VOLUNTEER POLICY
AUGUST 2020
Alchemy Film & Arts is committed to the widest possible involvement and inclusion in its activities through all sections of its work: its staff and board, volunteers, audience and participants, and the artists it works with.
As Alchemy’s year-round programme expands, its volunteer programme continues to thrive. Taking pride in its warmth and inclusivity, Alchemy invites a wide range of people to help support the delivery of high quality events in Hawick, Scotland’s film town.
This Volunteer Policy outlines:
• Who we are
• Volunteer roles and rewards at Alchemy Film & Arts
• Associated policies and procedures
WHO WE ARE
Alchemy Film & Arts is a cultural organisation invested in film as a means of generating discussion, strengthening community, and stimulating creative thought.
We bring the highest quality experimental film to Hawick and the Scottish Borders, celebrating artistic excellence through a diverse range of year-round events – including community filmmaking opportunities, screenings, exhibitions, commissions, residencies and an internationally renowned annual film festival.
Alchemy Film & Arts is a registered Scottish Charity: SC042142.
VOLUNTEER ROLES AND REWARDS AT ALCHEMY FILM & ARTS
Alchemy recruits volunteers throughout the year, from any background or skillset, to join its enthusiastic and friendly team, helping to deliver dynamic year-round programming.
By joining our volunteer community, individuals gain:
– A new network of friends and colleagues
– The opportunity to attend screenings, workshops and events
– Tailored training, support and learning opportunities
– Experience and professional development in many areas of production
– References and performance evaluation
– The opportunity to contribute to Hawick’s cultural regeneration
Roles for volunteers can be adapted and tailored to the interests and requirements of each individual volunteer. Core volunteering roles include assistance with:
– Exhibition invigilation
– Exhibition installation
– Festival/Event stewarding
– Workshop facilitation
– Community filmmaking
– Guest driving
– Administrative support
– Marketing support
More information about each of these roles can be found here.
Prospective volunteers will be invited for an informal discussion with a member of the team to determine what they would like to get from volunteering and how Alchemy can support the opportunity. A Volunteer Agreement will also be issued.
ASSOCIATED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
INCLUSION
Alchemy Film & Arts is committed to creating opportunities that are inclusive to everyone. Our Inclusivity Policy details our commitment to inclusion regarding our workers, volunteers, audiences, participants, and artists.
This policy can be found on Alchemy’s website here.
SAFETY
Alchemy Film & Arts has public liability insurance for working with volunteers. Documentation of this can be read upon request. Alchemy has clear procedures for accidents and emergencies and conducts risk assessments for all events produced and all venues used. A trained first aider is engaged for outdoor events and the annual Film and Moving Image Festival.
Alchemy ensures all workshop facilitators have a PVG Disclosure Record, and is committed to a Safeguarding Policy, which can be found here.
RESOLVING CONCERNS
Each volunteer will be assigned a point of contact on the Alchemy team. Any queries or concerns regarding volunteering can be raised with the individual volunteer’s assigned point of contact on the Alchemy team, either in person or via email.
Volunteers will also be provided with contact details for Alchemy Film & Arts’ Directors and Trustees.
EXPENSES
An Expenses Claim Form is available from Alchemy Film & Arts to claim back expenses, such as the cost of travel. Volunteer-drivers will receive a mileage expense rate of £0.40 per mile if using their own cars, however Alchemy has a partnership with Teviot Electric Car Club and encourages volunteers to utilise this. Expense Claim Forms should be completed and returned to payments@alchemyfilmandarts.org.uk, and will be paid within two weeks of receipt.
Volunteers receiving Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit will have the support of Alchemy staff to establish eligible hours and what expenses can be claimed.
CONFIDENTIALITY
A confidentiality agreement is included in Alchemy’s Volunteer Agreement. Volunteers are expected to not disclose any confidential information relating to or received from Alchemy Film & Arts – unless expressly authorised or required by law – and to follow our Privacy Policy: https://alchemyfilmandarts.org.uk/policies/.
Thank you for reading Alchemy’s Volunteer Policy. Please get in touch for further information on volunteering via info@alchemyfilmandarts.org.uk.
