Volunteer

There are lots of different roles in Scouts from our front-line leaders to occasional skills instructors, trustees, those who handle the paperwork in the background and those who support our volunteers so they can change lives on a weekly basis.

Let us know how you can help, and we’ll find a place for you here.

Short answer: it depends but we’re flexible.

Longer answer:

It varies on how you can help us. A session with our young people normally takes between 1 and 2 hours, one evening a week but leaders can spend as much or a little time as they can give. Even if you’re only free once a month, it can still make a difference.

Those with behind-the-scenes roles can often fit volunteering around their work or families and trustees normally only need to meet once every two months. Give us a shout to ask about particular roles.

No! We all started somewhere and that start could be right now if you wanted it to be. We all come from a variety of backgrounds and chances are you have skills that you can start using straight away. Plus, we’ve got training available to give you the missing pieces of the puzzle.

There is no upper age limit at all. Young people can start volunteering at 14 as a Young Leader and adults can start volunteering in any role from 18.

You may hear skills and think first aid, driving or leadership qualifications. Not us. We see having a plan B (and C) up your sleeve, speaking out or thinking on your feet as just as important. All of us have a practical skill that could be passed on and every volunteer has chances to learn new skills along the way. If you still don’t believe us then give us a shout and you might be surprised where your skills could come in handy.

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 for a group of very hungry eleven year olds - no two Scout meetings are the same. The difference you make, though, is always great.

We’re all unique and we openly welcome everyone regardless of your background, religion, gender, sexuality or additional needs. We’ll always do what we can to make it a doddle and there are volunteers on hand to help make any adjustments needed.

We may be a movement known for our shirts and scarves but we don’t all wear one. There are lots of non-uniformed roles, so if this matters to you then let us know and we can make it work.

We’re all about getting the most out of people and our volunteers often have as much fun as the young people we look after. We offer a whole host of training to help in your role and plenty that is optional. There are chances to learn new skills and gain a permit so you can lead activities as varied as archery, powerboating or a simple night away with others.

Plus, volunteering gives you loads of skills that look brilliant on a CV such as leadership, teamwork, working with people and having a vision for the road ahead.

There are volunteers at every level there to support you, from a manager in a local group to skilled volunteers working across all of Hampshire. Early on, new volunteers are signposted to other leaders who can help you with the tips and tricks to make the most out of it.

From get-togethers over a meal to the largest international events, there are chances to meet new people throughout the year and share ideas. Plus, we provide the training you need so you can show up, get stuck in and make a difference.

You’re also covered by the Scout’s insurance for personal accident, medical expenses and public liability at a minimum.

Only in smiles and pats on the back we’re afraid. We don’t want volunteers to be out of pocket though so out of pocket expenses are often covered. Plus, there are lots of opportunities that make it worth your while.

There’ll be an application form, but there are normally people local to you who can help you fill it out if you’re stuck. So all our young people can stay safe, we also carry out criminal record checks (DBS checks) on all volunteers.

For some roles, we ask volunteers to provide references and for some, we invite the volunteer to meet with a small group of volunteers to make sure you’re prepared and to discuss the role with you. Think tea and a chat, rather than an interview with Lord Sugar.