Volunteer Manager (GSL – 1st Chineham)

As our largest group within the District, 1^st Chineham are based at their own hall at Hanmore Road with a Squirrel drey, two Beaver colonies, two Cub packs, a scout troop and a partnership agreement with Yeti Explorers.

1^st Chineham has a great leadership team with Section leads in all sections within the group, including their recently launched Squirrel Drey.

We’re looking for someone who can inspire, motivate and plan ahead. You’ll enjoy working with adults and young people within the group and see the impact of your efforts. You’ll be supported by the District team and full training is provided.

Appointed by: District Lead Volunteer(s) subject to the relevant Appointments Team approval process.

Responsible to: District Lead Volunteer(s)

Responsible for: Deputy Group Scout Leader, Section Leaders, Assistant Section Leaders, Section Assistants

Main contacts: Section Leaders and their leadership teams in the Group, parents/carers of the young people in the Scout Group, Group Trustee Board members, sponsoring authority of the Group (if applicable), District Team, other Group Scout Leaders in the District.

Traning: You’ll be required to complete the getting started training within 5 months of appointment, and then work towards your managers and supporters wood badge training.

Main Tasks

• Ensure that the Scout Group thrives and has the best systems in place to support adult volunteers and develop the Group – including a Group Trustee Board and Section leadership teams.
• Provide line management and support to the Leaders in the Scout Group, including setting objectives for their work and holding regular reviews and one-to-one meetings.
• Ensure that the Scout Group has an adequate team of supported and appropriate adults working effectively together and with others to meet the Scouting needs of the area.
• Ensure that a challenging, exciting and balanced programme is offered to young people in the Scout Group.
• Work with the Lead Volunteer(s), District Team and other Group Scout Leaders in the District to ensure that the District thrives and supports Scout Groups.

Note: Some of the tasks for which the Group Scout Leader is responsible may be delegated to others in the Group, including a Deputy Group Scout Leader.

Time Commitment

We encourage flexible volunteering and are happy to consider role sharing opportunities where desired. To give you an idea of the commitment for this role we have put together the following list:

• District Team meetings (3 per year)
• Group Trustee Board meetings (3 per year + 1 AGM)
• Regular visits with your Group sections

Person Specification

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to manage adults effectively
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Provide advice and guidance effectively to others
• Provide inspirational leadership for the Group
• Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people
• Enable others to identify issues, clarify objectives, develop attainable objectives and gain the necessary skills and confidence to work as an effective team
• Ability to negotiate compromises
• Plan, manage and monitor own tasks and time
• Construct and implement long-term plans that improve and expand the Scouting offered to young people and identify any training, resources and other needs required to undertake this work
• Familiarity with using email and Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Knowledge and Experience:

• Preferably, experience of working young people and/or community work with adult groups (but not essential as this can be developed in the role and taking the training that is required for the position)
• Preferably, experience of working with young people and/or community work with adult groups (but not essential as this can be developed in the role and taking the training that is required for the position)

Personal Qualities

• An understanding of the needs of adult volunteers
• Flexible approach
• Self-motivated
• Able to work as part of a team and promote good teamwork
• Resourceful, energetic and enthusiastic about the job
• Acceptance of the fundamentals of the Scout Movement

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