Volunteer / Creative Support Worker (Assemble)
This role is structured as a development pathway, beginning with a volunteer placement where individuals receive training, mentoring and experience observing and supporting creative sessions. This phase focuses on building confidence, understanding the programme structure and developing the skills required to support participants effectively. Following this training period, volunteers progress into a paid Creative Support Worker (CSW) role.
Creative Support Workers provide practical and pastoral support to participants during sessions. They help ensure that all young people feel able to engage in creative activity and contribute to the group. Within sessions, CSWs typically support participants at a ratio of approximately three participants to one Creative Support Worker, helping ensure that individual needs are understood and supported within the creative process.
This role is well suited to individuals interested in inclusive arts practice, youth work, creative facilitation or participatory theatre-making, and offers valuable experience working within a professional theatre environment.
Role: Volunteer / Creative Support Workers
Project: Assemble https://exeternorthcott.co.uk/news/exeter-northcott-becomes-the-south-west-partner-for-national-youth-theatres-assemble/
Responsible to: Creative Engagement Lead Facilitator, Youth Development Producer, Community Engagement Producer
Location: Onsite with partner organisation
Terms & Conditions
Contract type: Volunteer placement progressing to paid Freelance Creative Support Worker role
Fee: Phase 1 – Volunteer placement (training and mentoring provided) / Phase 2 – Creative Support Worker: £22.31 per hour
Commitment: 14 weeks | 2-hour session per week
We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of disability and/or neurodiversity.
How to apply
As part of our commitment to inclusion we’re working to widen the pool of people who hear about vacancies at the theatre and make the process of applying for a job as straightforward as possible.
For this role we’re asking all candidates to click on the Apply Now link for this vacancy on our website and submit written and/or video/audio responses to the same three questions so you can tell us about yourself and why you’re the right person for this role:
- Tell us about yourself and why you want to work at the Northcott
- Tell us how your experience meets the person specification
- Tell us about what professional support you might need if we were to offer you this role
And then upload a copy of your latest CV.
If you would like the information in an alternative format, support in completing your application, or you would like an alternative way to make your application, please contact us at jobs@exeternorthcott.co.uk.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jacob Blackburn, Youth Development Producer j.blackburn2@exeter.ac.uk.
Closing Date: Thursday 2nd April 2026 at 9am
Date of Interviews: Thursday 9th April & Friday 10th April 2026 at the Barnfield Theatre
Initial training: Week commencing 20th April 2026
Programme starts: Week commencing 27th April 2026
NB
We’ll pay travel expenses for candidates invited to interview.
When we invite candidates to interview, we’ll ask if they have any access needs.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Supporting Programme Delivery
- Support the delivery of workshop and session activity as directed by the Lead Facilitator.
- Work with individuals and small groups to support engagement, understanding and participation.
- Encourage participants to contribute ideas and engage with creative activities.
- Help maintain a positive and collaborative group dynamic.
Inclusion, Access & Participation
- Support inclusive practice within sessions, responding sensitively to a range of access needs.
- Provide practical and pastoral support to a small group of participants.
- Encourage participants to develop confidence and independence within creative activity.
- Help create a welcoming, respectful and supportive environment for all participants.
- Build positive and appropriate relationships with young people.
Safeguarding, Welfare & Health & Safety
- Support safeguarding and health and safety within sessions in line with organisational policies.
- Maintain clear professional boundaries at all times.
- Report any concerns regarding welfare, behaviour or safety promptly to the Lead Facilitator or Creative Engagement Team.
Training & Development
- Attend training sessions and mentoring opportunities as part of the volunteer phase.
- Develop understanding of inclusive creative practice and participant support.
- Reflect on practice and develop skills in supporting creative activity and facilitation.
Practical & Operational Support
- Assist with setting up, clearing away and managing materials, resources and equipment.
- Support smooth session delivery by responding flexibly to the needs of the group and the Lead Facilitator.
- Contribute positively to the working environment and the experience of participants.
Working Approach & Responsibility
Volunteer / Creative Support Workers work under the guidance of the Lead Facilitator and Creative Engagement Team. During the volunteer phase, the focus is on learning, observation and developing confidence in supporting sessions. Once trained, Creative Support Workers play an active role in supporting participants and helping maintain an inclusive and supportive creative environment.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Experience & Interest
- Interest in theatre, creative facilitation, youth work or participatory arts practice.
- Enthusiasm for supporting young people in creative environments.
- Willingness to learn and develop skills in inclusive arts practice.
Inclusion, Access & Safeguarding
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Sensitivity to the needs of young people from a range of backgrounds and experiences.
- Willingness to follow safeguarding procedures and organisational policies.
Communication & Professionalism
- Ability to build positive and appropriate relationships with young people.
- Ability to work collaboratively with facilitators and staff.
- Reliability and willingness to commit to the programme schedule.
- Openness to feedback and reflective learning.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience supporting young people in education, youth or community settings.
- Interest in developing a career in creative facilitation, participation or theatre-making.
- Lived experience of disability and/or neurodiversity, and/or experience of working from this perspective within creative or educational settings.
Equality, Diversity & Access
Exeter Northcott Theatre is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are currently under-represented in the arts, including people with lived experience of disability and/or neurodiversity.
We recognise the value that lived experience brings to creative learning environments and to the development of inclusive practice. Applicants are invited (but not required) to share relevant lived experience in their application, should they wish to do so.
Additional Information
- This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check (or willingness to undertake one. We can support you with this application).
- The successful candidate will be required to work in line with Exeter Northcott Theatre policies, including safeguarding, equality, and data protection.