The Egypt Centre,
Swansea
Volunteer
Information
© The Egypt Centre September 2012
Hello and Welcome!
Welcome to the Egypt Centre’s Volunteer programme. We are delighted to
have you as a volunteer. You have just joined a national award winning
programme that we hope will be enjoyable and rewarding for you and the
Museum.
The primary function of the volunteer programme is to assist the Museum in
the fulfilment of its mission; to provide education and entertainment to the
public. Volunteers help us to do this by acting as a bridge between the
Museum, the community and the public. Volunteers are our Ambassadors.
You have now been started on a 20 hour induction. This induction pack,
together with training, will provide you with a general introduction to the
Museum. We aim to supply you with sufficient information to prepare you to
carry out your duties and fulfil your responsibilities as a volunteer. During
your time with us we hope that you learn all that you possibly can about
Ancient Egyptian History and Culture as well as learning other skills such as
team work, problem solving, object interpretation and customer care. The
Egypt Centre has a very happy team of over 100 volunteers and staff from all
walks of life. We all work together as a team and each of us here is proud to
be part of that team: we hope you will be, too.
In this induction manual you will find the following pieces of information:
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Museum information, including our mission
Volunteer Charter
Staff Structure
Your role here
Health and Safety Information
Our Safeguarding policies and procedures.
All volunteers sign a Volunteer Agreement. We see this as a mutual
commitment to the volunteer programme by each volunteer and the Museum.
There will be an opportunity during your induction training to raise issues.
When you have read this manual, we will ask you to sign a pro forma to
confirm you have read it, understood its contents, and agree to abide by our
rules and regulations. We will let you know if there are any changes.
Periodically you will be asked to tell us about your experiences as a volunteer
by attending an informal review, a ‘Job-Chat’ with the Volunteer Manager.
The responses you give are important for the development of the programme
and will benefit current and future volunteers.
If you have any questions regarding your volunteering, please don’t hesitate to
ask.
Happy Volunteering!
Wendy Goodridge
w.r.goodridge@swansea.ac.uk
01792 295960
© The Egypt Centre September 2012
BASIC INFORMATION
Address:
The Egypt Centre,
Swansea University
Singleton Park,
Swansea,
SA2 8PP
Telephone number
01792 295960 (museum)
www.egypt.swansea.ac.uk
Opening Times
Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm.
(The doors open for volunteers at 9:30am)
Supervision
Until a Volunteer Manager is appointed your supervisor while you are here will be
Wendy Goodridge, Assistant Curator. If you have any problems you please go and
speak to her. If you are unable to make your volunteering commitment, please ring
295960 to let her know before 9am.
© The Egypt Centre September 2012
Egypt Centre Organisational Chart
Manager of Taliesin
Curator
Assistant Curator
Gallery
Assistant
Volunteer Manager
Over 90
volunteers
Education
Shop Sales
Officer
Assistant
Shop Sales
Assistant
Saturday workshop
Leader
Saturday workshop Assistants
© The Egypt Centre September 2012
The Egypt Centre
Mission Statement
The Egypt Centre aims to
collect, interpret and care for
Egyptian archaeological
material and related
documentation for the
education and entertainment
of the University and the
wider public, now and in the
future.
© The Egypt Centre September 2012
Museum Ethics
At the Egypt Centre we adhere to the Museums Association Code of
Ethics. We actively promote ethical conduct. Below is a summary of
what we follow, and how you are expected to conduct yourself.
A full version is available on request.
1 Hold collections in trust on behalf of society
Museums behave as ethical guardians as well as owners of collections. They
never relinquish the trust invested in them, without public consent.
2 Focus on public service
Museums belong to everybody. They exist to serve the public. They should
enhance the quality of life of everyone, both today and in the future. They are
funded because of their positive social, cultural, educational and economic
impact
3 Encourage people to explore collections for inspiration, learning and
enjoyment
Museums have the generosity of spirit to be approachable at every point of
contact, to reach out to audiences and to increase access to their collections.
As educational institutions, museums encourage a participative approach to
learning. However specialised their subjects or remote their locations, they
develop new audiences and deepen relationships with existing users.
Museums recognise that individuals have varied backgrounds and varying
physical, intellectual and cultural needs and expectations.
4 Consult and involve communities, users and supporters
Museums seek the views of communities, users and supporters and value the
contributions they make. Museums actively involve them in developing policy,
and balance this with the role of museums in leading and promoting debate.
Museums engage with changing needs and values.
5 Acquire items honestly and responsibly
Museums develop collections using long-term plans that are socially
responsive. They reject items with dubious provenance. Museums regularly
policies agreed by the governing body that are realistic in terms of the
resources required to sustain them. These policies address issues of the
context and legitimacy of acquisitions, due diligence, long-term care,
documentation and relevance to overriding, institutional aims. Items are
acquired on the basis that they will be retained in the public domain.
