UK SOWA Delivery 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 SOWA Delivery Team Leader plays a vital role in coordinating and supporting UK Scouts engaging in SOWA (Scouts of the World Award) expeditions happening abroad. This role is not responsible for SOWA programme delivery within Scouts.
This role involves leading and supporting expedition teams, ensuring participants are well-prepared, supported, and engaged in meaningful service projects that create a positive impact for local communities. The Team Leader will work closely with local partners and organisations, oversee logistics and risk management, and ensure participants gain valuable personal development experiences through international volunteering.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact, empowering young people to develop global awareness, leadership skills, and cultural understanding while contributing to sustainable community initiatives and ultimately achieving their SOWA award.
The UK SOWA Delivery Team is part of the wider UK International Team.
Key tasks
- Lead and coordinate the UK SOWA Delivery Team.
- Ensure participants understand the aims, expectations, and impact of the project.
- Support and mentor participants through preparation, on-the-ground activities, and post-project reflection.
- Work with local partners and organisations to deliver meaningful and sustainable projects.
- Oversee logistics, travel arrangements, and safety measures, ensuring the wellbeing of all participants.
- Support participants in engaging with local communities, understanding cultural differences, and respecting local customs.
- Provide guidance on risk assessments, safeguarding, the Visits Abroad process and support with oversight in TSA governance processes
- Act as a key point of contact for participants, volunteers, and external partners throughout the project.
- Promote and advocate for SOWA expeditions, encouraging more young people to get involved.
- Assist in evaluating the project’s success, gathering feedback, and sharing learnings for future initiatives.
Person specification
- Experience in international volunteering, community development, or expedition leadership.
- Working knowledge of the Scouts of the World Award.
- Understanding of sustainable development principles and ethical volunteering practices.
- Experience in mentoring and supporting young people in personal development projects.
- Knowledge of risk management, safety procedures, and the Visits Abroad process (POR requirements).
- Understanding of the UK Scouting structure and international partnerships.
- Experience in coordinating teams and managing logistics for overseas trips.
- Familiarity with cultural awareness, engagement, and ethical travel considerations.
- Strong leadership and team coordination skills.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to support and mentor young people, ensuring they gain the most from the experience.
- Strong organisation and time management skills to oversee logistics and planning.
- Confidence in handling challenges, emergencies, and cultural sensitivities.
- Comfortable using digital communication tools (email, online platforms, virtual meetings).
- Passionate about international Scouting, global citizenship, and youth empowerment.
- Collaborative, inclusive, and values-led.
- Curious, reflective, and committed to continuous improvement.
- Comfortable working with ambiguity and shaping new approaches.
- Committed to The Scouts’ values, safeguarding culture, and ethical practice.
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 SOWA Delivery Team
We are thrilled to introduce the UK SOWA Delivery Team Leader role within the UK International Team. This is an incredible opportunity for someone passionate about sustainable development, international Scouting, and empowering young people to achieve their SOWA.
The Team Leader provides a unique chance to work alongside local communities, develop leadership skills, and experience international volunteering in action. As a Team Leader, you will play a key role in guiding participants through this journey - helping them plan, ensuring their safety and wellbeing, and supporting them in reflecting on their experiences.
If you are enthusiastic about SOWA, youth development, and making a real difference, this is the role for you! We look forward to hearing from you!
- Craig Gibson (UK Visits Abroad Support 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:
Craig Gibson (UK Visits Abroad Support Team Leader): [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 International Team
Closing date:
Fri, February 13, 2026, 9:00 AM