Staff Information

Where is Scilly?

The Isles of Scilly are a small group of islands 28 miles off the Cornish coast.

St Mary's is the largest island and is where you will initially find yourself when you arrive on Scilly.

We are based at Churchtown Farm which is on St Martin's, the third largest of the 5 inhabited islands.

How do I get there?

You will first need to travel down through Devon and Cornwall. There are rail links with the rest of the country or you can travel by coach.  Sleeper trains are also available from London Paddington.

You can travel to Scilly from the mainland by ferry (Scillonian), plane (Skybus) or helicopter.

These all run Monday-Saturday. There is no transport to or from the mainland on Sundays.

You will arrive on the largest island called St Mary's. It's just a short boat ride (around 20 minutes) to St Martin's where we will come and pick you up.

Scillonian from Penzance

This ferry is the cheapest way to travel to the islands. It operates from late March to late October, Monday-Saturday throughout the main season but only three days a week early and later on in the year.

The journey takes around 2.5-3 hours and can be 'bumpy' (take seasick tablets!). Your baggage allowance is 25kg.
Click here for more information...

You MUST make sure on Penzance quay to get red St Martin's labels to go on your luggage, this means that your bags will be automatically transferred to the St Martin's boat when you reach St Mary's. If your bags are not clearly labelled they will be left on St Mary's!

islesofscilly-travel.co.uk

Skybus from Land's End, Newquay or Exeter

There are regular flights to St Mary's, Monday to Saturday. There are fewer flights during the winter.

The flight takes 15 minutes from Land's End, 30 minutes from Newquay and 50 minutes from Exeter. Your baggage allowance is 15kg and they will charge you if have more than this!
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There is a shuttle bus to Land's End airport from Penzance train station which you can book along with your plane ticket.

islesofscilly-travel.co.uk

Helicopter from Penzance

This is the most expensive way to travel, but a great experience if you've always wanted to go in a helicopter! Again, there are more flights during the busier summer months and there are no flights on Sundays.

The journey takes around 15 minutes and your baggage allowance is 20kg (restrictions on bag size apply).
Click here for more information...

There is a shuttle bus from Penzance train station run by the Isles of Scilly Parking Company. Call 07724 879 482 to book your transfer.

penzancehelicopters.co.uk

What happens when I arrive on St Mary's?

If you have flown to Scilly, collect your bags and make your way out of the airport where there will be a shuttle bus waiting to take you and your luggage down to the quay.  There's no need to book this service.

If you came across on the Scillonian (and attached your red luggage labels!) your bags will automatically be transferred onto the boat to St Martin's.

There is a waiting room on St Mary's quay where you can leave your things if you have some time to wait for your boat to St Martin's. There is very little crime on the islands and your bag should be safe but please don't leave valuables unattended.

How do I get to St Martin's?

From Easter to October there are regular boats to St Martin's run by St Mary's Boatmen's Association. These are open boats so make sure you have warm clothes and waterproofs to hand for the journey which takes around 30 minutes.

During the winter you will probably need to arrange a 'special' with Tresco Boats. We will be happy to help you book a boat - just ask.

If you let us know your travel plans we can advise you on what boats will be running, it helps to have some local knowledge sometimes!

Once you are on your boat to St Martin's please call the farm 01720 422 169 or Neil so we know where and when to come and pick you up.

Your accommodation

We provide accommodation in shared houses of our full time members of staff. This will either be in The Old Glasshouse, a 6 bedroom house on site with en suite rooms, each with a tv and shared kitchen and lounge, or at East'ard a three bedroom house which is a 10-15 minute walk away, with shared toilet, shower room, kitchen and lounge.

This accommodation is only for people who work full time at the farm, we don't house partners who are not working for us full time, dependants or pets.  

What do we provide?

Both kitchens are well equipped with the basics: kettle, microwave, toaster, crockery, cutlery, pots and pans etc. The kitchen at The Old Glasshouse also has two washing machines and a tumble dryer which are used by all live in staff on a rota basis.

There is WiFi available in both properties which is included in your service charge.

We will also provide you with bedding, towels and uniform consisting of 2 polo shirts and 2 hoodies.

Food shopping and supplies

St Martin's Stores has a wide range of food and drink. Milk, bread and newspapers need to be ordered in advance although they do often have spare milk and bread for sale.

There are several roadside stalls selling local fruit and veg and there is also a bakery on the island if you prefer homemade bread.

Once you are here you can also set up an account with the Co op (on St Mary's) and order groceries to be delivered on a Friday. We can give you more information about how to do this when you arrive.

There are lots of other companies such as Amazon, Boots and Superdrug that deliver to Scilly if you need to order store cupboard items or toiletries.

Post and deliveries

Anything you want delivered needs to be addressed as: YOUR NAME, Churchtown Farm, St Martin's, Isles of Scilly, TR25 0QL.

Royal Mail post arrives on St Martin's every day Monday-Saturday (weather permitting!) Outgoing post leaves the island Monday-Friday only.

Freight, such as courier parcels and food and drink supplies for the shops and restaurants, arrives three times a week on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Anything addressed to Churchtown will be collected and brought to the farm.  

Courier parcels take a bit longer to get to us than a mainland address, so if you have the option when ordering something always go for Royal Mail!

Health services

On St Mary's there is a health centre, pharmacy, dentist and a small hospital.