6 Safeguard the long-term public interest in the collections
Collections are a tangible link between the past, present and future. Museums
balance the interests of different generations by safeguarding collections,
which may include buildings and sites. Museums develop and implement a
collections policy in order to ensure appropriate standards of care and security
for all items entrusted to them, either permanently or on loan.
Museums meet their responsibility to future generations by ensuring that
collections are well managed and sustainable. There is a strong presumption
in favour of the retention of items within the public domain. Sometimes
© The Egypt Centre September 2012
transfer within the public domain, or another form of disposal, can improve
access to, or the use, care or context of, items or collections.
Responsible, curatorially-motivated disposal takes place as part of a
museum’s long-term collections policy, in order to increase public benefit
derived from museum collections.
7 Recognise the interests of people who made, used, owned, collected
or gave items in the collections
Museums try to develop constructive relationships with people who
contributed to collections, with representatives of these people, their heirs and
cultural descendants, balancing responsibilities to a range of stakeholders.
Gifts and bequests of items are usually made in the expectation that items will
be preserved. Museums reconcile the wider public interest with that
expectation.
8 Support the protection of natural and human environments
Collections in museums represent the rich diversity of the world’s natural and
human environments. Museums promote learning without jeopardising this
diversity. They contribute to sustainable economic activity and benefit local
and wider communities.
9 Research, share and interpret information related to collections,
reflecting diverse views
Museums facilitate and carry out research. They share and interpret
information consistent with their purpose and ensure that it is accurate, up to
date and based on the highest standards of scholarship and research. They
organise and manage information to make it accessible. Museums interpret
information to engage a wide variety of interests and to reflect diverse views.
They invite users to question assumptions and distinguish evidence from
speculation.
10 Review performance to innovate and improve
Museums develop by initiating and responding to change. They establish,
formally adopt, publish and regularly review their aims and objectives.
Museums specify targets, monitor, evaluate and report on performance and
make changes in operational practices to become more effective.
© The Egypt Centre September 2012
Egypt Centre Volunteer Charter
We rely on our volunteers. Without the time and effort they freely
give we could not operate effectively. We therefore pledge that:
1. We regard our Volunteers as an essential and distinctive part of
our structure.
2. We have policies of equal opportunity and equal access
applying to all staff, paid and volunteer, and all visitors.
3. We try to match the talents and interests of individual
Volunteers to defined tasks.
4. We provide Volunteers with induction (including Health and
Safety) training so that they will be able to work safely and
competently; and we offer them appropriate specialist training.
5. We make sure that each Volunteer knows the paid or volunteer
members of staff he or she is responsible to and should inform
if, for any reason, an undertaking to work on a given day or at a
given time cannot be kept.
6. We arrange insurance to cover every Volunteer against injury
while at work and any claim by a member of the public.
7. We offer Volunteers reimbursement of authorised actual out of
pocket expenses.
8. We inform Volunteers about policies, plans and programmes
and invite them to contribute to our decision-making processes
through existing management channels.
© Egypt Centre September 2012
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The role of volunteers
All volunteer roles must actively support the Museum’s mission in the
interpretation and care of Egyptian Archaeological material and related
documentation for the education and entertainment of the public. They will do
this by actively practising the three core roles of the museum in any role they
undertake:
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Preservation of the collection
Education
Widening participation
The Museum needs its volunteers to perform three vital jobs without which the
Egypt Centre would be unable to operate:
1. Gallery maintenance.
2. Visitor/Customer care
3. Educational delivery
Within every volunteer role there is an element of at least 1 of these aspects
and everyone must be willing to participate in one of these elements. All roles
are public facing. In recognition of the work undertaken within these roles the
Egypt Centre tries to provide interesting and additional opportunities for all
volunteers to ensure a fully rewarding and satisfying experience.
As a Volunteer, there are many different positions you can undertake
including
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Gallery Assistant*
Gallery Supervisor
Educational Assistant*
Educational Leader
Education Officer
Librarian Assistant*
Librarian
Shop Assistant*
Front of House Assistant*
Admin Assistant*
Youth Development Worker
The roles with stars next to them are starting roles. When you choose your
role, you will be given your role descriptions and the criteria you must fulfil
within your induction period in order to attain these roles.
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9
Volunteer Support
The museum, via the employment of a Volunteer Manager, provides practical,
everyday and administrative support for all Volunteers. There are very few
museums that have a full time member of staff dedicated to Volunteering.
However, unwanted support or supervision is not forced on people unless
their actions directly impact the effective running of the museum. The museum
lets all Volunteers have a large amount of autonomy, (much more than in
other museums) although, where needed, support is provided.
