Tender Invitation: South West Archaeological Resource Framework (SWARF) Review
Project Title: Curating the Historic Environment of South West England: Supporting Change in an Extraordinary Landscape
The South West Heritage Trust, with funding from Historic England, is working in partnership with the South West branch of the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO) to undertake a major review of the South West Archaeological Research Framework (SWARF, 2008).
Tender Requirements: We invite tenders from individuals or organisations with:
- A strong understanding of the archaeology of the South West region.
- Broad knowledge of the role and significance of Research Frameworks across England.
- Proven ability to engage, collaborate, and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders and contributors.
Tenderers should submit a fully costed Project Design outlining their proposed approach to delivering the work.
Project Duration:
- Up to two years
- Completion by December 2027
- Expected start date: December 2025
Fee: Up to £85,000 (exclusive of VAT).
Payment will be made in staged arrears, with a Payment Schedule to be agreed with the successful tenderer.
Submission Deadline: 28 November 2025
How to Apply: Please submit your tender by email to both:
Your submission should include:
- A written quotation and Project Design addressing the requirements outlined in the project brief.
- Details and CVs of the consultant(s) who will work on the project, highlighting relevant skills, experience, and knowledge.
- Names and contact details of two referees.
- Proof of public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
South West Archaeological Resource Framework (SWARF) Review https://swheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SWARF-Project-Brief-2025.pdf
Visitor Services Assistant
Location: Somerset Rural Life Museum
Hours: 37 hours per week
FTE Salary: £23557
Contract: Permanent
The South West Heritage Trust is seeking a full-time Visitor Services Assistant to join our museum operations team, helping us deliver an exceptional visitor experience at the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury.
In this frontline role, you will provide outstanding customer service by welcoming visitors, supporting the security, maintenance, and cleanliness of the museum, assisting with events, and contributing to the smooth running of the museum shop.
We are looking for someone with a basic understanding of health and safety and premises issues, as well as confidence in using computers and technical equipment such as tills. Just as importantly, you’ll bring a genuine enthusiasm for Somerset’s rich history and heritage—and a desire to share this passion in ways that inform, inspire, and engage our visitors.
A high degree of flexibility, including the ability to work additional hours or overtime at short notice, is essential.
The South West Heritage Trust is an independent charity which provides heritage services across Somerset and Devon. We run two Archive and Local Studies services and three museums, including the Museum of Somerset, and look after Somerset’s historic environment, including over 400 acres of historic landscapes.
For further information, please contact Ann Bradford, HR and Governance Manager ann.bradford@swheritage.org.uk
We are committed to building an organisation as diverse as the communities we serve. Your application for this role will be welcomed whatever your background and regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnership.
For further information and an application form, please follow the link below. CVs are not accepted as applications.
Closing date: 9am Monday 5th January 2026
Proposed interview date: Wednesday 15th January 2026