How does one Become a Leader

So, how does one become a Scout Leader?

Note: This is a brief guide and detailed information will be given to you once you make contact with us.  Use the contact tab on the main page.

Step 1

Decide on your motivations. Why do you want to be involved Scouting? How much free time do you have to give to Scouting (don’t worry if you don’t have much – there are roles to suit you however much or little free time you can spend Scouting!)? Do you have any special skills? What do you expect in return?

The answer to these questions shouldn’t put you off: Scouting has many many roles to suit you whoever you are and whatever your skills, interests and however much time you have to volunteer!

Step 2

Which section/age group would you prefer to work with?

Beavers: 6-8 years old
Cubs: 8-10½ years old
Scouts: 10½-14 years old
Explorers: 14-18 years old
None of the above – there are many non-Leader roles in Scouting too, including becoming part of an Active Support Unit
Each Section has their own specific needs and different people are better suited to different Sections – and you can always move between Sections at a later date if you change your mind!

Step 3

So you now know why you want to volunteer as a Scout Leader and have an idea about which section(s) you want to volunteer with. Now you need to contact us!  Use the contact tab on the main page.

Step 4

Once we receive your details our Group Scout Leader, will usually be in touch back pretty quickly to organise a meeting or chat on the phone.  We will also invite you to attend meetings with the young people and leaders to give you some insight into what it is like!!

Step 5

Once everyone is happy with your role, you will need to complete a AA (Adult Application) with all your personal details and give two referees.   The next step will be to complete a DBS check – this is because Leaders and other Adult Members may have unsupervised access to young people, and safety comes first!

The AA form will be sent to the Appointments team and they will contact your referees whilst we wait for the DBS to be cleared.

Step 6

Whilst we wait for the referees to reply and the DBS to clear you will be asked to do 3 E Learning modules which cover the basics of Scouting, safety, safeguarding and Risk Assessments as well as General Data Protection Requirements (GDPR).

Step 7

Once all the forms are complete and returned, and you have submitted the E Learning certificates you will be invited to an Introductory Meeting.  At this meeting you wil have a short informal interview, discuss the learning you have done plus speak to other experienced Scouters about how to engage in a successful programe with the youngsters

By now, you are involved in Scouting and hopefully very much enjoying it!  Depending on the role you have taken there may be additional training modules to complete over the next 3 years.

Step 8

Congratulations! You are now a full Adult Member in Scouting!    ENJOY