Training and assessment
Ongoing training is provided through a mixture of peer training and formal
training sessions.
In order to achieve certain roles, or to progress volunteers have to complete
basic criteria by attendance of set workshops and complete a short work
book. This is designed as a coaching tool to help you gain some Egyptology
and museological knowledge, as well as knowledge in your chosen voluntary
path.
You are not confined to just attending your progression training though. Feel
free to attend any training you like and feel is appropriate.
Other Volunteer contribution will be assessed on a regular basis by the
Volunteer Manager.
Volunteer Agreements
All volunteers will sign a Volunteer Agreement before they can start
volunteering. This will set out the agreed commitment by both parties.
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Volunteer Benefits and Rewards
We want all volunteers to feel motivated, happy and rewarded for all the good
work that they do here. We recognise that the museum simply could not
operate with out the hard work, dedication and good will of the volunteers.
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The services of a full-time volunteer manager
The satisfaction of working in a museum, and having real
responsibilities
The opportunity to work with like-minded people and share your
enthusiasm with them
The opportunity to work in a museum of Egyptian antiquities
Several social events each year
Free non-accredited classes run by Egypt Centre staff
Free information sheets
Academic help if you require it.
10% discount in museum shop
Access to the internet
Use of the University library
Use of the museum library
Use of the John Brumfitt lending library
Organised trips (often subsidised)
Parking permit for volunteering hours at the university
Free place on a fully accredited DACE course (Egypt centre
ambassadors)
Opportunity to handle ancient Egyptian artefacts
Opportunity to interpret artefacts, and have your work used, and
published by the museum.
Opportunities to attend free 1st Aid courses (where relevant).
Flexibility to commit to times that suit you and your schedule.
Monthly volunteer scheme to recognise those individuals who have
committed exceptional service over a long and sustained period of
time.
Pastoral care from the staff in times of hardship
Careers advice and help, including job interview training
IT training
Free Photocopying (within reason!!)
Free hot drinks and biscuits
Practical experience in museum environment (invaluable for careers)
© Egypt Centre September 2012
11
The Practicalities of Being a Volunteer at
the Egypt Centre
Representing The Egypt Centre
Volunteers are important ambassadors for The Egypt Centre, and most are
Front of House. You are therefore the 'face' of The Egypt Centre. Make sure
you give visitors a warm welcome; try to smile when they come in, and make
eye contact – it goes a long way to making their stay enjoyable! You are also
present a positive view of the Egypt Centre whenever you discuss it with nonvolunteers and staff (this includes when using social media). If you have any
issues, please use one of our many communication mechanisms to let us
know.
Dress Code
All museum staff are expected to dress cleanly, smartly but casually and in a
manner that will not upset our visitors, e.g. T-shirts without rude slogans. You
must wear the appropriate badge provided so you are easily identified by
visitors and staff. It is also advisable to wear comfortable shoes as you may
be stood up for some time, however this is not compulsory.
Starting your day
On each day you work as a volunteer, please make yourself known to your
supervisor. You need to sign in when you arrive and out when you leave
into the signing-in book, which is for your own safety and security purposes:
it allows the museum to know exactly who is in the building in the case of an
emergency. We also use it to monitor your attendance!
Attendance and Holidays
We do monitor attendance although reliability is more important than how
often you attend. You should be volunteering 1 shift per week (if possible 3
hours a week) however in special circumstances we are flexible. You are
responsible for turning up on the day you agreed to work as a volunteer, or for
informing your supervisor that you are unavailable at least one week in
advance. In the case of sickness or an unavoidable emergency, please call
01792 295960 as soon as you become aware that you will not be available.
If you know you will be away for a holiday (including the long student holidays)
please let the Egypt Centre know in advance, and an approximate date of
your return.
If for some reason you know you will be unable to volunteer for longer than 23 months please let the Egypt Centre know. We can put you on an ‘inactive
list’. You can stay on this list for up to 6 months, or even a year in exceptional
circumstances. However you can only go on this list if we know in advance
and you may need re-training when you return. If you just do not turn up and
we remove you from our volunteer database you will not be able to re-apply to
become a volunteer again for 6 months, and you will have to start from the
beginning again!
Break Times and Lunch
If you are here for a 3 hour shift you are entitled to a 15 minute break. Please
feel free to take this whenever you feel is appropriate, with the exception of
12-1pm as this is over our lunch break. If you are here for longer than 3 hours
you are entitled to a ½ hour lunch break. Lunch times are 12-12.30/12.30-1.
© Egypt Centre September 2012
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Please note the Educational LEADERS get priority for lunches as they have to
go with a school party. If you are here 10am-4.00pm for a full day you get your
lunch and a 15 minute break to be taken when you like (except 12-1).
