UK Explorer Scouts 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
Explorers (ages 14–18) is a time of increased independence, leadership and adventure. As UK Explorer Scouts Team Leader, you’ll help shape the day-to-day national Explorer Scouts programme so it’s inspiring, inclusive and aligned to the priorities and outcomes of our 2026–2035 strategy. During this period, the UK Explorer Scout Team Leader will also be a key stakeholder in our plans to roll out and embed our newly developed Explorer Scout programme.
Working in partnership with staff colleagues and fellow volunteers, you’ll support and empower Explorer Scout leaders across the UK, helping them deliver high-quality programme experiences in Explorer Units. You’ll also act as a champion for Explorer Scouts, sharing insight from local delivery and helping to shape national priorities.
This is a strategic volunteer leadership role with real impact, supporting volunteers and enabling young people to develop confidence, leadership and skills for life.
The UK Explorer Scouts Team is part of the wider UK Programme Team.
Key tasks
- Champion the Explorer Scouts programme and act as an advocate for national programme support
- Help inform national strategy and priorities for Explorer Scouts, aligned to our 2026–2035 strategy
- Gather insight from local Explorer Scout leaders and share learning with volunteer and staff colleagues
- Support the delivery of agreed priorities by engaging, motivating and supporting the UK Explorer Scout Team
- Contribute to the development of programme resources, training, events and guidance
- Take part in relevant projects or working groups to ensure outcomes align with programme strategy
- Build strong, positive relationships with volunteers and staff across the organisation
- Communicate clearly and positively with a wide range of audiences, both online and in person
Person specification
- Experience of leading and supporting volunteers
- Experience of leadership or management in a voluntary and/or professional setting
- Experience of working with people across a wide geographical area and from diverse backgrounds
- Experience of contributing to programme development, improvement or strategic work
- Experience of preparing information or proposals for senior groups or decision-makers
- Ability to inspire, motivate and support volunteers in a positive and inclusive way
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Confidence in public speaking, presentations and facilitating meetings
- Ability to chair meetings effectively and manage discussions constructively
- Ability to listen, offer support and handle challenging situations appropriately
- Ability to think strategically and turn ideas into practical actions
- Confident using digital tools, including Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
- Willingness to complete the required adult training for the role
- Friendly, approachable and supportive
- Passionate about the Cub Scouts programme and supporting young people aged 8–10½
- Committed to the values, Fundamentals and Promise of Scouts
- Organised, reliable and able to manage time effectively
- Able to commit the time needed for the role, including some evenings and weekends
- No known barriers to obtaining the appropriate DBS disclosure
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.
UK Explorer Scouts Team
Explorer Scouts is where young people take on real responsibility, lead others and push their boundaries.
As UK Explorer Scouts Team Leader, you’ll help shape a programme that reflects our 2026–2035 strategy, supports volunteers and responds to what Explorer Scouts need today. You’ll work with a passionate national team to keep Explorer Scouts challenging, relevant and full of opportunity.
If you’re excited about supporting young people at this pivotal stage of their journey, we’d love to hear from you.
- Lewis Dangerfield (UK Lead Volunteer for Programme)
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:
Lewis Dangerfield (UK Lead Volunteer for Programme): [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 date: 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 Programme Team
Closing date:
Fri, March 6, 2026, 9:00 AM