Volunteers are expected to:

• attend allocated shifts and advise the Roster Volunteer as soon as practicable if unavailable
• sign-in and sign-out when entering and leaving station premises
• arrive at the station with adequate time to prepare for rostered programs
• work effectively with other volunteers to ensure program production is in accordance with VAR policies and procedures
• maintain studio and preparation area etiquette
• report any concerns, problems or equipment malfunctions to the Advisory Committee Chair or relevant staff
• advise the Roster Volunteer and relevant staff of changes in contact details
• maintain a safe and healthy working environment and report any hazards or incidents to staff and the Advisory Committee Chair as soon as possible

READER RESPONSIBILITIES Most volunteers will begin by developing their skills as an on-air Reader. Key duties: As a Reader a volunteer is expected to:

• pre-read allocated reading material before their rostered program
• read all material: using a clear speaking voice with tone and interest, ensure accuracy without editorialising, censoring or editing, ensure no bias, comment or criticism
• follow the program run sheet as set out by the Presenter
• follow the Panel Operator’s instructions while in the studio

PRESENTER/READER RESPONSIBILITIES Most volunteers will progress from being a Reader to a Presenter/Reader. Key duties: As a Presenter/Reader a volunteer is expected to:

• act as shift team leader to ensure timely delivery of the rostered program
• select the reading material for the rostered program
• make decisions about the suitability of material for reading on-air
• prepare reading materials for themselves and for Readers
• prepare a program run sheet for the rostered team with timings for each element including: introductory, incidental and closing remarks, articles and other material to be read, program and/or segment intros and outros and prep the station IDs, community service announcements and sponsored advertisements

PANEL OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES All volunteers are expected to learn to operate their own Presenter and Reader microphone controls during rostered programs. All volunteers are encouraged to learn to operate the studio panel, so that they can put a live or pre-recorded program to air. Many volunteers will combine the roles of Panel Operator and Reader in their rostered program.

Key duties: As a Panel Operator a volunteer is expected to:

• operate the studio panel to deliver broadcast quality live and pre-recorded programs
• liaise with Presenter/Readers and Readers to confirm the rostered program run sheet
• prepare the studio panel and software for broadcast, including scheduling of pre-recorded program elements (eg. station IDs, announcements and advertisements)
• follow the rostered program run sheet to support the on-air team to deliver programs to time
• use radio editing software to record and save pre-recorded programs
• report any equipment malfunction or technical issues promptly to relevant staff. Panel Operators are not required to maintain studio equipment. Technical support is available from the VAR Broadcast Systems Engineer