Your Personal Possessions and Valuables
Please avoid bringing any valuables into the museum as we cannot be held
liable for their loss. Keep your bags/wallets etc in your locker. You will be
issued with a locker key each morning (please leave the key in the locker
when you leave). The door to the stock room must remain locked at all times.
The code to the door is 315.
Parking Permits
We appreciate the problems encountered with car parking in the University
grounds. As an Egypt Centre volunteer, you will be issued with a parking
permit application after volunteering at the Egypt Centre for 20 hours. This
will enable you to park near the Egypt Centre if spaces are available. If there
are no spaces, you will have to pay to park at the recreational ground, or the
Pub on the Pond. You will need a swipe card for the barrier if you have to park
in the lower car park. I you leave the volunteer programme you need to return
the swipe card and permit.
Expenses
We have an expenses policy to cover basic expenses, including travel. You
are entitled to these after you complete your probation, (minimum 20 hours)
Personal Calls and Mobile Phones, and Other Equipment
You may keep your mobile phone on you; however it must be kept on silent.
Please do not use your phone al all while you are with visitors.
Personal incoming calls can be taken but these must be kept to a minimum. If
you need to take, or make a call, please step outside the gallery to do so.
There is no audio equipment or gaming equipment allowed in the galleries
while you are with visitors.
Smoking, Alcohol and Other Illegal Substances
Smoking, alcohol and other illegal substances are prohibited in all areas of the
Museum and its outstations. It is also prohibited immediately outside the
entrances to the Museum.
Exhibit Security
Volunteers and staff occupy a position of trust and must take care that no
conflict of interest arises between themselves and the Museum. A volunteer
must not misuse their affiliation when pursuing their own interests. Any
research or product of volunteer work is the property of and copyright of the
Egypt Centre. Photographing exhibits is only allowed with permission from
the Curator.
Personal Circumstances
Volunteer details are held on manual and computer records in the Egypt
Centre and manual records are also kept in the University’s Personnel
Department, for insurance purposes. All manual records are kept in a locked
cabinet. Please notify your supervisor if there are any changes in the personal
details you completed on your application form. All paid members of staff and
additional admin staff have access to the database with your information. If
you wish your information to be kept entirely confidential, please tell us. The
University is registered under the Data Protection Act 1998 and promises that
© Egypt Centre September 2012
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any information you have provided about yourself will be treated as
confidential. You may request a copy of the information we maintain.
Confidentiality
While volunteering, you may sometimes be party to confidential or sensitive
information about some Egypt Centre activities, which are not public
knowledge. A sense of loyalty is expected. You are asked to respect the trust
accorded to you and not to misuse such information or communicate it outside
The Egypt Centre.
Disciplinary Process
The purpose of the disciplinary process is to ensure there is a fair approach to
standards of conduct affecting all who work at the Museum. By signing the
Volunteer Agreement you are agreeing to standards of work, performance and
behaviour set by the Museum. If in the unlikely event you do not match the
standards, you will take part in 3 informal discussions to help you make the
standard. Normally, after 3 discussions, a decision will be taken as to whether
it is right for you and the Museum to continue your work at The Egypt Centre.
In rare circumstances, when an incident of gross misconduct or major breach
of duty occurs following investigation and discussion, the Volunteer
Agreement will end. At all discussions you can be accompanied by a
volunteer colleague or friend or relative.
Grievance Process
The purpose of a grievance procedure is to allow volunteers to bring to the
Museum's attention any issue relating to their work which is of major concern,
or that they feel is unfair and not in keeping to the Museums’ commitment in
the Volunteer Agreement.
If you have a grievance, please talk to a senior member of Egypt Centre staff.
© Egypt Centre September 2012
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Health and Safety
It is the Museum’s policy to comply with all legal requirements and to do all
that it is reasonably practical to prevent harm to staff, volunteers and visitors,
and to prevent loss or damage to buildings and collections. You will receive
health and safety training at your induction and at regular intervals during your
time at The Egypt Centre. The Museum expects everyone to:
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Take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves, colleagues
and visitors.
Co-operate with everyone carrying out statutory duties regarding the
maintenance of health and safety.
Report immediately all incidents that have led to injury or damage, or
incidents that have resulted in near misses.
Co-operate in the investigation of incidents or accidents with the objective
of introducing measures to prevent recurrence.
Your safety
Your safety is paramount. For the purposes of health and safety you will be
treated like a permanent member of staff. You should not attempt to carry out
any task which may endanger yourself, the public or any other member of
staff. Some tasks you may consider simple may have health and safety
implications when performed at The Egypt Centre. For example, fixing a door
handle, changing a light bulb, or issuing a plaster to a visitor may only be
done by fully trained and appointed staff: joiners, electricians and first aiders
respectively. If in doubt, ask a member of staff.
