Welcome to KEEP!
Thank you for choosing to improve your own CPD and get involved with this exciting new project. We hope that you’ll be able to grow and expand your knowledge, and make some friends along the way! In order to get started with KEEP, there are a few things you need to know first:
For Keepers:
1) We ask that every keeper who participates in the exchange programme MUST have been employed full-time for over 1 year in the industry and is over the age of 18. We at KEEP feel that those just starting out in the zookeeping world may benefit more from learning the basics and intricacies of their own collection first before looking to other collections for new perspectives.
2) When signing up to KEEP you will need to provide:
– The contact information of your manager so that we can verify your credentials are correct before approving your account. This is essential for us to help you continue your KEEP journey!
– An up-to-date CV to upload so that hosting collections can read all about your experience!
– An amazing cover letter demonstrating why you want to do a placement at the collection(s) of your choice.
3) Please remember: KEEP is not a trial run for new employment. This programme is set up to allow you to learn new skills, techniques, and managements styles to help improve your ability to perform in your current role. KEEP does not promote the use of our platform for testing out either new collections or new employees in the job search process.
For Collections:
1) Right now, any keeper (with over 1 year’s experience) from any collection may apply fo
r the exchange programme, but as KEEP is beginning to find its feet, we are asking that only BIAZA accredited collections may apply to be hosts. This is subject to change in the future, but for now it helps our small team ensure that everything goes smoothly during the placements.
2) If you are interested in joining KEEP and showing off the amazing husbandry/training/enrichment practices you’ve developed, as well as contributing to the bettering of Keepers from across the UK (and hopefully soon: the World!), please do get in contact with Dan or Alice at info@keeperexchange.org. We’d LOVE to make contact with any collection that wants to become part of our KEEP community to ensure all aspects of this process will run smoothly for both you and your visiting keepers, and to ensure that KEEP is right for you
Code of Conduct
As part of our terms and conditions for using this service all participants must agree to our KEEP Code of Conduct, this applies to both visiting Keepers and hosting Collections alike. We have these in place to ensure that all placements can occur smoothly, safely, and comfortably for all involved, and to reduce any issues that may occur during your placement duration.