A Royal Inspiration

As HRH The Duchess of Cambridge becomes Scouting’s newest volunteer, we’re reminded that flexible volunteering is the key to our success

Where were you when you heard the announcement about the duchess joining Scouting? It’s a boost not just to the beavers and cubs in north Wales whom she will be supporting directly, but to all of us across the UK who are trying to recruit new adults.

The news, which was picked up by local and national media on 5 January, comes as a great endorsement of our commitment to allow adults to volunteer their time on a flexible basis. The Duchess will help run a variety of activities relevant to her skills and interests.

‘The duchess has an incredibly busy life,’ says Bear Grylls, chief scout, ‘which makes it all the more inspiring that she has chosen to volunteer alongside us. ‘Over the past few years it has been our mission to make it easier for adults to give as much or as little as they are able. It is how we change our society: many people doing a little bit.’

Many hands make light work

One such volunteer who has found that the flexible approach works for her too is Heather Baker, 29.

‘The demands of modern life often mean it’s harder for people to find time to volunteer,’ says Heather. ‘The role I’ve just taken on is shared between four adults to make it work.’

Young members are delighted. Patrick, 10, a cub scout in Enfield, said: ‘I have really great adventures at cubs and it’s all thanks to the leaders who help out. It’s amazing that the duchess wants to get involved and I think she will be really good at it.’

Using this opportunity

Over the coming weeks and months, the news of the duchess’s involvement in Scouting will be a talking point with colleagues, parents, friends and family.

When you are speaking about the news, make sure you don’t just talk about the news itself, but the different opportunities there are for everyone to volunteer.

Think about how you can make it work in your area – you might not be able to recruit a duchess, but you can get more people involved by being flexible.