Work Area Hazards
Staff and volunteers are responsible for ensuring that the area in which they
work are kept free of rubbish and hazards.
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Make sure the doors and fire exit routes are not blocked by anything;
tables, chairs or other volunteers etc… You need to make sure that
anyone can get in or out of the galleries quickly and safely
Make sure that there is nothing on the floor that anyone can trip over.
If there is something that you can’t move by yourself then ASK FOR
HELP
Do not run around in the galleries
Do not throw things around in the galleries, or play around (ie. pretend
to fight!)
If you see any bags or boxes that have been left then tell a member of
staff. Do not look through them yourself.
If there is a problem, come and find the person in charge. Let us know
as soon as possible.
The locker room, galleries and office are to be locked at all times when
unattended.
This includes the passage in the Taliesin down to Room 8 as well as public
areas (galleries, toilets, foyer, and entrances). It is the responsibility of all staff
and volunteers to ensure that the health, safety and comfort of all visitors and
workers, is not jeopardised by obstructions, obstacles, litter and other
hazards. This means taking active responsibility to remove such hazards
and/or report them to the curator or assistant.
© Egypt Centre September 2012
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“It’s not my job/my rubbish/my problem” is not an acceptable response.
First Aid
You should not undertake any first aid yourself, unless it is a life threatening
situation. In all other circumstances first aid can only be undertaken by Jayne
Holly-Wait who is a qualified first aider.
The First Aid box is in the office. If the office is locked, another box can be
found behind the desk in the shop area.
If there is a first aid need, the incident log must be filled in
Emergency Telephone Number: 333 from an Egypt
Centre phone. (Do not dial 999)
This gets you through to the switchboard who will ring through to 999 for you.
This is ESSENTIAL because the porters can then be arranged to direct the
emergency services to you. This is not a time wasting exercise. The porters
inform security at all points in the University, and the emergency services will
be directed straight to the problem area. If they are dialled direct on 999,
emergency services may have problems finding the right department.
Security
 All Staff and Volunteers should wear ID badges at all times
 All contractors/visiting companies must carry identification.
 Do not leave galleries, office or the student room unlocked unless you
have first notified the Curator/Assistant Curator or the designated
‘volunteer in charge.’
 Galleries MUST be supervised at all times.
 The shop must not be left unattended.
 Mobile radios must be switched on and carried.
In case of threats by visitors, fire, etc., your safety comes first.
Your safety is more important than that of the objects.
Unattended baggage
If you notice any unattended baggage; do not approach it but, more
importantly, do not use the radios. Leave the gallery immediately and inform
a member of staff, who will inform the other members of staff and volunteers
in person. The use of the radios during this period is not allowed as they
could set off a bomb, if that is what the package is.
Can you look after my bags?
This is a frequently asked question at The Egypt Centre. No, unfortunately we
can not look after anyone’s bag. However, umbrellas and soaking wet coats
can be left under the stairs at their owner’s risk.
Personal alarms
Personal alarms are kept in the office. You should carry one at all times whilst
on your shift. Ask for one in the office at the start of your shift. To operate,
pull the cord and throw the pin away immediately, (this will prevent your
attacker from putting the pin back in).
Radio
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Radios are for contacting a member of staff if you are unable to leave the
gallery. Whilst you are seated in the gallery, the radio may be placed by your
side. If a visitor asks for some information that requires you to walk over to
them, your radio must be carried at all times. Never leave your radio
unattended. The operation of the radios is quite simple: press the band on
the side of the radio once, and release, then press in and hold. Hold the radio
approximately 2 inches away from your face and speak clearly. Release the
band when you have finished. Try to keep your message to the point, and try
not to have a conversation. The radios shut down once they have been in use
for longer than one minute.
Manual Handling
You are unlikely to be asked to lift anything heavy at the Egypt Centre,
however there are times when you may be asked to help carry things. If you
are unable to lift, or feel it would be detrimental to your health, please let staff
know. If you do lift anything, please ensure you do not lift anything that is too
heavy, use both hands, and lift using appropriate methods, which will be
shown to you by a health and safety advisor.
CCTV
The whole museum is protected by CCTV. This is for your protection,
vulnerable groups protection and the collections protection. The only people
that have access to the CCTV records are the staff, and Fulton house
security.
Copies of the full policy are available in the museum or at your request.
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FIRE SAFETY
Assembly point: Digital Technium Car Park
All volunteers should sign in the ‘sign-in’ book at the beginning and end of their shift.
They should inform the Volunteer Manager or another member of staff if they need to
leave the premises for any reason. At the end of their shift they should sign out –NOT
before.
