ARC's Framework

The organisation

ARC collects, manages and makes available detailed information on all biological / ecological / geological / archaeological and historical aspects within the island of Alderney.

ARC makes this data available to all enquirers, though there is a limited access to some confidential or sensitive data. This information is vitally important to the work of organisations and is used by people to protect, study and enjoy the natural and cultural features of Alderney.

The running of ARC is overseen by a Steering Committee consisting of representatives from both the Alderney Wildlife Trust (AWT) and The Alderney Society (TAS).

The work of ARC - aims and objectives

The overall aim of ARC is to maintain a user friendly, accurate, comprehensive and up to date set of records (biological, geological, archaeological and historical) for the island of Alderney. This is in co-operation with other organisations and individuals to make data available to all enquirers with due regard to restricted data.

The objectives can be separated out into structural, financial and operational, as follows.

Structural objectives

i) To maintain a member of staff to oversee ARC

ii) To keep up to date with new technology, including computer hardware and software

Financial objective

i) To become self funding and to achieve a stable income to maintain and expand the work of the ARC

Operational objectives

i) To provide a central base for storage, collation, validation and access of environmental, biological, and historical data on the island to preserve for future generations.

ii) To encourage Alderney residents, in particular children, to take an interest in their natural environment and cultural heritage.

iii) To develop a website that will allow quick and easy searches of biological and historical data with links to photographs and relevant literature.

iv) To encourage the use of Alderney specific studies and examples that may be included in the curriculum of both local schools.

v) To encourage the appraisal of the biodiversity and cultural history of Alderney, not only at a local level but also nationally and internationally with the aim of creating increased interest and attracting more people to the island.

vi) To encourage environmental recording in Alderney and maintain and enhance its quality.

vii) To improve and help to direct recording effort, focusing that effort where necessary and encouraging structured recording schemes with appropriate methodologies.

viii) To ensure the highest level of scientific rigour in all aspects of data collection and recording.

Staffing

ARC has a graduate record centre manager and a local contingency of volunteer data entry assistants, designers and IT staff. The AWT is in partnership with the TAS and have a rolling programme of student curatorial placements (both at undergraduate and graduate level).

Website by Alderney Web & IT Services