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The Role of a Support Worker We
encourage people to stay at Primrose longer term as Support Workers,
because this enables them to experience a longer part of the growing
period, which in itself has greater learning potential.
It also permits them to take on responsibility, which is good for
them, but also for us as our focus is considerably consumed by Primrose
Earth Awareness Trust (PEAT) – the adjacent education charity. Generally
3 Support Workers are present to help run the commercial garden, with one
person carrying extra responsibility for marketing and overseeing the
daily flow. When new people
and short-term people arrive, they base their level of commitment on their
perception of the on-going performance.
Please therefore keep good time since the 7 hr working day can
quickly shorten. An
un-testified law appears to exist in that new people tend to adjust their
time keeping to that of the worst time keepers!
Also it is important to set a good example of approaching the work
with enthusiasm and efficiency. There are some responsibilities
that need to be shared between Support Workers such as opening and closing
the tunnels and finishing off preparing for market on a Wednesday evening.
It is good if the tunnels are opened and closed at weekends on a
rota. If anyone is happy to
work on a Saturday or Sunday and have a day off during the week then that
can be helpful as the polytunnels need watering in the summer.
Everyone has responsibility for
keeping the place clean and tidy. This
refers to the Garden – returning tools and collecting up unwanted items;
also to the Domestic Scene – there are rotas on Cleaning: Mondays 4-5pm
(Kitchen & Surrounds), Fridays 3.30-5.30pm (same including Showers,
Toilets, Stairs etc). Other areas can become more the
responsibility of individuals eg. Looking after the Greenhouse – which
is a big job in the spring and early summer; Running the Irrigation
Systems and Sheep Management. The position particularly suits people who are well-motivated and prepared to invest good, positive energy into Primrose. Support Workers have 2 days off/week and are paid £50/week + food & accommodation. Unfortunately we are unable to provide sick pay or holiday pay. There are so many different aspects at Primrose with many interesting developments; there is great potential for learning through doing. Also, there is a more formal learning opportunity half a day/month on the Organic & Sustainable Food Production Course. |