Top Tips1. Be clear what you actually want. The Scout Association's six-step approach actually works. 2. Use Do-it.org.uk, the national volunteering website.
- Write your entries in a positive, job advert style. Example
- Visit the site at least monthly and update it.
- Always, always follow up contacts immediately and in person.
- Backup the call with an email. Example
- Get a login from Ben Storrar at Scout HQ.
3. Use every opportunity to share the job vacancy list...group fundraisers, christmas cards, parents' bulletins, newsletters etc.
4. Plan induction slots in your diary in advance...choose a night when you can visit a number of sections in your district. Don't shy away from Groups where there is work to do....some people love the challenge. Choose an enthusiastic leader to accompany the person doing the induction. 5. Be prepared to support new leaders with money and time. The very least we can do is provide uniform, training file and a warm welcome. Be aware that:- Sending adults into leader teams already over staffed will usually put them off.
- Keep clear of the 'doom merchants'. Someone who is bitter, feels unsupported and has been 'trying to get out for years' needs a review of role before new leaders arrive.
- Scouting experience is not needed to do new things. Good support is needed.
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Case Study
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Name: Susie Eldin
Initial Contact: 3 June
Followup Call: 4 June
District Tour: 8 June
Completed Forms: 12 June
Susie
expressed interest in Scouting in June, following the Bear Gryll's
publicity. She expressed immediate ambition to take a leading role and
was not keen for a 'behind the scenes' role.
Susie
explained during a district tour that she was considering enrolling on a
teacher training course and wanted to support scouting but also gain
relevant experience in working with children.
The
DC identified that a lead role in a group's expansion plans for a new pack
would be perfect to meet the challenge Susie needed. She completed CRB
and AA forms shortly after the induction tour and immediately began
discussions with the forming team in the new cub pack.
Once
initial clearance was received, Susie began visiting a number of Cub
Scout Sections in the district so she could gain a better understanding
of her new role.
By
the end of the summer, Susie's group had bought her uniform, her full
CRB clearance had been received and plans were finalised for the
formation of a new cub pack. She joined the DC and Cub Scout Leader at a
launch assembly in a local school and on 22nd September joined 23 new
cubs, a team of five adults (four of whom were new) launching the new
section.
Susie was invested as a member on 10 November along with her colleagues and new cubs.
Outome: November - Susie enjoyed her first sleepover with the Cubs and is about to complete Getting Started Training. By September 2010, Susie has completed 70% of her adult training and has celebrated the first anniversary of the cub pack she helped found. 36 cubs attended the birthday party! In April, Susie expects to complete her Wood Badge. The pack goes from strength to strength and has successfully moved on its first young members into the Scout Troop.
Lessons: Act
quickly, identify new leaders with ambition and ensure they are
presented with adequate challenge. Support them in their role and ensure
communication is good and frequent.
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