorities for, the commercial and marketing of the retail and sales functions.
- Guidance and advice in the development of specific commercial and marketing initiatives to meet the strategic business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Developing and Implementing Commercial Strategy aligned with the heritage railway’s goals and objectives.
- Revenue Generation:Â Identifying and capitalising on revenue-generating opportunities,
- Marketing and Promotion: Overseeing marketing efforts to increase awareness and attract visitors. Lead and plan the strategy for special events.
- Customer Experience Management: Ensuring a positive and memorable experience for visitors.
- Financial Management: Monitoring financial performance to maximise profitability and sustainability. Lead the retail, catering, commercial and marketing budget preparation, and approval process.
- Partnership and Stakeholder Management: Cultivating relationships with external partners, stakeholders, and local communities to enhance the railway’s reputation and support its activities.
- Retail Operations Management: Supervising retail operations to optimise revenue streams and enhance visitor satisfaction.
- Events Planning and Management: Coordinating the planning and execution of special events to attract diverse audiences and generate additional revenue.
- Team Leadership and Development: Providing leadership, guidance, and support to commercial staff and volunteers.
- Compliance and Regulation: Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, safety standards, and heritage preservation guidelines. Comply with the Safety Management System and Directors’ Safety Policy Statement.
- Reporting and Analysis: Producing regular reports on commercial performance, visitor demographics, and market trends, and using data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Qualifications – Graduate in commercial and or marketing discipline.
Desirable Qualifications – A Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Business Management, Business Development, Project Management, or a relevant field.
Significant experience, preferably but not essentially in the heritage or tourism and leisure sector in devising and executing effective sales and marketing campaigns to attract visitors, increase ticket sales, promote special events, and enhance the railway’s brand visibility.
- Business Acumen
- Customer Focus:
- Creativity and Innovation
- Adaptability and Resilience
How to apply
If you’re a seasoned sales and marketing professional with a passion for heritage railways and a drive for excellence, we invite you to join us as Commercial Director at the Bluebell Railway. Help us continue our legacy of delivering safe, authentic steam train experiences for generations to come.
To apply or learn more about this role, please contact Chris Barber, People Services Director at chris.barber@bluebell-railway.com
Assistant Membership Secretary
A new post of Assistant Membership Secretary is being created to assist the membership trustee and the membership team.
The ideal candidate needs to enjoy meeting people, have a good telephone manner, work as a team member looking after the 10000 members of the society and be computer literate.
Duties will be carried out in the membership office at Sheffield Park Station on Sundays, this could change once training has finished.
Further details can be obtained from Don Brewer, Membership Trustee:
Email don.brewer@bluebell-railway.com
Phone membership office 01825 724893 (on Thursday or Sunday)
Bluebell Shop at Sheffield Park - Retail Assistants
Our Sheffield Park Gift & Model Shop is looking for retail assistant volunteers. Are you great with people? We need motivated people to join our dedicated retail team!
Our gift shop at Sheffield Park Station welcomes visitors throughout the year, stocking books, gifts, toys, railway models. and Bluebell Railway souvenirs. You would ensure our customers receive excellent customer service.
You would keep the shop area tidy and assist with stocking the shelves, be responsible for handling transactions and operating a till and also help with the admin and packing of internet orders.
Applicants should be dependable, motivated, and commercially minded. There are various hours required including evenings and weekends.
Contact Mark Lill for further information:
Phone 01825 720803
Email Mark.Lill@bluebell-railway.com
HOPS Champion & HOPS Project Manager
The Bluebell Railway PLC will be adopting and migrating to a heritage railway software and business platform known as HOPS to enhance its operational activities.
To support the full implementation and migration to HOPS, we are looking for 2 voluntary roles.
HOPS Champion – To Build the required processes in the HOPS software along with day-to-day administration. The candidate will have above-average skills in Microsoft Windows Operating system and an overall technical mindset. Experience in railway operations would be an advantage.
HOPS Project Manager – Be responsible for the deployment and operation of HOPS tools at the railway. The candidate will have project management experience and be able to work across multiple departments and work to milestones.
The post carries no remuneration or specific hours of duty but will gain experience in a strategic project. The successful applicant will require sufficient time and flexibility to be present at the railway to effectively undertake this role along with working virtually.
