Group Lead Volunteer Induction
Materials to support Group Lead Volunteers through their induction
Congratulations on your new and exciting role!
Being a Group Lead Volunteer is all about providing direction and support to develop your Group. We hope you’ll enjoy every minute and feel proud knowing that you’re changing lives and creating opportunities for more young people and adults in your community.
Managing and supporting your Group may be challenging at times, so we've created an induction that’ll help you get to grips with the role. The three parts to your induction are:
- Receiving support locally through our downloadable induction checklist
- Support given through the Scouts website on topics such as safeguarding, safety, governance, and programme
- A rolling programme of six interactive online workshops.
These resources will go alongside your Growing Roots and Branching Out learning.
For support with the digital tools on scouts.org.uk, check out the Digital Tool Guides. If you need help completing a criminal record check, take a look at our guide to criminal record checks.
If your Group uses Online Scout Manager, you can check out the help section on OSM once you've logged in.
Managing issues and situations
As a Lead Volunteer, you may need to help resolve issues that your team members bring to you. We have lots of guidance to help you overcome difficulties and deal with complaints. Check out Scouts' Complaints Policy to find out more.
Young Leaders
You may also have Young Leaders who volunteer in your Group. These young people are a valuable asset to any section, bringing energy and fresh ideas to the team. Find out more about supporting Young Leaders on our Young Leaders Scheme page.
Tools to support your induction
Delivering a quality programme
Running an amazing programme is key to the success of any Group. It makes recruiting and retaining volunteers and young people much easier. For help and support in developing a quality programme, contact your District Programme Team or take a look at our guidance on delivering a quality programme.
Quality Programme Checkers for each section:
Don't forget to use the programme planning tool.
Useful resources
Induction Workshops
We run six workshops throughout the year to complement your induction. Each workshop will go into more detail on your role managing the Group, your team, reviews, development, recruitment and the volunteer experience.
Join a workshopDevelopment Planning
Find out how development planning provides direction and ensures more young people have access to Scouts
Check out development planning supportRunning things locally
Find support and guidance on everything from the Census, Trustee Boards, grants, data protection, dealing with complaints and much more.
Read the guidanceThe Review Process
Reviews are a great way to understand what your volunteers enjoy doing, what they're happy to continue with and what needs to change.
Complete your reviewsFollowing rules and policy
Stay up to date on our rules and key policies.
Find out more about our policiesGrowing Scouts
Explore our tools to help you recruit more volunteers, get more young people involved, start a new section and reach new communities.
Explore the toolsGrowth Support
Find out what support is available for you from your National team.
Check out the growth support available