Motion 66
Volunteering – Creative Industries
“That this Congress notes that across the creative industries, including at the Edinburgh Fringe and many music festivals, unpaid volunteers are regularly engaged. It is recognised that volunteering can provide benefits both for the organisations and the volunteers themselves, however Congress believes that unpaid volunteers should not be used in operationally critical roles, including safety roles or to replace paid employment.
“Unpaid volunteering is also frequently used in the creative industries as a way to gain experience and entry into the industry. Congress believes that any trainee positions within the creative industries should be paid, working under supervision and in such a way that their absence would have no effect. The use of unpaid volunteering as a way to enter the industry is also a concern as people from ethnic minorities and lower income households are less able to afford to volunteer; the practice therefore perpetuates the unacceptable idea that the arts are only for those from certain ethnic or socio-economic backgrounds.
“Congress also recognises that without volunteers some events could not afford to operate and welcome the announcement of the additional £100m funding for the sector by 2028 and hopes that the Scottish Government and funding bodies will ensure appropriate funding levels to allow organisations recruit paid staff and use volunteers only in appropriate roles.
“This Congress asks the General Council to lobby the Scottish Government to introduce stricter conditions attached to public funding within the Creative Industries to help ensure the appropriate use of volunteers and prevent exploitation as well as ensuring that the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First policies are adhered to by publicly funded organisations including Creative Scotland, Event Scotland and Screen Scotland.”
Mover: Prospect
RSS