How to apply
If you believe you have the right qualifications for this job and would like to discuss the opportunity, please email your CV, and contact details to lisa.boyle@bluebell-railway.com
Catering
Question…
What could be better than either:
Sitting on a moving train in a buffet car and enjoying the passing scenery whilst partaking of a refreshing tea/coffee/soft drink/alcoholic drink, and perhaps a small snack
OR
Enjoying a drink, snack, or ice cream in the picnic garden at Kingscote station, whilst children are having fun in the playground
OR
Keeping calm in the buffet car at East Grinstead station with a welcoming drink and perhaps a snack, whilst awaiting the excitement of a steam train ride to discover the rest of the fabulous Bluebell Railway
Answer…
Being the person who provides the refreshments in all three of these options!
If you like interacting with people, providing a service that our visitors enjoy and making their day just that little bit more special this is the job for you.
Ideally, we aim to provide a small team of two people for the on-train buffet car and at both the Kingscote and East Grinstead buffets, so therefore ideal for spouses, partners, family members, friends or leave it to us to create the teams.
Perhaps you might already be a volunteer, if so, why not encourage your spouse, partner, family member or a friend to make up your own team of two, in addition to your normal volunteering activity.
With the 2024 running season underway we are looking for 20 individuals, or 10 teams of two, to join our existing volunteers in making our visitors experience just that little bit more special.
How to apply
Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator now at: volunteer.coordinator@bluebell-railway.com if you think that this would be just the job for you.
A member of the Volunteer Catering Team will then contact you to answer any questions you might have and arrange a date for you to join us.
Carriage and Wagon Works
Where |
What |
Qualifications/skills needed |
Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsted Keynes | Mechanical Engineers | CV detailing qualifications or evidence of experience as, for example, fabricators, fitters, mechanics or welders. | On-site interview will be held to discuss qualifications and frequency of attendance |
| Horsted Keynes | Carriage restoration | Skills, or a willingness to learn woodworking, electronics, metalwork, painting and plumbing. | Regular |
| Horsted Keynes | Seat upholstery | Basic knowledge of woodwork and working with fabrics. Full training will be given. | Regular |
| Horsted Keynes | Goods van and wagon restoration | Skills, or willingness to learn of carpentry, metalwork and painting. | Regular |
Catering
Where |
What |
Qualifications/skills needed |
Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsted Keynes, Kingscote & East Grinstead | Front of House | Interpersonal skills. Full training will be given. | Regular |
| On train | Buffet car attendants | Interpersonal skills. Full training will be given. | Regular |
| On train | Fish and Chip train stewards | Interpersonal skills. Full training will be given. | Regular – mainly Friday evenings |
| On train | Santa & SteamLights stewards | Interpersonal skills. Full training will be given. | Santa – December daytimes SteamLights – November and December evenings |
| On train | Great Northern Saloon stewards | Interpersonal skills. Full training will be given. | Occasional |
Commercial
Where |
What |
Qualifications/skills needed |
Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield Park | Customer service assistants | Computer literate, organised, good communicator, methodical with excellent interpersonal skills. | Commitment to regular days and hours |
| Sheffield Park | On train guides | Customer facing – must be able to talk to people. | Weekly |
| Sheffield Park | Education coordinator and assistants | Skilled in communicating to primary and secondary school children. Must be able to communicate with interest and passion. | Weekly |
| Sheffield Park | Marketing assistants | Working knowledge of Serif for graphic design. Ability to talk to customers and act on feedback. Skills in developing and delivering training programmes. | Weekly |
| Sheffield Park | Speakers to give talks and lectures about Bluebell | Good knowledge about our railway and a confident speaker to businesses, clubs and rest homes. Skills in developing and delivering training programmes. | Occasional |
| Sheffield Park & Horsted Keynes | Wedding assistant | Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to help with the setting up before and clearing up after each wedding. | Occasional |
| Sheffield Park | Santa assistant | Help with decorations, packing presents, stacking presents and delivering them to other stations. Own transport required. | Seasonal daytimes (November & December) |
| Sheffield Park | SteamLights assistant | As part of the delivery team for this event you will need to be able to undertake tasks in a timely and detailed fashion. | Seasonal evenings (November and December) |
| Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes, Kingscote & East Grinstead | Events staff | Assorted roles such as meeting and greeting visitors, car parking attendants, and putting up and taking down tents. | Occasional |
Infrastructure
Where |
What |
Qualifications/skills needed |
Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsted Keynes | Permanent Way engineers | Must be fit, able and willing to work outdoors undertaking tasks that include track maintenance and renewals, lineside clearance, lineside fencing and buildings maintenance. | Regular or occasional depending on activity |
