Investing in Volunteers:
Celebrating our volunteer family
Announcing an exciting achievement and sharing what makes our volunteers so special.
We have some exciting news to share. In July 2025, Shakespeare’s Globe was officially awarded the Investing in Volunteers (IiV) accreditation, the UK’s national quality standard for volunteer management.
For us, this isn’t just a plaque to hang on the wall (although it does look rather splendid), it’s an acknowledgement of the genuine care, teamwork and dedication that shapes the way we work alongside our volunteers.
Mary and Veronica on a volunteering shift at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Over the past 14 months, the assessment examined every aspect of our Volunteer Programme: from the way we recruit, to customer care training, ongoing support, and recognition. What shone through was the passion that our volunteers bring, the love they have for this place, and our commitment to doing our very best by them. The result was a resounding confirmation that this volunteer community, and our approach to looking after them, is something truly special, and something worth celebrating.
Volunteer steward, Sue, letting audience members know about our filming and photography policy.
What is Investing in Volunteers?
The Investing in Volunteers framework examines nine key areas, from recruitment and inclusion, to support and recognition. Two key strengths were highlighted during our assessment: culture and communication.
But what does that mean for our volunteers? It’s how we greet each other, share knowledge over tea and biscuits in the Stewards’ Room, and show support for the unpredictable situations we encounter in our unique theatre spaces. It’s feeling heard when suggestions are made or feedback is given, working together to make Shakespeare’s Globe a space where everyone feels welcome, and being recognised for the outstanding care we provide.
One thing our assessor noted was that the term ‘happy place’ was frequently used by our volunteers describing Shakespeare’s Globe, which we think says it all.
Graham and Tanika on a volunteering shift at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Mike, Lisa and Jo on a volunteering shift at Shakespeare’s Globe.
The volunteer role
Over 700 volunteers help to keep Shakespeare’s Globe turning each year. As front-facing Stewards, Access Ambassadors and First Aiders, they welcome audiences and ensure the theatres are a safe and enjoyable space for everyone. Volunteers are the first faces an audience sees when they arrive and the last as they leave – an amazing opportunity to welcome and care for our audiences in a meaningful way and help create an atmosphere that reflects our mission to make Shakespeare ‘accessible to all’.
And every shift is different…one chilly winter’s afternoon might involve guiding an excited school group through their first ever visit to a theatre; unpredictable summers could mean navigating a sudden downpour on the Groundlings in the Yard or helping patrons stay cool during an epic heatwave. Adaptability and good humour are vital, and our volunteers have it in spades, responding as a team to whatever the day brings.
Volunteer stewards ready to scan tickets!
Anna and Joanna on a volunteering shift at Shakespeare’s Globe.
Why volunteer?
When asked what Shakespeare’s Globe means to them, volunteers spoke of connection and belonging:
“We’re not here to watch the play, we’re part of the whole experience… a bridge between the audience and the performance. I feel very honoured to be here.”
— Cindy
“The Globe is a special place and every time I walk through that door going on shift, I can’t help smiling! I feel and proud and privileged to be a part of it.”
— Julie
Others highlighted how volunteering has grown their skills, boosted their confidence and even opened doors:
“I’ve been able to work on my confidence and skills in a safe and supportive space.”
— Anonymous
“Volunteering has not only increased my confidence but has also helped me gain vital experience that contributed to securing a job in the theatre industry.”
— James
Graham and Juliet closing the gates outside of the Globe Theatre at the end of a performance.
Caroline, one of our volunteer stewards, holding a Volunteer Champion Certificate for contributing to volunteering and community in Southwark.
Laura and some of our volunteer stewards holding roses in the Yard at the Globe Theatre.
And then there’s the joy of simply being in the space, feeling the hum of anticipation before a show, meeting visitors from across the world, and seeing “the look of wonder on someone’s face as they step inside for the first time”.
There are plenty of opportunities to try out different responsibilities, from supporting new stewards as Buddies to taking on extra training to join the Access Ambassadors, a thriving and award-winning part of our Volunteer Programme. Many say that being part of this team has enriched their lives in ways they didn’t expect:
“My role as Access Ambassador really stands out. It is one of the most fulfilling roles I think I have ever done within the theatre or in the wider world.”
— Alastair
James, a volunteer steward showing audience members to their seats.
Our Investing in Volunteers accreditation celebrates the commitment of everyone who makes this programme possible – from the volunteers themselves to the staff who support and train them. It’s also a recognition that volunteering at Shakespeare’s Globe is not a one-way exchange. The theatre gains dedicated, skilled, and passionate people; volunteers gain experiences, connections, and memories that last long after the final jig!
We’re proud to have achieved this standard, but even prouder of our volunteer family that made it possible. If you want to be part of something special, we open recruitment for volunteers every year from November to January.
Meet some more of our volunteers and read the role description here, and keep an eye on the website from November!