The doctor holds a basic surgery on St Martin's at the Island Hall once a week on a Wednesday.  If it's something more urgent or complicated you can make an appointment to see the doctor or nurse on St Mary's by calling the Health Centre.

Any prescriptions that you've ordered and paid for in advance can be collected from St Martin's Stores on a Friday.

The dentist is usually extremely busy but will be happy to see you for emergencies. Please make sure you have had your regular dental check up before you come to Scilly.

Things to do

For a small island there are quite a few things going on, although most things close down or have reduced hours during the winter. There is a pub, hotel, tea rooms, café, fish & chip shop, bakery, vineyard, barber/hairdresser, observatory and several galleries.

The Island Hall has a well equipped gym and sports hall and you can become a member for a reasonable fee. The gym has weights, rowing and running machines, cross-trainer and two types of exercise bike. The sports hall has football, badminton and table tennis equipment.

Seal snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, yoga, swimming, cricket, gig rowing, football, tennis and bowls are also available.

For more information visit the community website stmartinsscilly.co.uk

Getting along on the island

St Martin's is a friendly and close community.  If you want to join in with island events you will be most welcome.  A small community only works when people are considerate of each other. You will not get on well on St Martin's if your behavior inconveniences others, for example, if you make a lot of noise late at night or drop litter.  

The beaches can be a great place to socialise but if you're having a beach party with a fire please inform the fire brigade and coastguard. All litter must be cleared up by early the next morning.

Limited resources

It is important that you make choices that help protect the limited resources and infrastructure on the Island. We have to be careful with our use of water at all times. Any plastic waste has to be transported back to the mainland so please try to make shopping choices that consider this.

Sea safety

We want you to enjoy the sea it but it can be incredibly dangerous. Barely a year passes without a serious or fatal accident on the water.

Boating - always wear a lifejacket and make sure you go with someone who knows what they are doing. The rocks around here are hidden and dangerous, the tides are strong and there is nothing between here and America - get some local knowledge.

Don't swim if you have been drinking, even if you are only slightly drunk.

The water is very cold, know your own limits and use the correct equipment for the time of year. It is always safer to swim with others.

Be aware of the tides and don't get stranded! Make sure you know the times of low and high water and allow extra time to get back.

If you go out on or in the sea make sure you tell someone, give them a realistic time that you expect to be back by and let them know when you return. 

Time keeping

You're expected to turn up for work in good time.  If you like to start the day with a hot drink you are most welcome to but please make sure you come in 5 minutes early to make your drink before work begins.

Your line manager will arrange a weekly rota stating what hours you will be working. You will be expected to work at the weekends and some bank holidays.

Our office hours are 08:00-18:00 weekdays, 08:00-17:00 Saturday and 09:00-17:00 Sunday, (apart from busy periods when we are open until 20:00).

Those working in the packing shed and outside on the farm 08:00-17:00 Monday-Friday. A full time post is 40hrs a week. 

Uniform

From Easter to October you are expected to wear a farm polo shirt and hoody printed with our logo provided by us. You can wear this with your own choice of jeans, trousers, shorts or skirt. You are expected to turn up for work looking clean and presentable in your uniform.

In the winter you don't have to wear your uniform if you don't want to but you are expected to wear clean and presentable clothes.

You need to wear suitable footwear such as trainers or boots. No high heels or open toes!

While you are wearing your uniform you are representing the farm even if you are travelling between work and home. 

Please keep your uniform just for work, it shouldn't be worn to the pub or out rowing!

Breaks

As a general rule we stop for a short break once in the morning and once in the afternoon but all breaks are at the discretion of your line manager. You are expected to stay at the farm during these short breaks.

During breaks office staff are expected to take calls if the phone rings. If you feel that you haven't had time to stop then please talk to the office manager.

Smoking (including e cigarettes) is not permitted anywhere inside the farm buildings or staff accommodation. Please smoke outside and dispose of your cigarettes responsibly. There are 2 butt bins at the back of the farm.

Lunch breaks are normally for an hour and are taken between 12 noon and 2pm.

Don't be an idiot! 

Of course we expect you to behave in a responsible and appropriate manner. At all times you must have regard for your own safety and that of others. Coming to work under the influence of any substance that is likely to impede your judgment will not be tolerated. If you have been prescribed medication that is likely to affect your performance at work you need to tell your line manager as soon as possible.  

Due to the nature of living in a very small community you will find yourself socialising with people you work with. Of course at times it is necessary for certain people within the business to assume a more authoritative role. You need to respect the roles people have in the workplace even if you were in the same pub quiz team the night before! 

Illness and accidents

If you have a serious accident or come across a serious accident you need to ring 999 just as you would on the mainland. They will call out the St Martin's First Responders who come and deal with the emergency or send for the Air Ambulance if necessary.

If you are feeling ill at work please tell your line manager who will assess whether you should go home or contact a doctor.

If you feel ill before you come into work please contact your line manager or call the office as soon as possible. This should ideally be done before 7am if you are due to work. 

There is a First Aid cupboard located in the shed by the office.

Pay

Wages are paid weekly straight into your bank account on a Friday and usually clear by Tuesday.

Holidays

You must fill in a leave form to request time off.  Your request will then be reviewed by the managers and partners.  We do like to say yes to requests for leave but this isn't always possible so please never book any holiday accommodation or travel ahead of having your leave request confirmed.

All staff will be expected to work bank holidays if required.