The John Peel Centre depends on the help of volunteers to assist in the running and development of the Centre but the we also offer a range of opportunities for people to develop their skills and interests by becoming involved in the care and development of the Centre.

Volunteering at the John Peel Centre is an excellent way to stay active in the local community, giving you a fun chance to meet interesting new people from across East Anglia and further afield. Our volunteer family is made up of people from all backgrounds, utilising their talents in everything from account keeping to serving a thirst quenching pint. If you are passionate about the performing arts, and would like to help engage others in the community, we would love to hear from you.

Volunteer experience can also be a valuable asset for your CV, increasing your chances of gaining employment, furthering your current career, or aiding a career change.

If you are interested in volunteering at the John Peel Centre please complete the online form here, or download and complete the Volunteer Registration form, and send it via email to admin@johnpeelcentre.co.uk 

A few of our current opportunities…

Directors

June 2023

The John Peel Centre is a volunteer-led centre for the performing arts, constituted as a Community Interest Company. Twelve years ago we took on the derelict former Corn Exchange and transformed it into a 250 capacity performance venue, where we offer a wide range of performances and host community activities. Late last year we took on the former NatWest Bank building in Stowmarket Market Place, and will connect the two premises to offer an expanded range of activities and assist in the regeneration of the town centre.

The Board is seeking additional volunteer Directors to help us in this ambitious plan. You will help develop strategy, but also lead projects and areas of activity. Board members play an active part in the operations of the John Peel Centre, so living locally is advantageous. You will have a passion for live music

We particularly welcome applications from those with commercial and finance experience, but also want to expand the Board’s wider skills base. We are keen to increase the diversity of the Board with respect to age, gender and ethnicity

Becoming a volunteer director of the John Peel Centre is rewarding work. You will be helping the development of a community-based organisation which offers young and developing artists to find a safe place to experiment and provides an important community space for all.

If you would like to discuss this further, please email a short CV and a letter explaining what you might offer to admin@johnpeelcentre.com and one of the Directors will contact you.

Events Team

Are you passionate about music and interested in being part of a team that organises exciting events? Then join us as a Volunteer Events Team Member at the John Peel Centre (JPC) in Stowmarket!

As a member of our team, you’ll work closely with the Director of Events and our in-house Events and Marketing Managers to create an amazing JPC programme. We are particularly keen to hear from people who have experience within the industry and can prioritise the following areas:

• Emerging Artists (Regional)
• Post Punk
• DJ’s/RnB
• Dub/Ska/Reggae

Not only will you be playing a pivotal role in the JPC music experience, but you’ll also be contributing to our current and future plans, including the opening of our new location on Market Place, Stowmarket.

As a Volunteer JPC Events Team Member, you’ll have the opportunity to actively seek and research emerging local and national talent, research high profile and local promoters, and liaise on behalf of JPC with artists and agents. You’ll also prepare proposals for gigs and events and act as artist liaison on the day/evening of your programmed events. Our Events Meetings take place every 2 weeks, giving you an opportunity to discuss your proposals for forthcoming events and contribute to our innovative and diverse programme.

At JPC, we’re committed to equality of opportunity, and we particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in our workforce.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be part of a music-adoring team that’s making a difference! To find out more contact us today by emailing iain@johnpeelcentre.co.uk or telephone on 01449 774678.

Box Office

The box office is the public’s first contact with the venue, and as well as selling tickets it acts as a communication centre within the venue.  Our box office volunteers run an efficient box office sales service operating a computerised ticket system. They also make a valuable contribution towards the John Peel Centre’s reputation as a welcoming place for all visitors, staff and volunteers.

Available: 

Tuesdays 9:45 – 2pm

Thursdays 9:45 – 2pm

Opportunities and Benefits of the Role 

• Contributing towards the management of a busy box office in a community arts centre environment
• Being part of an enthusiastic, friendly and committed group of volunteers
• Meeting a wide range of people
• First Aid training when available
• Fire safety training when available

Tasks and responsibilities

• Act as the main information and reception point for the venue
• Open and close the centre as needed when covering the box office role
• Provide a professional, respectful, and welcoming service for all visitors including professional companies, hirers and public
• selling tickets using our box office system, answering queries where possible, taking messages and directing these to the relevant member of staff or volunteer
• Complete required admin tasks for ticket sales
• Check box office emails and forward or reply as necessary
• Check literature on display is up to date
• Welcome positive and negative feedback about the venue and pass this on to staff to help the JPC improve the service it offers
• Contribute to continuous improvements in customer care by making positive suggestions for change
• In the event of an emergency, evacuate the building in line with emergency evacuation procedures

 

Bar

We’re always looking to recruit more helping hands behind the bar at our many varied events. The JPC programmes comedy, theatre and gigs of all genres.

Opportunities and Benefits of the Role 

• Contributing towards the events management of a bustling community arts centre
• Attend a range of live events
• Being part of an enthusiastic, friendly and committed group of volunteers
• Meeting a wide range of people
• First Aid training when available
• Fire safety training when available

Tasks and responsibilities

• Make and serve drinks
• Process payments
• Interact with customers
• Wash glasses in dishwasher
• Collecting glasses if necessary
• Dispose bottles and cans at the end of an event

 

Front of house

Front of house volunteers act as the public’s first contact with the venue by welcoming visitors on arrival, checking tickets as well as processing on the door sales.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Act as the main information and reception point for the venue
• Provide a professional, respectful, and welcoming service for all visitors including professional companies, hirers and public
• selling tickets using our box office system
• Scan in visitors tickets on arrival
• Complete required admin tasks for on the door ticket sales
• Usher visitors
• Administer wristbands
• In the event of an emergency, evacuate the building in line with emergency evacuation procedures

 

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

If you are interested in volunteering at the John Peel Centre please complete the online form here, or download and complete the Volunteer Registration form, and send it via email to admin@johnpeelcentre.co.uk 

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

What our volunteers think:

Listen to John Peel Centre volunteer Malcolm on the Community Action Suffolk podcast:

Tom, Volunteer Chairman of JPC

‘I first got involved through work but soon realised that my interest and enthusiasm to be involved far exceeded my ability to justify it in work time. So I’ve been a volunteer right from the very start and became a volunteer director when we first formed the company. I volunteer for lots of reasons and this isn’t the place to explore them all but maybe one reason is because I genuinely believe that it’s possible to make things better by putting our time, energy and emotion into things because they’re interesting, challenging and fulfilling, because they provide social and cultural benefits for our communities. So that’s what I’ve tried to do.’

Philippa, Accounts Team Volunteer

‘I love working for the John Peel Centre because I feel I’m ensuring this beautiful building is a great place for entertainment and the arts for everyone.’

Jakki, Front of House Volunteer

‘Stowmarket needed a place for all the arts, particularly for young people to engage with. The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts is it! Stowmarket now has a place for everyone, especially young people, where they can engage with the arts.’

Debbie, Bar and Events Team Volunteer

‘As a massive music fan I grew up listening to John Peel’s wonderful late night radio show and I decided to volunteer partly as my way of saying ‘thanks’ to John for all those years of helping me discover new music. I am proud to be part of the volunteer team, whether helping with events planning behind the scenes or assisting behind the bar on gig nights. It is particularly rewarding when you see so many people enjoying shows that you have played a part in helping to host and I’d encourage anyone with a few hours to spare to join our team!’