| Horsted Keynes | Signal assistant technician | An individual who will enjoy working in a small team maintaining and faulting mechanical and electrical infrastructure. Must be reasonably fit and enjoy working outside, in inclement weather during emergencies. Ideally have experience in electrical and/or mechanical engineering, but positions are also available in more physical applications. Training in the black art of railway signalling is the department’s speciality. | Team usually meets daytime on Wednesdays & Sundays |
| Horsted Keynes | Assistant telecommunications technician | An individual who will enjoy working in a small team maintaining and faulting mechanical and electrical infrastructure. Must be reasonably fit and enjoy working outside, in inclement weather during emergencies. Ideally will have experience in telecoms equipment. | Team usually meets daytime on Saturdays |
| Horsted Keynes | Electrician | Whilst electrical experience is desirable, full training will be given, if necessary. | Weekly on a Wednesday between 1400 & 2000 |
| Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes, Kingscote & East Grinstead | Friends of each station groups | General DIY maintenance group with skills in bricklaying, carpentry, electrics, gardening, painting and plumbing welcomed. | Regular |
Loco Works
Where |
What |
Qualifications/skills needed |
Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield Park | Mechanical engineers | CV detailing qualifications or evidence of experience as, for example, machinists, fabricators, welders and fitters. | On-site interview will be held to discuss qualifications and frequency of attendance |
| Sheffield Park Atlantic House | Mechanical engineers | CV detailing qualifications or evidence of experience as, for example, machinists, fabricators, welders and fitters. | On-site interview will be held to discuss qualifications and frequency of attendance |
Museum
Where |
What |
Qualifications/skills needed |
Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield Park | Stewards | A person who will enjoy welcoming visitors, both adults and children, to our exciting museum. (Knowledge of the history of railways is not necessary). | Regular |
| Holmwood/Home | Archive team | Good communications skills, use of PC, basic knowledge of MS Excel. Ability and knowledge to catalogue photographs. Experience making high resolution scans of photos, negatives and slides. Experience using image editing software. (It is not necessary to have all of these skills). | Regular (monthly) and as necessary at home to meet timescales |
| Sheffield Park/Home | Collections Officer | Some knowledge of railways and railway history. Knowledge of Microsoft EXCEL and WORD. Access to PC and broadband. | Regular |
| Sheffield Park | Friend Of Steamworks! | A willing pair of hands and enthusiasm. | Regular |
Operations
Where |
What |
Qualifications/skills needed |
Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes, Kingscote & East Grinstead | Station staff | Interpersonal skills. Full training will be given. | Regular |
| Sheffield Park | Booking office clerks | Good interpersonal skills, plus a good head for figures, and a knowledge of the Railway so as to answer questions from our visitors and to sell them tickets. | Regular |
| Sheffield Park | Passenger train guard | Must be a safety qualified member of station staff. | Regular |
| Sheffield Park | Goods train guard | Must be a qualified Passenger train guard. | Occasional |
| Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes & Kingscote | Signal (wo)men | Must be a safety qualified member of station staff. | Regular |
| Sheffield Park | Engine cleaners | Full training will be given. | Regular |
| Sheffield Park | Fire (wo)men | Must be a qualified engine cleaner. | Regular |
| Sheffield Park | Drivers | Must be a qualified Fire(wo)man. | Regular |
| Sheffield Park | Shunters | Operations experience necessary with top up training given. | Regular |
| Sheffield Park | Carriage cleaners | Full training will be given. | Regular |
| Sheffield Park | Operations clerk | Good computer skills to maintain the Operations competency system. | Regular |
| On train | Travelling ticket inspectors (train guides) | Good interpersonal skills and willingness to speak to passengers about what to see and do at the Bluebell Railway. | Regular |
Personnel
Where |
What |
Qualifications/skills needed |
Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield Park | Personnel and admin assistants | Absolute discretion, an eye for detail and must be organised. | Regular |
Retail
Where |
What |
Qualifications/skills needed |
Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield Park | Shop assistants | Excellent interpersonal skills and commercially minded. | Regular |
| Horsted Keynes | Shop assistants | Excellent interpersonal skills and able to work on own. | Regular |
| Online Shop | Shop assistants | Good working knowledge of computer and website skills and required to package and post online purchases. | Regular |
Bluebell Railway Trust
Where |
What |
Qualifications/skills needed |
Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheffield Park/Home | Funding Manager | Ability to work with the Trust Governors to help with finance ongoing restoration of heritage assets and in the future of the railway. Key attributes required are use of initiative, versatility and the ability to get on with people. | Regular |
| Sheffield Park/Home | Management Accountant | Must be a qualified accountant or have extensive computerised accounting systems. Key attributes are experience of versatility and the ability to get on with people. | Regular |
