Folk Camps’ Working Groups comprise Council members and carry out work on specific aspects of the society’s operations. Some groups also include additional volunteer Governing Members; these are indicated below. All groups report to Folk Camps Council of Management.
Finance and Risk Working Group
Co-ordinator: Vice Chairperson Jane Wheeler
Members: Chairperson Barry Pollard, Company Secretary Claire Mycock, Kerstin Jewell (Administration Manager)
This group ensures that the Folk Camp Council is fully aware of Folk Camps financial position and how this may change in the foreseeable future. It provides assurances that the resources are aligned with the Folk Camps Memorandum and Articles of Association. It alerts Council of any financial risks.
It assures the effectiveness of:
- financial planning, budget-setting, financial reporting and the annual accounts
- costs of equipment, services and contractors, securing sites and hiring equipment
- oversight of the financial work by the Administration Manager (whose financial duties include: review of monthly finance, bank statements and reconciliation in book-keeping software and issuing monthly finance figures and annual accounts to Council members).
This group has overview of all health and safety matters and works with the Company Safety Adviser assisting the Council to fulfil its obligations for the effective implementation of health and safety matters. It ensures that Health & Safety is considered at all Council meetings and that the Health & Safety Policy is updated each year and completely reviewed every two years. The group also has the responsibility to ensure that new and up-dated information is included in management manuals.
The Finance and Risk Working Group is responsible for these policies etc:
- Folk Camps Booking Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- Memorandum and Articles of Association. (Changes to this need membership approval via EGM / AGM)
- Safeguarding Policy
- Guardianship Policy
- Health and Safety Policy
- Dogs at Folk Camps Policy
Marketing And Communications Group
Co-ordinator: Oscar Roberts
Members: Jane Wheeler, Laurie Glass, Sarah Malleson (Governing Member), Sue Malleson (Governing Member), Steph Broodbank (Governing Member)
The Marketing Group is responsible for publicity and marketing, managing social media accounts, use of a variety of media, including email marketing to existing members and contacts, and the publication of Extent, Folk Camp’s magazine. The group is grateful to receive photographs which show aspects of folk camping and testimonials which can be used as marketing resources.
Folk Camps currently has a presence on Facebook and Instagram.
The Marketing And Communications Working Group is responsible for these policies etc:
- Environmental Policy
- Complaints Policy
Staffing Working Group
Co-ordinator: Susie Savage
Members: Mel Golding, Oscar Roberts, Jenny Hopper, Logistics Manager Lorna Flower, Administration Manager Chris Jewell
The group is responsible for organising and allocating volunteer staff positions at the various camps, feedback from and to those who have staffed, appointment of apprentice staff and from time to time organising staff training events. Group members are always keen to receive recommendations from camps for potential staff members.
The Staffing Working Group is responsible for these policies etc:
- Credits Policy
- Staffing Manuals
Catering Working Group
Co-ordinator: Jenny Hopper
Members: Mel Golding, Susie Savage, Logistics Manager Lorna Flower
This group maintains up-to-date menus, reviews annually suggestions from caterers and campers and liaises closely with the Provisions Contractor. The Catering group approves the final form of the Caterers’ Manual/Menus Folders distributed to the caterers by the Administration Manager. Members of the group always welcome suggestions from both campers and volunteer camp staff.
The Catering Working Group is responsible for these policies etc:
- Special Diets Policy
- Catering Manual
Development Fund Committee
Co-ordinator: Chairperson Barry Pollard
Members: Susie Savage, Kerstin Jewell (Administration Manager), Jacqueline Beattie (Governing Member), Tony Mealings (Governing Member)
This group considers applications to the Folk Camps Development Fund. It makes grants to Governing Members for folk-based projects which fulfil the Society’s mission as an educational charity to preserve and promote traditional music, song, dance and games.
The Development Fund Committee is responsible for these policies etc:
- Development Fund Grants Guidance
Bursary Working Group
The Bursary Working Group awards bursaries for ‘almost-fully-funded’ places at Folk Camps. Governing Members, or their children, are encouraged to submit projects for consideration by the group.
The Bursary Working Group is responsible for these policies etc:
- Bursary Application Form
Contractor Liaison Working Group
Co-ordinator: Chairperson Barry Pollard
Members: Company Secretary Claire Mycock, Jane Wheeler
This group is responsible for on-going liaison with the Contractors that carry out day to day operations of Folk Camps. With the co-operation of the Contractors, the group to identifies where efficiencies or changes could simplify or provide better value for Folk Camps. The Contractor Liaison group also advises Council on the performance of its Contractors.
Information and Communication Technology Working Group
Co-ordinator: Oscar Roberts
Members: Laurie Glass, Patrick Self (Governing Member)
The ICT Working group is responsible for the various technology tools used by Contractors and Council members and voluntary staff. It ensures that Folk Camps information is held securely and shared appropriately in accordance with the principles of the General Data Protection Regulations. The group documents ICT procedures and manages the technology for the website and the administration database.
Sites Working Group
Co-ordinator: Chairperson Barry Pollard
Members: Mel Golding, Hilary Hill, Logistics Manager Lorna Flower, Equipment Manager Brian Flower, Patrick Self (Governing Member), Judith Jenkins (Governing Member), Sue Malleson (Governing Member), Sam Mason (Governing Member)
This group proposes sites for summer camps to Council, and vets proposals of suggested sites. The Logistics Manager negotiates fees with landowners. Sites are initially vetted online and then via a site visit to determine suitability. Members are encouraged to propose potential future sites, see Finding New Sites.
The Sites Working Group is responsible for these policies etc:
- Accessibility Statement
- Folk Camps Code of Conduct for Camping Sites