If you discover a fire:
 Set the alarm off
 Inform a member of staff
 If necessary to tell people there is a fire, use the phrase “Mr James is in the
gallery”
If an alarm goes off:
 DO NOT PANIC. Stay calm and you will stay safe.
 DO NOT stay in the gallery
 DO NOT return to the building until you are told
 DO NOT try to collect any bags or belongings; they are not as important as
you are.
 DO NOT use the lift
 DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RESCUE OBJECTS.
 See that the emergency lighting system operates. If any lights are not
working let someone in charge know.
Make sure at all times:
 All doors to be free from obstruction.
 All fire doors are closed and not wedged open.
 All exits are unlocked while anyone is in the gallery
Floor One
Fire extinguishers x 2 (Carbon Dioxide and Water)
Carbon Dioxide – Electrical equipment such as computers, television screens,
lighting etc.
Water – wastepaper bins, displays, people etc.
Fire alarm - situated above fire extinguishers.
Escape Routes
1. Down the main stairs into the shop area.
2. Through the fire doors, into the Taliesin coffee shop and proceed to the exit
adjacent to the porters booth.
3. Into the shared area, out of the double doors.
Ground Floor
Fire extinguishers - x 2 (Carbon Dioxide and Water)
Carbon Dioxide - Electrical equipment such computers, television screens, lighting
etc.
Water – wastepaper bins, displays, people etc.
Fire alarm – situated above fire extinguishers and on the wall (right hand) at the
entrance to the House of Death.
Escape Routes
1. Through the main entrance.
Through the tunnel that leads to the bank in the Taliesin. Again all staff and
volunteers are to gather in the Taliesin car park.
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Equal Opportunities,
Dignity and Harassment
Equal Opportunities
The Egypt Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer. It does not
discriminate against staff or eligible applicants for posts on the grounds of
gender, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, disability
or age.
Dignity and Harassment at work
The Egypt Centre takes a Zero Tolerance approach to violations of the dignity
and harassment at work policy. This policy applies not just within the museum,
but also outside of the museum (including with social media networking).
Harassment and bullying includes;
 Backbiting
 Nicknames
 Sarcastic jokes
 Shouting at people
 Gossiping about people
 Asking them to do things you know they would not be able to do
 Bitching, and many more.
At the Egypt Centre everyone needs to be especially tolerant as we have
people who are sensitive, could be classed as vulnerable adults, or they may
come from a different culture, background or social mix. You may not be
aware of who these people are, so you could cause real offense without
intending to.
Rule of thumb – treat people as you would like to be treated; with respect,
dignity and understanding. If you have a problem, in the 1st instance let the
person know, in a calm manner, you can bring along a friend if you don’t feel
confident enough. If you are not happy with that result, see the Volunteer
Manager. If you are not happy with her response, see the Assistant Curator,
Wendy, or then the Curator Carolyn. There are also university harassment
officers if you want to take it outside the centre. We can’t promise we will take
your side, but we will at least listen and treat the matter seriously.
Please remember though, any personnel issues that need to be resolved must
be done so in private, (don’t talk about individuals in a public forum) otherwise
you might find yourself in violation of the dignity at work policy! Everyone
deserves dignity.
© Egypt Centre September 2012
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SAFEGUARDING – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
As part of your volunteer agreement you have agreed to follow all guidelines
set out by the Egypt Centre1. This sheet sets out the main guidelines and
procedures in an easy to access format, however should you want a copy of
the policy, it is freely available.
Who do we safeguard?
Children (0-15)
Young people (16-17)
Vulnerable Groups
Vulnerable adults (18+)
=
Vulnerable Groups
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and we have our policy
and procedures in order to protect not only the vulnerable groups,
but also ourselves and our organization.
What are our responsibilities?
To provide a safe environment
To ensure welfare of vulnerable
groups are paramount
To work in partnership with other
agencies
To provide effective procedures for
protection of vulnerable people
Principals and Guidance for Working with vulnerable groups.
These are neither definitive not fully descriptive;
please use a common sense approach to all situations.
Entry into positions in the Museum.
- All staff and Volunteers will be thoroughly vetted before being allowed
entrance into the volunteer program, and leading on sessions with
vulnerable groups. This will include CRB checks and references.
Training
- The Museum will include safeguarding information and training as a
core component to all new volunteer and staff inductions.
- Every 3 years or sooner refresher safeguarding courses will be
provided, which are, for all volunteers and staff.
Conduct
You should
Implement Safeguarding policy and
procedures
Put welfare of vulnerable person 1st
Work in an open environment where
you can be seen by others
Maintain appropriate relationship
boundaries
Give constructive and enthusiastic
feedback rather than negative criticism
You should not
Allow or engage in inappropriate behaviour
Engage in rough, physical games
Spend time alone with child or young person.
