Music In Detention
Role Description: Volunteer Workshop Assistant
Reports to the MID Programme Manager
1. Context and General Responsibilities
1.1To be aware of the complex nature of the detention setting and sensitive to detainees’ needs.
1.2To be respectful of participants’ cultural and religious background and to help promote inclusion during any MID workshops.
1.3To adhere to the need for strict confidentiality and data protection at all times; protecting the identity of detainees and participants in the communityand only disclosing information without consent where there is risk of harm to themselves or others.
1.4To act as a representative for MID whilst carrying out MID activity and understand the need for diplomacy and neutrality whilst operating within the detention system for the benefit of detainees.
1.5To play an active role in improving the well-being of detainees and community participants and reporting any concerns to a MID artist or a MID member of staff.
1.6To respond to instructions and guidance from the Programme Manager, and from MID artists and other personnel leading music sessions, and work co-operatively with MID’s personnel and partners.
2. Supporting Workshops – specific tasks
2.1Below are a range of tasks which maybe required of you as a volunteer assisting at a workshop. When you are assigned to a workshop or project you will be working to a brief designed especially for that purpose, and asked to perform specific tasks which are relevant to that brief. Specific tasks may include any of the following:
2.2Supporting artists as they deliver music making workshops with detainees or community participants:
2.2.1.When requested and as appropriate to participate in the planning of workshops and liaise with the artists and MID staff.
2.2.2.To assist in the setting up of workshops, ensuring instruments are looked after and put away safely at the end of a workshop
2.2.3.To support the creative process and encourage participation during a workshop
2.2.4.To lead on activities in a small group if and when required by the artists
2.2.5.To support participants in their engagement with the musical activity
2.2.6.To help gather any materials generated during a workshop; such as letters, drawings and written lyrics
2.2.7.To remain sensitive to the emotional situation that many detainees and community participants find themselves in during a workshop
2.2.8.To feedback any ideas or suggestions you have to the artists or Music Provider/MID.
2.3Supportingdata gathering processes during or after a workshop in a detention centre or community setting:
2.3.1.To complete forms for collecting participation data (e.g. numbers of participants, numbers of participants who stayed for the whole session etc.)
2.3.2.To ensure that participants give written consent for audio and visual recordings when necessary
2.3.3.To support certain evaluation processes such as focus groups, questionnaire completion and feedback interviews with workshop participants, community representatives, IRC staff and artists
3. Training and Support
3.1To attend training as and when required, including a General Induction, Adult and Child Safeguarding & Protection training and Practice Forums.
3.2To attend regular supervisory meetings in order to review achievements, receive support and share any concerns or issues you may have. Volunteer meetings, Group supervision and mentoring support will all be available on a regular basis.
3.3MID has an open door policy which means anyone working with MID can approach MID staff and Trustees.
4. Expenses
4.1To keep an accurate record of receipts for travel and subsistence expenses and claim reimbursement in a timely manner.
5. Length of placement
5.1The minimum commitment is 6 months.
5.2If circumstances change this should be discussed with the Programme Manager as soon as possible.
6. Criminal Records Bureau
6.1It will be mandatory to undergo a full CRB check at the point of recruitment.
7. Skills and understanding needed
7.1Awareness of the complex nature of the detention setting and sensitivity to detainees’ needs
7.2Respect and have an interest in working with people from a wide range of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds
7.3Interest in working with people from all age groups, including young people and children in a community setting
7.4Strong commitment to the benefits of music and participatory music- making for people in difficult circumstances
7.5Music-making or other experience which will be helpful to the successful running of participatory music workshops
7.6Understanding of the need for confidentiality
7.7Ability to work well with other people, communicate effectively and take instruction as required
7.8Able to attend various training events and meetings
7.9Able to volunteer in the evenings and weekends on occasion
7.10Able to make a minimum commitment of 6 months