Heritage Research Facilitator

Based in Bridport, Dorset

Application closing date: March 30th 2026

Role Description

The Heritage Research Facilitator will play a key role in the delivery of the National Heritage Lottery funded Flax Forward Project. Wessex Community Assets Ltd (WCA), as Project Managers, are seeking a suitable person to work part-time on a freelance contract basis for a maximum of 9 months.

Salary: A budget of £6000 has been allocated based on £250 per day.
Location: Bridport Area. The role is home-based.
Hours: Part-time (24 days, working hours to be agreed)
Contract: Freelance contract basis for maximum of 9 months
Line management: The freelance contract will be offered by WCA and managed in partnership with Bridport Museum.

Start date: Spring 2026 (working days to be agreed).

Main purpose of the post:

To engage with a wide range of communities across the Bridport Area to recruit and train volunteers in the collection and recording of heritage data and information. Up to 15 community volunteers will be recruited and supported to research the flax heritage of the Bridport Area. Monthly sharing meetings will culminate in multi venue exhibitions late in 2026 and into 2027.

The heritage focus is the Flax and Hemp heritage of the Bridport Area over the last 1000 years.
All data collected will need to be deposited in the Bridport Museum archive and made available for use by the public.

Principal duties and responsibilities

The following duties are not an exhaustive list but are an indication of the principal responsibilities
of the post-holder:

Encourage and enthuse a wide range of people (age and background) to get involved with the Flax Forward Project through varied communication channels.
Develop and implement a programme of training opportunities to support heritage volunteers and ensure that they are engaged in high quality work producing valuable heritage material.
Organise monthly meetings of the Heritage Volunteers to provide opportunities for sharing findings, problem solving and development joined up heritage activity.
Organise monthly public sharing events to ensure that emerging learning is widely available and that new people can join and engage in the project as it develops.
Liaise with local history groups and local archives to engage them with the project and the unique opportunity this offers to build and consolidate heritage data about the flax and hemp industry in the area.
Liaise with project partners to ensure an effective programme of community/ volunteer training is developed and delivered.
Liaise with the Flax Forward Project Curator to share research findings and develop material for interpretation outputs and exhibitions.
Ensure that all heritage activity is carried out adhering to Health & Safety procedures.
Support participants in their research and ensure volunteers and learners receive valuable experience and training plus enjoyment and a sense of achievement.
Keep records of work undertaken and numbers of people involved. Measure and record outcomes and help collate other evaluation information as required by the Project Manager.
Help prepare and present output for the end of Project Exhibition.

How to Apply

To apply please provide a CV and covering letter explaining your experience of community-led heritage research and why you are applying for this freelance contract.

Send a covering letter and CV to david.dixon@wessexca.co.uk by noon Monday 30th March 2026.

Interviews for candidates will be held in the week beginning April 6th 2026

The Flax Forward Project is made possible with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We have been able to fund this role thanks to National Lottery players.