Allow children, young people, or adults to use
inappropriate language unchallenged.
Make comments to a child, or young person, even
in fun, that could be construed as sexually
suggestive.
Ensure when physical touch is required Engage or allow inappropriate touching. The main
it is open and appropriate
principals of touch are; 1. touch should always be in
response to the child’s need and 2. touch should
always be appropriate to the age and stage of
development of the child
Keep records of relevant incidents
Physically restrain a child, young person or
vulnerable adult unless the restraint is to; 1.
Prevent physical injury of the individual/other
individuals, 2. Prevent damage to any property or
-
1
All staff and volunteers should be aware that breaches of the law, and other guidelines as set out in this document
could result in disciplinary or criminal action being taking against them.
© Egypt Centre September 2012
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Ensure all vulnerable groups are
treated with dignity and respect.
Museum artefact or 3. Prevent or stop the
commission of a criminal offense.
Deliberately reduce a child or young person to tears
as a form of control, belittle or demean them or use
emotional abuse.
Do things of a personal nature for a vulnerable
person that they can do for themselves or that their
supervising adult can do for them. (where you need
to, ensure it is with the full understanding and
consent of the individual and their supervising
adult).
Email, text or contact a child or young person
without permission from the supervising adult and
with full knowledge and consent of the appropriate
member of Museum staff.
An Adult should never engage, or allow, contact
with a child or young person via internet chat
rooms, social networking sites or other internet
sites.
Ask for personal information from a child, young
person or vulnerable adult without the full consent
of the appropriate supervising adult and the
Museum.
In all circumstances physical restraint should reasonable,
otherwise it could be construed as assault.
No young person associated with the museum is allowed to have their photo taken by
anyone other than museum staff without permission. No photos can be taken on personal
equipment without express permission from the Curator.
What to do if someone tells you about a possible abuse, or you suspect abuse;
-
React in a calm but concerned way.
Tell the person that they are right to share what has happened.
Take what the person says seriously.
Keep questions to an absolute minimum, only using them to clarify what the person is
saying; NOT to interrogate. Do not use leading questions.
Do not interrupt the person.
Reassure the person that the problem can be dealt with.
Do not give any assurances of confidentiality, but reassure the person that the
information will only be passed onto people who need to know.
Make a full record of what is said and done using the appropriate form. The
Designated Safeguarding Officer (Wendy Goodridge) or Deputy Designated
Safeguarding Officer (Jayne Holly-Wait) will take you through this.
Reporting procedure;
Vulnerable person
Makes a report

Staff/volunteer
Suspects or sees abuse
Is now bound by confidentiality and can discuss issue with no one other than Designated Safeguarding Officer’s.

Designated Safeguarding officer
will follow university procedures. Staff/Volunteer may or may not continue to be involved in incident.

University staff
© Egypt Centre September 2012

NSPCC/Social services/Police
21
Egypt Centre Volunteer Handling Agreement (your copy)
We have to impose certain restrictions in order to protect the collection .
 Handlers must not eat or drink near the objects in the museum and are
asked to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.
 Handlers should not smoke immediately prior to handling the objects.
 Staff or Volunteer will supervise all visitors at the materials objects at all
times and closed circuit television with video recording is also in use.
 All persons handling objects must take good care not to damage or impair
any object and follow the safe handling procedures set out below.
 If any object sustains damage the incident must be reported to curatorial
staff immediately.
 Personal photography is not permitted, nor is the making of wax or other
impressions (including rubbings), except at the discretion of the curator or
assistant curator. Any requests for consideration should be made in
advance.
 Pencils only may be used. Pens and other materials which may stain the
artefact should be kept away from the working area.
 No metal measuring instruments (e.g. calipers, rulers) may be brought into
contact with object.
Safe Handling Procedures
 Place bags and personal belongings safely under the table to avoid
tripping over them (Volunteer belonging to go into stock room).
 Remove large pieces of jewellery or cover rings, watches, necklaces etc.
that may cause abrasion or chipping.
 Ensure that sleeves or fastenings of clothes don’t catch on the object and
avoid clothing that will restrict your movement or are likely to trip you up.
 The lint-free cotton gloves provided must be worn in order to handle
objects. Fingerprints damage objects because the acids and salts in
perspiration have corrosive properties. Porous materials such as plaster,
marble, paper, unglazed pottery, and ivory can also be damaged by
grease from the skin, which will stain the object and attract dirt from the air.
 Objects should only be placed on the plastazote never in direct contact
with the table.
 Try to familiarise yourself with the structure, fabrication and condition of
the object, making note of any areas that may be vulnerable.
