World Scout Jamboree 2027 Contingent Leader
Overview of the role
“The World Scout Jamboree is one of the largest outdoor education events for youth on the planet! Tens of thousands of Scouts from all over the world come together to camp outdoors and join in fun activities where they make new friends, learn about other cultures, and develop leadership skills that will last a lifetime" - World Organisation of the Scout Movement website
We are looking for a motivated and dynamic UK Contingent Leader to define, organise and deliver this fantastic event, working in partnership with UK Headquarters staff and other senior volunteers, utilising the learnings of past UK Contingents. You will recruit and (directly and indirectly) manage a contingent of adult volunteers and young people to participate in this fantastic event. As well as the Jamboree itself, you will be responsible for helping develop the UK Contingent experience and working closely with UK Headquarters staff to create and manage the event budget.
Being UK Contingent Leader for our contingent to the 26th World Scout Jamboree will be an experience like no other. Working alongside staff and other senior volunteers, you'll help set the direction for the UK Contingent and form a team of high-performing volunteers around you. You'll deliver an unforgettable and life-changing experience to the thousands of young people and adults who attend the Jamboree - as well as delivering projects that help the UK Contingent make a wider difference to the Scouts' entire membership.
I applied as I was passionate about bringing the spirit of the Jamboree to as many people as possible; those who go on the journey and those back home across the sections who can join in with activities and sessions at home...leading the UK Contingent is a huge privilege and a further opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork and other skills – truly skills for life! I would wholly recommend applying to be the UK Contingent Leader for the 26th World Scout Jamboree. There are so many people who will support you to deliver an amazing event for young people across the UK.
Liz Walker, UK Contingent Leader, 25th World Scout Jamboree, Korea 2023
What's in for you?
The Contingent Leader does get a lot out of the process too! You'll be responsible for a lot of high-profile parts of Scouting and, alongside staff, oversee a multi-million pound budget. We're looking for a Contingent Leader with the potential to be a senior leader in the Scouts in the future - and are willing to help develop the right candidate to be just that.
As Contingent Leader, you really make the role into what you want and what the Contingent needs. Following the Scouts' recent volunteer transformation work, you will be the first Contingent Leader to lead a project from start-to-finish using this model - and helping form best practice for Contingents of the future. Being a Contingent Leader is admittedly a big commitment - involving a lot of time over a number of years - but very little can beat the experience of seeing thousands of young people coming onto that Jamboree campsite, exploring new cultures and making those international friendships like no other.
Application process
A Search Group has been put together to find the best applicants for this role from a wide range of people. The panel will consist of national volunteers representing the UK Leadership Team, and staff members at the Scouts
It will be helpful to include any Scouting and non-Scouting experience that is relevant when applying or nominating someone. All applications and nominations will be treated in strict confidence.
To apply, please complete the application form giving as much detail as possible on how you meet the requirements of the role. We know that applications forms aren’t for everyone so, as an alternative, you may add an optional YouTube style video (no more than 10 mins long please) to support your application. You should only provide one of completing the application form or uploading a video.
Key dates
The closing date for applications is Monday 30 September 2024 at 23:59.
Please note that due to the quick turnaround before the assessment day, we will be contacting referees prior to the close of applications.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take part in a selection and assessment day at Gilwell Park (E4 7QW), on Saturday 16 November 2024. All reasonable expenses will be covered to attend on this day.
The successful candidate will need to be able to attend the first Heads of Contingents meeting which will be held online with a choice of either Wednesday 11 or Thursday 12 December 2024, during the day
For more information
For more information, or for an informal chat about this vacancy, please contact:
Ben Hodgkiss – UK Contingents Team Leader (ben.hodgkiss@scouts.org.uk)
Rich Flowerdew – Head of Volunteer Support & Events (richard.flowerdew@scouts.org.uk)
Carl Hankinson – UK Chief Volunteer (carl.hankinson@scouts.org.uk)
Sam Morris – Chief Volunteering Officer (sam.morris@scouts.org.uk).
Closing date:
Mon, September 30, 2024, 11:59 PM