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Camp Duties > QM Department
THE QUARTERMASTER (QM)
1. QUARTERMASTER - BASIC SKILL REQUIREMENTS
a) This appointment is for 3 or more years as the QM needs consistency in detailed planning in preparation of Camp, gathering knowledge of Stedfast Camp food likes and dislikes and building on that knowledge.
b) The Quartermaster is to have a good track record of organisational, planning and purchasing skills and should be able to arrange menus, pricing and costing to procure goods and victuals within an approved budget.
2. AUTHORITY
a) While at Camp, the QM is second in seniority to the Camp CO. and is one of the three long-term positions held in the Stedfast Camp Council, requiring an element of long-term planning and arranging menus with the Cook.
b) The QM is also second in importance to the CO. at Camp and is one of the most senior members of the Stedfast Camp Council.
c) The QM has delegated financial, equipment and inventory authority and will act independently to the CO and other departments regarding all elements of Quartermastering.
d) The QM is authorised to purchase and collect goods from suppliers and will incur fuel costs which are recoverable from either the QM Account or the Stedfast Camp Account. In either case the QM is to keep record of journeys and mileage to submit with the claim. This is in accordance with Rules Part C-3 (Private Motor Vehicle Use).
e) The QM will seek clarification and advice from the Convenor (for all organisational matters) and from the Treasurer (on financial matters) if needed.
f) The Cook is a member of the QM Team and according to protocol does not deal with any direct communication concerning Cookhouse procedures. This is done indirectly via the Quartermaster.
2. PLANNING
a) The majority of planning menus will have been done prior to the start of camp between the QM, Cook and Programme Chair. Camp numbers and dietary requirements of campers will be provided by Company Captains to the Convenor who will co-ordinate information for the Cook and QM.
b) The QM and Cook will agree a quartermaster's budget for the week with the Treasurer who will ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet the QM costs during the week at camp.
c) The QM will address any issue regarding Camp Menus whilst at camp and will discuss problems with the Cook if necessary.
3. QUARTERMASTER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
a) purchasing all Camp consumables including food and materials by using the most cost-effective method.
b) ensuring that all meals are served on time and will advise on measures used for serving.
c) assisting the Cook with food preparation if needed and advising as necessary.
d) advising serving staff on the measure of each food item to be served in the Mess Tent.
and, in the Cookhouse, will ensure
a) that all kitchen equipment and utensils are hygienically cleaned and stored.
b) that water boilers are topped-up and are efficiently used.
c) the operation and maintenance of all gas and electrical appliances in the cookhouse.
and will also
a) work closely with the Cooks to arrange a pleasing menu for the week.
b) organise the QM Assistants, QM and Washing-Up Duty Squads, ensuring that all equipment is clean before and after use and will delegate work as required.
c) take full responsibility for all Health & Safety in the Cookhouse.
d) control food, stock and other items entering and leaving the Cookhouse, QM Store Tent and maintain the QM Inventory.
also, noting the following Child Protection Policy:
a) The (Equipment Officer and staff) may only undertake their duties when accompanied by another. [AGM 2005]. Particular attention is to be given when undertaking repair or inspection of canvas and poles in the female lines of tents.
The QM is responsible for the following areas of Quartermastering at Camp:
a) Quartermaster Staff
b) Canteen Officer
c) Mess Officer
d) Washing-Up (managed by QM Assistant or appointed washing-up Officer)
The Quartermaster is accountable to the Treasurer and Convenor (on behalf of the Executive).
The Quartermaster will make report to the CO as necessary.
The Quartermaster may have delegated financial authority from the Treasurer.