Volunteer Role Description Volunteer role title: Garden Volunteer Volunteer Team: Supporting Vestry House Museum, Culture and Community Services Volunteer Supervisor: Visitor Support Assistant Number of roles available 3 What is a Garden Volunteer? In Waltham Forest, volunteers are seen as a crucial part of community cohesion and community engagement. The aim of the garden volunteers’ role is to maintain the garden at Vestry House Museum in line with a shared team vision for the garden overall, and to contribute ideas for the planning and development of the garden. The garden volunteers are a friendly, award-winning team with a range of knowledge and experience. This is an exciting time to join as we try to increase the number of visitors to the garden through a new events programme and interpretation project. What’s involved? The types of tasks undertaken by a Garden Volunteer will include: Planting, in line with the team’s shared vision for the garden Maintaining a pleasant, tidy garden, including weeding, leaf sweeping, and light clearance work Maintaining and contributing to garden interpretation Contributing to team decisions on new planting, maintenance needs and garden development through attendance at planning and review meetings Participation in planning and running garden events and open days Maintaining garden safety Welcoming visitors Directing visitors to staff teams where appropriate Sharing gardening expertise with other team members Tasks will be shared out between the garden volunteer team depending on their interests, availability, knowledge and skills. When do I need to be available and what is the expectation? It is hoped that volunteers will be able to provide two days per month (partially seasonal) and attend team meetings (one Saturday per month). Members of the group meet for gardening sessions on Thursday and Saturday mornings. For people wishing to garden in a group these are the best times, however volunteers are welcome at any time the museum is open (Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm). To enable the best outcome for volunteers and the Council it is hoped that volunteers stay in the role for a minimum of 6 months, but this role is ongoing. Where will the role be based? Vestry House Museum, Vestry Road, Walthamstow E17 9NH What type of supervision will the post have? This post will be managed by the named Volunteer Supervisor who will support and guide tasks on a day to day basis. Annual review meetings will be provided in order to discuss progress and to get feedback individually. The Volunteer Supervisor will also try to resolve any issues or concerns the volunteer may have. We are looking for volunteers who: A knowledge of or interest in gardening The ability to carry out light manual work A friendly, approachable manner Good teamwork What we will provide for you: . A full induction and any training necessary for the volunteer role. Out-of-pocket expenses will be paid where receipts are provided by the volunteer, please see the Volunteer handbook for guidance. A named volunteer supervisor, with regular team meetings. We hope you will: Meet time commitments and standards agreed, and let your named volunteer supervisor know if you are unable to provide the support. Support the London Borough of Waltham Forest’s procedures and standards by: - Being aware of your own health and safety and of that of others - Respecting others and treating people equally irrespective of age, race, sex, class, economic status, disability, sexual orientation and religious beliefs. Other information: . No smoking is permitted whilst undertaking a voluntary role. Due to the nature of this voluntary role the Council will be required to undertake the following checks before a volunteer can start in role: identity and address checks. References: Two references from individuals over the age of 18 in a professional capacity will be required. How to Apply: If you want to find out more or to get an application form, please contact: Name: Rebecca Jacobs, Cultural Programme Officer Tel: 020 8496 4390 Email: [email protected] Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the London Borough of Waltham Forest. We very much appreciate our volunteers and will do our best to make your volunteer experience with us enjoyable and rewarding. The purpose of this role description is to set out the reasonable expectations for both the Council and volunteer. This arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one and may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. This role is purely voluntary and it is not intended to create an employment contract now or at any time in the future. .