Thursday 15 July 2021

Change in the team at the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust

 

Change in the team at the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust

THE Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust (GWT) has announced Ruth Kerr has moved to the new role of Communications Manager with the charity.

Ruth joined GWT as a volunteer in 2009 and in 2011 established their first social media presence with Facebook. She began working in a freelance capacity for GWT in 2019. Today the charity is active across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

A keeper’s daughter originally from Dumfries & Galloway, she also lived on estates in Northumberland and the Scottish Borders with her family. CEO Helen Benson says ‘We are delighted Ruth has agreed to become our Communications Manager. She has worked tirelessly for us for many years as a volunteer and social media manager and always delivers a first class service, liaising with other organisations and producing imaginative and excellent material in a most professional and knowledgeable manner.  Her background as a Keeper’s daughter and in community engagement give her an insight and sensitivity which is invaluable to GWT’.

Ruth’s work to date has mainly focussed on managing some of the charity’s social media accounts, and in 2019 she was responsible for planning much of the Raising the Game Survey which ran 2019 – 2020. She compiled and reported the results in 2020, with the Scottish Government citing some of the findings in their own 2020 research into the employment rights of gamekeepers [1]. The Raising the Game findings have helped inform GWT’s ongoing support and work with gamekeepers, stalkers, ghillies and their families.

Her new role will see her producing GWT media releases and newsletters, as well as continuing to manage social media accounts.

When she’s not working for GWT, Ruth works freelance in the museums and heritage sector, producing learning and engagement programmes and exhibition content. She’s also a trained Forest School Leader and volunteers weekly with a charity helping deliver Forest School opportunities.

Wednesday 14 July 2021

Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust launch the Sir John Scott Bursary

 

Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust launch the Sir John Scott Bursary

THIS initiative will see £5000 supporting new research to assist the charity’s work. The successful recipient will have a personal connection to a gamekeeping profession and be interested in furthering the knowledge of an aspect of social or health care in the context of rural life. Their work will have a focus on those involved in gamekeeping professions: gamekeepers, stalkers, ghillies.

 

Applicants for the bursary could be part-time in one of the gamekeeping professions, or have been employed in one in the past, or have a close family connection to a gamekeeper, giving them personal experience of the lifestyle and livelihoods of those involved. Their research interest could be health and wellbeing, social care, isolation, housing, financial issues, or care in later life, with a focus on and application to gamekeeping professions.

 

The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust (GWT) provides a variety of services for gamekeepers, stalkers, ghillies and their dependants. Sir John Scott, GWT’s Honorary President, says “GWT is currently active in supporting around 600 gamekeepers and their families each year. Research such as this enables us to continue our work, learning about and addressing the key challenges which face our community.”

 

Helen MJ Benson, GWT’s Chief Executive, says “We’re excited about this new venture, which will be helping us ensure we provide the right kind of support now and into the future. It’s a great opportunity for someone with an understanding of our lifestyle and livelihood to deliver really meaningful research which will benefit so many. We’ll be providing a mentor/supervisor for the successful candidate. We’re looking forward to seeing applications – the Trust seeks people with special qualities and we’re never disappointed”.

 

The application process opens 1 August 2021 and candidates should include a brief CV along with a breakdown of their research proposal, their reasons for this area of study, and the goals they hope to achieve. As well as a personal connection to gamekeeping, candidates must be aged between 22 and 66 years. There is no requirement for academic qualifications, though research experience may be an asset. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the full criteria for eligibility and how to apply at  www.thegamekeeperswelfaretrust.com

 

Notes for Editors

GWT was established in 1992 to support gamekeepers, stalkers, ghillies and their dependants past and present.

An overview of GWT’s work in support, finance, housing and employment with these professions can be found at www.thegamekeeperswelfaretrust.com