Part of Scouting's modern appeal to adults is our approach to flexible volunteering, it's great when people can make a regular commitment to helping to provide weekly scouting to young people but we know it's not always possible. People nowadays have busy, often unpredictable lives – meaning that they can't commit set hours, on set days.
Safe Scouting CardsYellow CardYoung People FirstOur code of practice (also known as the Yellow card) sets out guidance for all Adult Volunteers in Scouts
To give positive guidance, the 'Young People First' code of practice (also known as the yellow card) sets out a code of behaviour for all adults in Scouting. Every adult should have a copy of the 'Young People First' code of practice. It is designed so you can keep it with you at all times during Scouting activities. Click on the picture below for more information Purple CardGreen CardSafety Checklist Card |
No experience needed - really!
This isn't a job application and you certainly don’t have to be an adventurer like Bear Grylls to get involved with Scouting and in fact not many of our volunteers are! Do you have first aid knowledge? Are you good with numbers? Handy in the kitchen? Or are you a DIY whizz? We all have useful skills and you can volunteer and help in many ways. Are you ready to inspire a generation of young people to experience fun, friendship and real adventure? The opportunities to volunteer with us are flexible. Think of something you'd like to do and chances are it's just what we require. Whatever your skills, experience and interests, we can find a role for you! Don't have much spare time? You don't have to volunteer every week and whether you can offer to come every month, or work behind the scenes, we'll be grateful for whatever you give to Scouting. What will you get from Scouting? As well as gaining externally recognised skills and having a brilliant time, Scouting also offers the chance to build on personal skills, like teamwork, confidence and leadership. A study found that over 90% of our volunteers believe that the skills and experiences they have gained through Scouting have been of relevance to their working or personal lives. What are the restrictions? As long as you're over 18, 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 to 18, there is the option of becoming a Young Leader. |
Training for adults
Adult volunteers are at the heart of Scouting, and we hope that you will get every bit as much out of it as you put in. Scouting is not only about young people, but also about the development of adults within the Movement.
To support adults in Scouting, the Association provides a comprehensive programme of training to build on existing skills and knowledge and develop new competencies. Some elements of training can count towards externally-recognised qualifications, and within the movement there are also awards to recognise dedication to training and outstanding service.
Training
The Scout Association provides training to all volunteers to support them in their role and more information can be found below.
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Adult Volunteer AwardsAt the Scouts we want to thank all our volunteers for their contribution to Scouting - it's an important way to make sure people stay with us and to recognise their achievements.
Awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the achievements of members and recognised volunteers in your team. You can use an award to recognise gallantry and meritorious conduct, outstanding and excellent service and long service |
Good Service Awards
Lead Volunteer's Commendation
In recognition of a persons contribution to Scouting
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Chief Scout’s Commendation
In recognition of at least five years good service, which stands out
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Award of
Merit In recognition of outstanding service, of at least 12 years
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Bar to the
Award of Merit For at least five years of further outstanding service to the Award of Merit
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Silver
Acorn Specially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding service of at least 20 years
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Bar to the
Silver Acorn In recognition of at least a further five years of specially distinguished service to the Silver Acorn
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Silver
Wolf In recognition of services to Scouting of the most exceptional nature,
Scouting's Highest Award |
Long Service Awards
Length of service awards are available to Members and Associate Members of the Association with an adult appointment, uniformed or not (with the exception of occasional helpers).