Charity registered in Scotland SC003794
The Iona Community is an ecumenical Christian community of men and women from different walks of life and different traditions in the Church engaged together, and with people of goodwill across the world, in acting, reflecting and praying for justice, peace and the integrity of creation; convinced that the inclusive community we seek must be embodied in the community we practice.
Our mainland office is located in Glasgow. Today, we are about 280 Members, mostly in Britain, with 1450 Associate Members and 1250 Friends worldwide. The Iona Community welcomes people from all walks of life at its centres on the islands of Iona and Mull. It trades through Wild Goose Publications and the Iona Community Shop on Iona, and resources a wide range of church and community organizations through its Wild Goose Resource Group and Youth Resource Team. The Iona Prayer Circle is a worldwide network which prays for people and places in distress. Coracle is the bi-monthly magazine of the Iona Community, which seeks the exchange of thoughts and ideas as a basis for finding common ground.
OVERVIEW OF THE ORGANISATION
The Iona Community is an international, ecumenical Christian movement working for justice and peace, the rebuilding of community and the renewal of worship.
Our Community was founded in Glasgow, Scotland in 1938 by Rev George MacLeod, a visionary and social reformer.
MISSION OF THE IONA COMMUNITY
Inspired by our faith, we pursue justice and peace in and through community.
JOB PURPOSE
Iona Abbey is a place of welcome, hospitality and challenge, through our daily rhythm of worship, meals, shared tasks and guest programme. The work and presence of volunteers is essential as we build community week by week. Our volunteers come from all over the world and from all walks of life, representing a wide range of experiences, age groups, cultural backgrounds and faith traditions.
At Iona Abbey, we typically have around 15 volunteers at any one time. Most volunteers are here for between 6 and 12 weeks, so there are many welcomes and farewells throughout the season, from early March to mid-November. Over the season we welcome up to around 80 volunteers in total.
The primary purpose of the job is to ensure that all volunteers receive an appropriate level of support and supervision, from before they arrive until they leave. The postholder will also co-ordinate the recruitment process in close liaison with the Operations Manager and be responsible for encouraging and organising social events that help build the team.
During the season, a large proportion of the time will be spent on welcoming, inducting, and carrying out 1-to-1 supervision with volunteers. The bulk of recruitment for the following year’s volunteer programme is done during the winter, working closely with the Operations Manager and Heads of Departments.