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CAM Bulletin Number 2 - Feb. 1996

Volunteer Consultants

Commonwealth Secretariat Volunteer Scheme

'Since 1971, The Commonwealth Secretariat, through the Commonwealth Fund for Technical co-operation, has provided technical assistance under its development co-operation programmes to help Commonwealth member countries to build up their own core of national skills.

As part of this ongoing effort to assist with human resource development the Secretariat has decided to expand the provision of technical assistance expertise by making available the services of Volunteer Advisers for short term assignments.

The Commonwealth Secretariat Volunteer Scheme (CSVS) started operations from July 1995."

Commonwealth citizens with extensive experience in various disciplines including museum and cultural work are being invited to register for service with this scheme. Candidates should be retired or near retirement and be willing to offer their services on a non-fee paying basis but with all expenses paid for short-term assignments of up to 3 months.

Mr. Terence Dormer at the NGO Desk in the Secretariat reports good response from Commonwealth NGO members and encourages CAM retired members to register as advisers.

Further information can be obtained from the CAM Secretariat or:
The Director
General Technical Assistance Services Division Commonwealth Secretariat
Marlborough House
Pall Mall
London SW1Y 511K
U.K.

British Executive Service Overseas

David Devenish CAM member from Hastings, Sussex writes about a similar scheme called The British Executive Service Overseas (BESO). 'BESO is a charity founded by the British Government, the Confederation of British Industry and the Institute of Directors. It provides consultants to advise or otherwise assist institutions in developing countries." Consultants are usually retired and assignments are from 2 weeks to 6 months. Similar conditions exist in that there is no paid fee but expenses are covered.

It is important to note that the CSVS is open to all citizens of the Commonwealth. While not stated, it appears that BESO works with British advisers only.

As Mr. Devenish stresses, BESO is available to Commonwealth organizations as well as others who wish to obtain the services of advisers to assist their operations.

Museums across the Commonwealth may wish to investigate the possibility of professional assistance by writing to either one of the services noted.

Mr. Devenish writes of his own experiences with BESO in Hungary on an advisory mission of 1 month to the Hungarian Museum of Agriculture in Budapest. It was a comprehensive visit undertaken with another consultant with extensive experience in the leisure industry and marketing. He was also able to undertake an attachment to the National Museum in Tirana, Albania.

Further information on BESO can be obtained from:
British Executive Service Overseas
164 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London SW1V 2RB
U.K.