New volunteer induction

What we mean by induction

Induction is our settling-in period, a time where we want to give volunteers an extra special welcome to make sure they have a great start with us. 

It runs alongside the steps in the joining journey and helps new volunteers get to grips with what to do, what to expect and how to be the best they can be while volunteering. 

What to include

During induction, we should provide help, support and guidance so new volunteers feel welcomed into their role. We will: 

• Introduce Scouts and tell them how things work on the ground by explaining our sections, structure and how things fit together locally. We’ll go through who the different teams are and their responsibilities. 
• Chat to them about what they’re expected to do within their team, and discuss what tasks they’d like to take on. 
• Direct them to the relevant learning so that we can equip them with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to do their tasks. 
• Explain our policies and procedures. We'll show them and explain the Yellow Card, and its importance for safeguarding our young people.
• Explain our Scouts values, Promise and Volunteering Culture.
• Introduce them to others so that they can meet and connect with other volunteers and begin building relationships locally. 
• Make sure they know where to find the things they’ll need, their way around their regular meeting place and what they’ll need to run our programme. 
• Answer any questions they have openly and honestly, to help put any uncertainties aside as they settle in. 

Who takes part in inductions

The Team Leader/Lead Volunteer should oversee the new volunteer’s induction, while the other Team Members should collaborate with the new volunteer to give them different experiences, and a proper feel for what Scouts is like.

When someone new joins a team, it’s down to all members of the team, not just the Team Leader, to make sure the new Team Member has the right tools and information they need to do their role. 

Useful resources

To help support new volunteers, we’re also creating some new tools:

• A handy welcome pack to give to new volunteers, containing all the basic information they’ll need about Scouts and our general expectations of them as a volunteer.
• New volunteers have the option to receive support from a buddy, in a non-formal way.
• As part of their induction, all members, including those that are re-joining after a break from Scouts of 180 days or more, will need to complete their Growing Roots learning within six months.