Volunteering

Volunteering

Adult Volunteering

Volunteering with us is easier than you think and it’s #GoodForYou!

You don’t need to be Bear Grylls to join us. Scouting is about everyday people working as leaders and supporters in Scout Groups in their communities, giving young people confidence, a sense of purpose, life values and outdoor skills that are hard to find anywhere else – we call this everyday adventure! Our volunteers put their skills to use and learn new ones, while giving something back to the local community.

With full support and training, you can volunteer on a flexible basis. Scouting is still Scouting, whether you’re involved once a week, once or twice a month, every six weeks or even once a year; and whether you are in the thick of activities with a group of young people or working behind the scenes in a management, trustee or support role.

Everyone has something to offer as far as supporting Scouting is concerned, whatever your age or ability, and there are lots of ways to get involved. You don’t have to have any previous experience, or any specialist knowledge, just a passion to see children develop into confident young people.

Scouting has a huge variety of roles to suit everyone, for example, you could be great with engaging young people in activities and be ideal for a leadership role to being very organised and good with administration or be great with money and figures and be well suited to joining the group executive committee. We’ll make sure you’re properly trained and supported.

Whatever your skill-set, lend a hand for as little or as much time as you can spare, and we promise you’ll get more out than you put in.  Because whether you’re helping a leader to run an activity in the local town hall, organising a night away, or buttering 120 slices of bread a group of very hungry eleven year olds – no two Scout meetings are the same. The difference you make, though, is always great.

Come and join in the Fun and Adventure, you never know, like us you might even enjoy yourselves!

VOLUNTEER VACANCIES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?


What do Scouts do?


Sections usually meet on one evening during the week, although they may also go to camps and other days out throughout the year. Whilst the activities they take part in will depend on their age, each Section gives young people the opportunity to learn by doing. Leaders in The Scout Association are trained to deliver this programme, ensuring our young people stay safe while they enjoy themselves and learn.


Do I really have the skills you need?


You don’t have to be an adventurer like Bear Grylls to get involved with Scouting. Do you have first aid knowledge? Are you good with numbers? Handy in the kitchen? Or are you a DIY whizz? Don’t have any skills? No problem! You may discover skills you didn’t know you had, plus get the chance to learn new skills. We all have useful skills and you can volunteer and help in many ways.


What if I don’t have that much spare time?


As well as gaining externally recognised skills and having a brilliant time, Scouting also offers the chance to build on personal skills, like teamwork, confidence and leadership. A study found that over 90% of our volunteers believe that the skills and experiences they have gained through Scouting have been of relevance to their working or personal lives. All of our adult members are friendly and ready to welcome you into the Group’s family. You’ll be sure to gain friends and share great experiences.


Will I need training?

This depends on what you would like to do within our Group. All our adult volunteers will need to supply a few forms that provide us with some personal details and complete a DBS Disclosure check

Occasional Helper: This is the easiest way to help us.  All you need to is provide us with some personal details and complete a DBS Disclosure check.

Sectional Assistant: To support you in your first 5 months of volunteering with the Scouts we have a number of training modules for you to complete. These are known as Getting Started modules. You can complete these in any order. The modules below (except 03) can be completed as independent learning (e-learning) and validated by successfully completing the online assessment at the end of the module. Module 03 requires a Training Advisor to validate this module.

Essential Information (01) – the aim of this module is to provide all adults in Scouting with the essential information needed to get started in their role.

Safety – this module is mandatory. The aim of this module is to provide all adults in Scouting with an understanding of safety practice and responsibilities as a member of Scouts, to keep everyone safe.

Safeguarding – this module is mandatory. The aim of this module is to provide all adults in Scouting with an understanding of safeguarding practice and responsibilities as a member of Scouts, to keep everyone safe.

GDPR – the aim of this module is to provide all adults in Scouting with an understanding of what the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) means for them, their Scout Group, District and County.

Tools for the Role (03) – the aim of this module is to provide the basic information on the individual’s role or area of responsibility and some practical help to get the individual stared in the role.

Section Leader: Needs to complete the Getting Started modules within the first 5 months of volunteering plus Wood Badge Training and first response certificate within 3 yrs. Wood Badge is a Scouting leadership programme that aims to make volunteers within Scouting better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond and commitment to the Scout movement.


My child is in Scouting – is there anything I could do to help?


The short answer is yes. Many of our helpers and leaders are parents of our youth members because they’ve seen firsthand how Scouting benefits young people and want to give something back. It’s also a chance to spend more time with your children and learn new skills. Speak to your child’s leader to discuss how you might become involved.


Are there any age restrictions on helping out?


As long as you’re over 18, you can help out as an adult volunteer in Scouting. There is no upper age limit for adult volunteers. If you are aged between 14 to 18, there is the option of becoming a Young Leader.


HM King Charles III has been confirmed as our new Patron, a great honour for UK Scouts.

The King continues a long tradition of the monarch giving their Patronage, dating back to 1912. This was when Scouts was granted its Royal Charter and HM George V became our first Patron.

Find out more
King Charles III

Our Patron, HM King Charles III