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The New Deal Training Programme

From 2007 Bury Archive Service has participated in a placement programme – run by training company TNG – for those actively seeking employment. So far four participants have been involved with positive outcomes for both the job-seekers and the archive.

Previously, the archive did not actively try to develop this form of volunteering. However, Joanne Fitton, Archivist said, "When we were approached by TNG it seemed too good an opportunity to miss. It opened up the ways in which the service works with volunteers and allows us to set up different volunteer projects than usual."

The TNG clients are treated as a member of staff – with set hours of work and protocols to follow. They are all informally interviewed before being accepted by Bury Archive Service on placement – the interview provides a valuable opportunity to gain experience.

All clients are given an individual project to work on as assigned by the Archivist. In the most these projects consist of listing, repackaging, scanning collections and carrying out research. They are asked to represent the service by assisting on specific activities, such as open day events, if possible.

One of the first trainees, Jim, said in 2007, "I really like the placement – it is my dream job".

Every placement is unique in terms of its impact on the service, due to the skills and abilities of the volunteer and the nature of the project we devise.  In the 2009 intake Lily said, "Working at the archives gives me experience of a work environment that I can draw on in interview situations. It has helped me to gain confidence in the workplace and I now have a work based experience of using a computer. I love history and the placement has been really interesting – giving me an idea of what actually goes on in an archive, to catalogue and help researchers."

Three of the four placement clients have continued to work as volunteers at the service after their placement ended. One placement finished just before the 13 week period ended as the client found employment. It is known that at least one other client is now in employment, demonstrating the positive effects the partnership and programme have had on those being placed in the archive.

Working with volunteers in this way has also meant the archive service has re-looked at its own induction procedures for volunteers, ensuring any complacency is overcome. The service is now more aware that it is working with people who need to build up their confidence and feel part of a work community. Bury Archive Service ensures it gives the placement clients a range of challenges in a project to help diversify their skill set.

The way volunteers are being utilised by the service has also been recognised by the wider organisation. Bury Metropolitan Borough Council's Libraries, Archives and Adult Learning Services are currently developing a collaborative volunteer policy.

For more detailed information, please visit the case study section on the MLA research website.