Volunteering at the Devonshire Group

As a volunteer within the Devonshire Group, we welcome your involvement in the estates and businesses; we believe your work and enthusiasm are essential to the continued success of our estates, and actively promote opportunities for you to have your say.

We strive to attract exceptional people into our volunteer teams, so if our values strike a chord with you, we would be delighted to have you on board.

Our volunteer roles

Garden volunteers

With a love of the great outdoors, our garden volunteers enjoy developing their horticultural skills by assisting with planting and caring for our trees, shrubs, plants and bulbs as well as tidying, dead-heading, weeding, mulching, collecting litter and border upkeep.

Visitor experience volunteers

Our friendly and enthusiastic visitor experience volunteers enjoy welcoming visitors to Chatsworth, ensuring they have access to all the information they need about our estate and services. Our volunteers also enjoy driving buggies to provide transport for visitors.

Education volunteers

Our education volunteers support our learning programmes at Chatsworth and Bolton Abbey, helping us to prepare for visits by schools and local community groups, and creating new educational resources for children to enjoy in the classroom or at home.

View current opportunities

Benefits of volunteering

Volunteer pass

Your volunteer pass provides complimentary entry to a range of places and events, as well as discounts in our shops, hotels, inns and cafés.

New experiences

Volunteering with us provides plenty of opportunities to develop new skills, make new friends and gain practical experience for your CV.

Induction and training

We offer an induction and training program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in your position, along with dedicated support to ensure your success.

Uniform

We’ll provide you with any necessary uniform and euquipment needed to carry out your role.

Reimbursed travel

We’ll reimburse your travel expenses for getting to and from our estates while volunteering.

Communication

We value your insights and encourage you to share your thoughts on your experience as a volunteer.

Volunteer stories

“When I first applied to become a volunteer I had no wish to become formally employed, I was retired so why would I? I love coming to Chatsworth and I applied to become a guide two years ago; I was successful and haven’t looked back. I am now well and truly part of the Chatsworth family.”

David, Visitor Experience Volunteer

“After taking early retirement following 30-year career in the retail industry, I was looking for something completely different, that would provide stimulation in an environment where I could thrive.

Being part of the education team at Bolton Abbey provides this and more – being part of a fun and forward thinking team, where people really matter is hugely rewarding.”

Allison, Education Volunteer

“Since starting as a volunteer this year it has been very rewarding for me to see the enjoyment on the children’s faces when they come to Bolton Abbey.

I would recommend being a volunteer and working with the dedicated team. It is very rewarding and I have also learnt so much.”

Janet, Education Volunteer

If you have any questions about volunteering please contact PeopleTeam@devonshiregroup.co.uk