FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
* Who can become voluntary staff with the Iona Community?
We welcome applications from anyone who is eighteen or over. There is no upper age limit – applications are welcome from all who are willing and able to participate fully in our common life of work, worship and recreation. Life as a staff member of the Iona Community is more than a job – it is a way of life. We have many volunteers from countries all around the world. Iona is a good place to improve your English, however please note that in order to be a volunteer you must be able to speak and understand English well enough to function in a busy working environment.
* When can I come?
On Iona, the volunteer programme runs from March to the end of October. At Camas on Mull, there are volunteer positions available from April until the end of September. Please be aware that most people apply to work in July and August and that you have a greater chance of being accepted if you can come in the Spring or Autumn.
* How long are the Voluntary Staff Positions for?
You must be able to stay for at least six weeks. We have found from experience that this gives staff time to settle in and experience life in the community fully. Most of our voluntary positions are for 6-8 weeks. To enable smooth running of departments we appoint some staff for longer term placements of up to 12 weeks and occasionally up to 24 weeks. At Camas the posts are for 12/13 weeks (either April to June or July to September) or for 26 weeks.
* What jobs can I do?
A list of the jobs can be found earlier in this booklet, and details of the voluntary positions at Camas are in the separate sheet. We stress once again that it is not always possible to offer you the job you request; the more flexible you can be in what you are prepared to do the better able we shall be to find a position for you.
* How much am I expected to work?
You will work for about seven and a half-hours a day, and have one full and one half day off per week. You will need to be flexible. Sometimes you may be expected to work early in the morning or late in the evening. If work is slack you may be asked to work in another area where the need is greater, even if it may not be what you were expecting to do.
Volunteers use their free time not only to sleep and rest, but also to enjoy walking round the beautiful island or exploring nearby Mull. Any volunteer who is here for 16 weeks or more is entitled to a week’s holiday halfway through their time here.
* Am I paid as a volunteer?
You will receive full board and lodging. You will receive the equivalent of coach travel expenses from anywhere within the UK. If you are coming from overseas, travel expenses (equivalent of coach fare) will be paid from your port of entry into the UK. You will be paid a small amount of pocket money each week (currently £30.00).
* Where will I live?
We have voluntary staff accommodation in the MacLeod Centre and in “Cul Shuna”, a large, purpose-built house in the village. Each place can accommodate up to 14 volunteer staff and has its own lounge/common room. You will be expected to share a bedroom with up to four other staff. The accommodation is far from spacious, but we will do all we can to make your stay with us comfortable.
* Do I need to be a Christian to work with the Iona Community?
The Iona Community believes God is relevant in all parts of our lives. Work, worship and recreation interweave into a common life. Whilst worship is a central part of this common life together, a focus for our faith, we do not expect all our voluntary staff to profess a belief, but to be in sympathy with the aims and objectives of the Iona Community. We do, however, expect staff to come to a fair number of the services.
* What happens if we get sick?
We have an excellent Doctor, who lives on Mull, but who comes to Iona once a week. If you need to see the doctor, a resident member of staff will arrange for you to be taken over to Mull. If you have a medical exemption certificate for prescriptions or medical insurance cover, then please bring them with you. The Iona Community will pay for emergency treatment, but NOT for medication for on-going or chronic conditions.
* Can we come as a couple?
Our volunteer accommodation is limited, but we are able to offer bunk-bedded rooms to couples i.e. to those who are married or in committed relationships.
* Can I bring my children?
For several reasons, we do not have volunteers with children. This is partly because our volunteer accommodation is at a premium but also because volunteers are here to do a full time job of work often involving early and late shifts and there would be no one to be responsible for looking after your children while you were working; and finally, because it would be difficult for you to have quality time with your children.
* What is the Community’s attitude to personal relationships that arise on Iona?
We do not, nor can we put a ban on personal relationships. Iona is a romantic place and personal relationships will always develop and do happen. All we ask is that you act as responsible adults and be aware of, and sensitive to the needs of other staff. Try not to let your relationship become excluding. Be aware, as we are an international staff group, that this issue is dealt with and viewed differently by different cultures.
* Is there an opportunity to develop our own spiritual growth?
We recognise that there is a need for staff to share and discuss their own inner and spiritual journeys. Although there is no formal set up, there are many informal discussion groups. Often staff set up their own groups. There has been much discussion here about the need for a ‘chaplain’ for the staff, but for a variety of reasons it has not felt appropriate. The staff, both Resident and Volunteers, bring many gifts and some are very willing to spend time with you on an individual basis if needed. Please speak with the Staff Co-ordinator.
* What do we wear?
Iona is a small Hebridean island off the west coast of Scotland. The weather can be very changeable, so a variety of clothes is advisable e.g. summer clothes, swimwear, light footwear, warm clothes, jumpers, fleece, thick socks, waterproof jacket and trousers, walking boots, hats, gloves and clothing for evening socials.
For work, wear what you feel comfortable wearing – aprons are provided in the domestic departments and boiler suits for maintenance department. If you are an Abbey Church Assistant, or you work in the Shop or Front Office, where you are in constant contact with the general public, please dress sensitively.
* What should we bring?
Bring a rucksack, sleeping bag, camera, plenty of film, torch, batteries, all your own toiletries, and a towel. If you are coming from overseas, bring pictures, and perhaps a map, musical tapes/CDs, songs, and small items that depict your national culture and traditions.
* How can I become a member of the Resident Group?
From July each year the Community will be seeking to recruit staff for the next year’s seasonal posts for the Abbey and MacLeod Centre and for Camas. Seasonal posts usually include Cooks, Housekeepers, Musician, Maintenance Worker, Craft Worker, Camas Programme Workers, Assistant Shop Manager, Assistant Bursar. They range from nine months to one year. From time to time three-year appointments arise. Many members of the Resident Group come to work on Iona first as voluntary staff; this gives a good introduction to our life together.
