UK Exchanges Team Leader
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
The UK Exchanges Team Leader plays a key role in developing and promoting international partnerships and exchange opportunities for UK Scouts. This role will focus on building a structured Exchange Programme across other National Scout Organisations. The Team will also provide guidance on exchange programmes, document and showcase successful exchanges through case studies, and oversee the development of a Penpal Programme across WOSM regions.
This role is essential in ensuring that Scouts from the UK have access to exciting, well-supported, and meaningful international exchange opportunities, fostering long-term international relationships and cultural understanding.
Key tasks
- Build a structured Exchange Programme across WOSM regions, creating long-term and sustainable opportunities for UK Scouts to participate in meaningful international exchanges.
- Develop and provide guidance on exchange programmes, ensuring that Scouts, leaders, and organisers have access to resources and support for international exchange participation.
- Showcase successful exchanges through case studies, highlighting impactful experiences and sharing best practices.
- Develop and promote a Penpal Programme across WOSM regions, encouraging young people to connect with their peers internationally and build cross-cultural friendships.
- Act as a key point of contact for UK Scouts and Leaders who have questions or need support regarding participation in exchanges, partnerships, and penpal initiatives.
- Work with the UK International Team to align networking and exchange initiatives with other global Scouting programmes.
- Maintain communication with NSO contacts to stay updated on new exchange opportunities and best practices.
- Coordinate and deliver webinars to Scout groups in organising successful exchanges.
- Support efforts to increase awareness of international networking and exchange opportunities within UK Scouting, including representation at events and online promotion.
Person specification
- Experience in Scouting, with an understanding of international partnerships, exchanges, and networking.
- Experience in programme development and partnership building with external organisations.
- Knowledge of international Scouting structures.
- Understanding of exchange programme logistics, including safety, safeguarding, and best practices.
- Experience in coordinating international initiatives and promoting cross-cultural engagement.
- Experience in managing and working with volunteers.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to engage and inspire Scouts, leaders, and international partners.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with external partners
- Strong organisation and time management skills to coordinate multiple tasks effectively.
- Comfortable using digital communication tools (email, social media, online collaboration platforms).
- Ability to work independently and take initiative, while collaborating with the UK International Team.
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Enthusiastic and passionate about international Scouting and global networking.
- Approachable and able to build relationships with volunteers, external partners, and international contacts.
- Adaptable, able to respond to changing priorities and needs.
- Committed to The Scouts’ values, inclusivity, and international engagement.
- A team player, keen to contribute to the success of the UK International Team.
This role includes a range of tasks that need a realistic and ongoing time commitment, with flexibility around when those tasks are completed. If you already volunteer with Scouts, please take time to think about how this UK role would fit alongside any other roles you hold, and have a conversation with your current Team Leader before applying.
For some people, taking on a UK role may mean stepping back from, or handing over, another role so they can give each one the attention it deserves and have a positive and rewarding volunteering experience.
The UK Global Programme Team
We are excited to introduce the UK Exchanges Team Leader role within the UK International Team. This is an incredible opportunity for someone passionate about connecting Scouts across borders and expanding the opportunities available to UK Scouts through exchanges, partnerships, and penpal initiatives.
This role is at the heart of building international networks and meaningful exchange opportunities. You will lead efforts to create a structured Exchange Programme within WOSM regions, provide guidance on exchanges, and showcase impactful case studies to inspire future participation. Additionally, you will oversee the development of a Penpal Programme, helping young people connect with their peers around the world.
If you are enthusiastic about global networking, cultural exchange, and creating international opportunities for Scouts, then this is the role for you!
We look forward to hearing from you!
- Lauren King, UK Global Programme Team Leader
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:
Lauren King (UK Global Programme Team Leader): [email protected]
Richard Flowerdew (Head of International & Events): [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: TBC
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 International Team
Closing date:
Fri, May 1, 2026, 9:00 AM