Join us as a Leader

Becoming a Scout Leader or Helper

If you're reading this page, it's likely that you already know about the Scout movement, what it does, and the role that adults play....

We welcome new people to join our leadership team, and at Ifold we absolutely promise that we won't swamp you and will give you plenty of space to try it out and decide if it's really for you.

How far you get involved in Scouting really depends on you, how much interest you have and other commitments like family and work.

Section Leaders put in an awful lot of time and effort to ensure their sections run well and have ambitious and quality programmes.

But Assistant Leaders, Section Assistants and Helper roles are a much lower level of commitment and time. It could be no more than coming to weekly meetings and supporting the evening's programme the Section Leader has prepared. Or, if you feel confident and have more time, you could take on some of the organisation for an evening or event. It really depends on you.

If you believe in the power of voluntary work, want to do something for your local community that actually makes a difference, and something that may even be fun....then come and give it a try. Our leaders at Ifold are all quite normal people (well, we think we are!) who get on well together and have fun running great activities for our Young People.

We need more leaders and helpers in all three sections (Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts). So if you're just a normal person who would like to do something to make our local community just a little bit better, come and join us. At least give it a try?

Why does Scouting need more help?

Nationally there are over 30,000 young people on waiting lists due to the lack of adult volunteers. If more adults helped out this would take the burden off our current volunteers and allow more young people to experience the adventure of Scouting. More adults would mean more young people could join Scouting, Groups could be smaller or new Groups could even open.

How can I help with Scouting?

There are many ways in which you can give your time to help Scouting whatever your gender, age, abilities and skills. Simply let us know your availability and how you would like to help and we will match this to roles in our Group.

I don’t have a background in Scouting, does this matter?

No previous Scouting experience is needed. Energy and enthusiasm are the qualities we are looking for.

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. This is for a number of reasons including being able to see first hand how Scouting benefits young people and wanting to give something back, being able to spend more time with their child and realising that volunteering for Scouting is enjoyable and teaches them new skills. Speak to your child’s Section Leader to discuss how you might become involved.

I will only be able to help out on a flexible basis is this ok?

Yes. There are many different ways to help in Scouting and many of these can be adapted to suit your needs. Whether you can help out once a fortnight, month or term or just at special events or camps, there is bound to be a role you can play.

What are the benefits of helping out?

There are a number of benefits you can gain from volunteering. Spending time with your child, learning new skills and contributing to your community are just a few of the reasons why our current Leaders choose to spend some of their spare time in Scouting.

I don’t have a specific skill but am keen to help out, what can I do?

Everyone will have a skill, attribute or ability that they can pass on to our young people. One of the best things about volunteering however, is the chance to learn new skills you may not have been able to otherwise.

Do I have to wear uniform?

No. Although Scouting is a uniformed organisation, adults in Scouting do not have to wear a uniform.

Are there any age restrictions on helping out?

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

What is the process for joining?

There is an application form to fill out which we will be able to help you with. For some roles you will be required to meet a small group of people outside of the Group to discuss the role you wish to take on. References are also required for some roles. An enhanced Criminal Records (or equivalent in Scotland or Northern Ireland) check is carried out on all volunteers.

Will I be insured?

Yes. All Members are covered under our Personal Accident and Medical Expenses Policy.