Volunteer Policy

Introduction

GFT refers to Glasgow Film Theatre and also to Glasgow Film Festival. GFT was established in May 1974 by the Scottish Film Council in the premises of the former Cosmo Cinema. GFT became a registered charity and independent company in 1986, and now comprises three cinemas, and two bars. GFT is core funded by Creative Scotland (CS) and Glasgow City Council (GCC). The three cinemas provide a programme of film, video and television, most of which would not otherwise be available. Around 500 different titles are screened each year. The programme is international in scope and offers new and innovative film and media alongside more familiar work, shown within the context of the history of world cinema. Central to the cinema activity, GFT has an ongoing education programme of around 200 events each year including work in and with schools, adult courses, workshops, masterclasses, screenings, study days, discussions and special guest introductions. The first Glasgow Film Festival was held in February 2005 and has quickly become established as an important event in the festival calendar.

A volunteer is anyone who without recompense performs and activity at the direction and on behalf of GFT or GFF. Volunteers may be involved in a range of activities.

In this organisation, volunteers are a major resource and make a vital contribution to our vision. We intend to encourage, develop and support volunteer involvement in our service within all appropriate departments, programmes and activities. Volunteers bring new skills and perspectives to the organisation and can undertake activities that would not otherwise be carried out. Volunteers will supplement the service provided rather than supplant the work of employees.

GFT believes our relationship with our volunteers is one of mutual responsibility and commitment, within which GFT and volunteers both have rights and responsibilities. We hope our volunteers will enjoy their time with us and gain from it in terms of their own personal development.

Purpose of the Volunteer Policy

The purpose of this policy document is to:

Confirm GFT commitment to involving volunteers;
Recognise the contribution volunteers make to GFT;
Provide a basis for the expansion of volunteer involvement;
Provide overall support, guidance and direction to staff and volunteers;
Establish the values and standards of GFT in its involvement with volunteers;
Ensure decisions are made fairly;
Clarify volunteer rights and status;
Clarify the boundaries between staff and volunteers;
Help to ensure the ongoing quality of both the volunteering opportunities on offer and the activities carried out by volunteers.

This policy is not:

Either implicitly or explicitly, a binding contractual or personal agreement. GFT reserves the right to change any aspect of the policy at any time after consultation with the relevant parties. This policy applies to all volunteer placements in GFT regardless of activity. Certain items may be altered if a volunteer is being placed by a sponsoring agency.

Volunteer benefits

Our Volunteers volunteer for many different reasons: some enjoy the social side of working with people with a similar interest, or have the satisfaction of knowing they have helped with the work of the GFT. Others, to develop their skills or gain new skills while serving with the GFT. We cannot guarantee paid employment to volunteers as all recruitment is carried out in accordance with GFT’s Equal Opportunities Policy (Employment).