 Treat all objects as fragile. Hold and support more vulnerable areas by the
heaviest part of their body and as near to the centre of gravity as possible.
 Only pick up one object at a time.
 Cradle the object. Don’t pick objects up by the decorative parts of their
structure, handles, knobs, rims or legs.
 Do not place objects in direct contact with each other because this will
cause abrasion damage.
© Egypt Centre September 2012
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The Egypt Centre Volunteer Agreement (your copy)
The intention of this agreement is to indicate the seriousness with which The
Egypt Centre treats its volunteer programme. It is to assure all volunteers that
they are appreciated and that The Egypt Centre staff will do their very best to
make volunteer experience a productive and rewarding one. It is also to set
out the commitment the Egypt Centre expects from its volunteers.
THE EGYPT CENTRE will commit to the following:
 Provide adequate information, training and assistance for the volunteer to
be able to define and meet the responsibilities of their role in The Egypt
Centre.
 Define the appropriate standards of performance expected, to
communicate them to volunteers and to encourage and support them to
achieve and maintain them.
 Respect the skills and dignity of the volunteer and where possible match
the needs or the motivation of volunteers to the requirements of The Egypt
Centre.
 Ensure satisfactory supervisory support and provide feedback on
performance.
 Be receptive to any comment from the volunteer regarding ways in which
we might mutually better accomplish tasks.
 Provide adequate insurance cover for the volunteers whilst undertaking
duties authorised by The Egypt Centre.
 Reimburse all agreed in advance out of pocket expenses (supported by
receipts) incurred in a volunteering capacity. (This does not include travel,
to and from Egypt Centre and home)
 Try to resolve problems, grievances and difficulties which may be
encountered while volunteering for The Egypt Centre.
 The Egypt Centre is committed to promoting equal opportunities and
preventing discrimination and will provide equal access to all facilities and
opportunities.
THE VOLUNTEER will commit to the following:
 To perform my duties to the best of my abilities. To read, accept and follow
the volunteer’s induction manual which outlines benefits and standards of
performance and behaviour required whilst being a volunteer at The Egypt
Centre
 To meet time and duty commitments except in exceptional circumstances
or to provide adequate notice so that alternative arrangements can be
made.
 To adhere to The Egypt Centre’s rules and procedures, including
confidentiality, security, safeguarding vulnerable people, dignity at work
and health and safety.
 To know that I will work under the supervision and will be responsible to
the Volunteer Manager of the Egypt Centre.
 Agree to attend induction training and follow up training as necessary and
participate in regular reviews of my performance.
 Demonstrate a commitment to The Egypt Centre’s equal opportunity
Policy.
 To represent the Egypt Centre and its staff and volunteers positively both
in and outside of the museum and to resolve any issues appropriately with
the volunteer manager.
© Egypt Centre September 2012
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

To accept that should I breach any instructions or act in a way
incompatible with the image of the museum, or bring the Egypt Centre into
disrepute, my volunteer agreement may be terminated.
To understand that any research or work undertaken, that is linked to any
form of volunteering at the museum is the intellectual property of the Egypt
Centre and that copies of any additional information that comes to light
from this research must be provided.
© Egypt Centre September 2012
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WHAT HAPPENS NOW?!
Congratulations! You have completed your induction!
So what happens now?
Today
 You will be given this manual, a volunteer and handling
agreement and an induction declaration to sign and these
will be placed in your file.
 You will be placed in an appropriate part of the Museum for
you to get familiar with the layout.
 You will be introduced to the volunteers and a “mentor” who
can help you in your 1st few shifts.
 Think about what role you would like to do?
 When your details are inputted onto the computer the
Volunteer Manager will call you into the office to check all
your details. Have all your paperwork with you!
 You will have your photograph taken and given your badge!
 Have a look around the museum, and the collection on
display.
 Sign up for your training modules.
 Sign up for your next shift.
Next




week
Don’t forget your pre-shift meeting at 9.50 or 12.50!
Bring your workbook with you and a pen!
Wear your badge.
A mentor will be assigned to you if necessary.
3-20 hours
 Complete your workbook.
 Attend your training modules.
 Learn the activities.
20 hours
 Start thinking about booking your coaching sessions
 See your supervisor for a quick “development” chat
 Get your new hard copy badge
 Get your black file

You are now eligible for expenses/discount/parking permit.
© Egypt Centre September 2012
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Induction Declaration (your copy)
Name
I have received an induction which included the following
information;
Health and Safety
Safeguarding
Fire Drill and Emergency Escape Routes
First Aid
Emergency Contact Number 333
My Job Role and Practicalities of Being a
Volunteer
Museum Ethics
Gallery Radio & Personal Alarm
Date
Signature
© Egypt Centre September 2012
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