POR Subgroup Member
Join our UK Scouts volunteer team
Equal opportunities
Scouts is an equal opportunity recruiter. We're committed to diversity and actively seeking applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, in particular, Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities.
About the role
Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) is at the heart of how Scouts operates. It provides the framework that enables volunteers across the The Scout Association and the wider Scouts Federation of Charities to deliver safe, effective and inspiring experiences for young people.
The POR Subgroup is a small, dedicated team of seven volunteers who help shape and safeguard this essential document. We review and update content, support the development of new policy, and ensure that our governance remains clear, relevant and fit for the future. It’s a unique opportunity to influence how Scouts works at every level.
We’re looking for thoughtful, collaborative individuals who are keen to contribute their skills and perspective to this important work. The role offers a three-year initial appointment, with the option to extend for a further three years by mutual agreement.
Key tasks
- Maintain the integrity and relevance of POR – Regularly review processes and procedures relating to the publication of POR, ensuring they remain up to date and effective. Proactively identify improvements and make recommendations to the Strategy and Delivery Committee.
- Act as a Chapter Champion – Take ownership of specific sections of POR, leading on their review, development and continuous improvement, and acting as the key point of contact for those areas.
- Promote understanding and engagement – Support the clear communication and promotion of POR across the movement, helping volunteers understand and apply it with confidence.
- Support governance reporting – Contribute to high-quality reports and updates for the Strategy and Delivery Committee, providing insight on progress, risks and proposed changes.
- Provide guidance and support – Contribute to practical support for volunteers, including advice, guidance materials, webinars, conferences and events, helping ensure POR is accessible, relevant and easy to use in practice.
Person specification
- Experience of contributing effectively as part of a committee, board or subgroup.
- A sound understanding of the opportunities and challenges of working within the voluntary sector.
- Experience of applying Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) (or comparable governance frameworks) within a voluntary environment.
- Confidence in assessing and improving document clarity, with a strong appreciation of plain English principles.
- Experience of interpreting policy locally and supporting others to apply it consistently and appropriately.
- Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Provide practical, balanced advice and guidance to volunteers at different levels of experience.
- Exercise independent, objective judgement while working collaboratively.
- Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Contribute positively as part of a team while managing a varied and sometimes time-sensitive workload.
- Use digital tools confidently, particularly Microsoft Office 365 and Teams, to collaborate and carry out responsibilities.
- Quickly develop and maintain a broad understanding of Scouts’ policies, structures and governance arrangements.
- Demonstrate a willingness to undertake relevant training and ongoing learning as required.
- A strong commitment to the fundamentals and values of the The Scout Association.
- Integrity, discretion and a thoughtful approach to governance matters.
- Reliability and the ability to dedicate sufficient time to fulfil the responsibilities of the role, including occasional weekend commitments.
The time commitment varies across the year. The POR Subgroup meets formally at least three times annually. Meetings are usually held virtually (typically two hours on a weekday evening), with one in-person meeting each year at Gilwell Park, normally over a weekend. Members will also need to allow time outside meetings to review POR Change Requests and related materials in advance.
Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with Scout policy.
POR Subgroup
Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) plays a vital role in setting out the framework within which Scouting operates. It underpins how we work together, make decisions and deliver safe, high-quality experiences for young people across the The Scout Association.
As a Subgroup, we don’t ‘own’ the rules themselves. Our responsibility is to ensure that POR accurately reflects them — and that it does so in a way that is clear, accessible and genuinely useful to volunteers. Good governance should enable great Scouting, not create barriers to it.
If you are passionate about clarity, good governance and supporting volunteers to do their best work, I warmly encourage you to consider joining us on that journey.
Hamish Stout (Chair of the POR Subgroup)
Sound good?
Before making an application please ensure that you've read carefully read our vacancy informtion. In order for us to monitor the application of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy, we'd be grateful if you'd also complete the Diversity Monitoring questions on the Application Form.
Questions?
If you'd like to discuss this role in more detail, please get in touch with:
Hamish Stout (Chair of the POR Subgroup): [email protected]
Next steps
Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering with our team. You can apply for the role yourself by completing the Application Form.
A Search Group has been set up to guide the selection process. They will carefully review all applications and nominations and then invite selected applicants to the next stage, once internal checks are complete.
Interview dates: Evenings of 16 and 18 April 2026 (online)
Apply nowKnow someone who might be a perfect fit?
Use the Nomination form if you know someone that might have the skills and experience that we're looking for.
We'll get in touch with them and invite them to apply for the role.
Nominate someone for this roleLocation:
UK Committees & Subgroups
Closing date:
Mon, March 9, 2026, 9:00 AM