Howe O’the Mearns Parish Church of Scotland – The Caim Project
Introduction
The Caim seeks to developing a functioning Market Garden to grow fresh local, seasonal produce of vegetables and fruit forms the mission apparatus around which we will –
• Share produce via larders and others who can give as they are able.
• Give opportunities for ‘meaningful gardening activity’, to listen to people and to build relationships across the communities.
Help is always welcome and the site offers a friendly, welcoming environment for a diverse range of people of all ages and ability to participate. Care of the site and facilities is a shared responsibility. Th Project lead runs the regular open kohā times/days who can give advice on what needs doing around the site.
As a Kohā-volunteer you can expect
• Orientation and induction will be provided on the aims of the project, the site, procedures , health and safety (based on risk assessment), code of behaviour – safeguarding and data protection.
• A clearly defined outline of tasks to be undertaken, and to be given tasks that you are capable of and that are of benefit to The Caim.
• Receive adequate and appropriate support/training as required for particular tasks.
• Opportunity to develop your creative ideas where practical and appropriate, and input into the development of the site and project goals.
• To be clear whom you should consult over any problem.
• To be treated fairly and with respect.
• A safe environment to carry out activities.
Code of conduct
• Be aware of site safety. Ensure safe practices are carried out whilst participating and be aware of potential hazards to avoid risks. Read the health and safety risk log. Report all accidents and near misses, which should be recorded in the site incident book.
• Take care of tools and equipment and clean and put away safely after use.
• Take your own recycling and rubbish away with you and use the compost-bays for food-waste (except meat/fish).
• Protect the wildlife habitats and keep to the designated pathways to protect the meadow grassland.
• Conserve water on site as much as possible, especially in summer and dry spells, as we rely on rain water harvesting.
• Keep working areas and built-structures tidy and help with clearing up when needed.• Contribute to the ongoing maintenance of the site and resources.
• Be positive and helpful towards others. Give feedback and suggestions for the project in a constructive way.
• Respect confidentiality, equality and respect for others. Represent the project and people in a positive light.
• Have fun and enjoy what the project has to offer!
Insurance
The Caim Project holds public liability insurance that covers any permitted activity that volunteers take part in. Personal property is not covered by this policy. Making large bonfires for public events is not covered by this policy, however, small fires to burn surplus materials is permitted. Use of machinery is not covered under the insurance policy or working at height above 3m.
Equal Opportunities
The Caim Project strives to respect equality and diversity. We are committed to working towards a policy where Kohā volunteers are free from discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, religion, political beliefs, nationality, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or age.
In case of abuse/assault or aggression either verbally, physically or electronically
This is written for ensuring safety of all site users, volunteers and visitors.
The Caim relies on participants fostering an environment of tolerance, understanding and respect of people and wildlife on the site. We therefore trust and ask that all volunteers upkeep this atmosphere conducive to wellbeing. This is sometimes referred to, as ‘Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share’.
The Caim Project lead and management group reserves the right to exclude a person from the site where there has been a risk to safety and wellbeing of site users, until the matter can be resolved effectively.
Any person who behaves in an abusive (verbally or physically) manner or in a disruptive manner, will be asked to communicate with the management team in regard to their actions. Further action may be taken, for example, giving a warning followed by exclusion from the site, depending on the outcome.
Additional detail: The Caim management team or Project Lead reserves the right to ask a person to leave the site if they consider that it would not be in the interests of that person or others in the group for them to stay on site.
Complaints Procedure
If you wish to raise a concern about the project or the actions of another volunteer please provide details of the concern or incident and report it to a member of the Caim management team. Please give your ideas or preference for a solution or what you would like to happen to help resolve the concern. As far as possible the matter should be kept confidential and your anonymity protected.
August 2023
The Caim at Luthermuir 