1. Introduction

The rukus! Black LGBTQ Archive was launched by rukus! Federation Ltd in June 2005.  The mission of the rukus! Black LGBTQ Archive is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and otherwise make available to the public historical, cultural, and artistic materials related to the black Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Trans and Queer communities in the United Kingdom.

The archive currently includes printed materials (books, magazines, newsletters, journals, pamphlets, flyers, prints and photographs) and moving images and recorded sound materials (film/video, music and conference proceedings) organisational records (agendas, minutes, reports etc) and Ephemera (badges, T shirts etc)

The rukus! Black LGBTQ Archive involves volunteers in the delivery of its services to provide opportunities for individuals to contribute to the community especially in relation to local, regional and national Black LGBTQ history, heritage and lived experiences. By engaging volunteers from throughout the community.

This policy is in a development phase and will be amended over the coming six months.

2. Selection and recruitment

rukus! Federation aims to recruit volunteers from all sections of the community and with a range of skills, life experiences and knowledge. We welcome volunteers from all cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds. It’s our goal to find appropriate roles for anyone who wishes to help, irrespective of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Volunteers will be required to complete an application form, which will be retained for future reference.

All prospective volunteers will be interviewed to discuss their skills, roles and expectations. rukus! Federation Ltd reserves the right not to offer immediate placements to volunteers who are not suited to the tasks available at the time of application, or to suggest alternative or later placements.

All volunteering opportunities will have a volunteer role description appropriate to the area of service.

3. Criminal clearance

All volunteers will be required to disclose any criminal convictions (including spent convictions) when completing an application form.

4. Equal opportunities

rukus! Federation Ltd  treats all people with equal respect, concern and consideration and recognizes the contribution made to the community by all individuals. We strive to ensure that this belief is embodied in the way we provide services, in our employment practices, and how we work with our partners/agencies in the community and the museum, libraries, archives sector.

Volunteers will be expected to accept and work in accordance with our developing equal opportunities and other policies.

5. Induction and training

rukus! Federation Ltd  believes in making effective use of all of its resources by developing a culture of continuous improvement to enable it to achieve its aims and objectives. Volunteers will be given training that is relevant and appropriate to their roles. New volunteers will be required to attend a basic induction session.

6. Supervision and support

Volunteers will have access to effective supervision and any necessary support mechanisms, including learning and development opportunities as resources allow. Where appropriate, group support meetings will be arranged.

We are currently developing volunteer supervision and appraisal systems.

7. Expenses

For the time being, any expenses must be agreed with the Archive  Manager in advance.

8. Health and safety

We will not place volunteers in situations that will put their health and safety, or that of others, at risk. Volunteers must comply with rukus’s Health and Safety requirements.

It will be the responsibility of rukus! Federation Ltd to ensure volunteers receives suitable and sufficient induction with particular attention to Health and Safety matters. The training will include information about personal safety, first aid and what to do in the event of a fire.

It is the responsibility of all staff to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and for others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

9. References

Volunteers will be entitled to receive a reference from rukus! Federation Ltd . This is conditional on the volunteer undertaking at least 50 hours of voluntary work of satisfactory standard whilst working directly on behalf of rukus! Federation Ltd.