Recruiting people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
Learn how to reach, welcome and include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Scouts is for everyone, and we want to show more people that we’re an open and welcoming movement. When it comes to inclusion, small actions can have a big impact.
To make Scouts truly inclusive, we need to involve more volunteers and young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Diversity isn't just about including different people, it's about welcoming new ideas, skills and experiences. By being inclusive, Scouts becomes stronger and better reflects the communities we're part of.
Tips for recruiting volunteers and young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
Highlight flexible roles
Let people know about the wide range of volunteering opportunities we offer, from roles in Section Teams to Trustee Boards. There’s something for everyone, at a pace that works for them. By offering flexible roles, we make it easier for people with different needs and schedules to get involved.
Promote opportunities
Encourage new volunteers to take on leadership roles to help build a more diverse and inclusive team. Ask parents, carers and community leaders to share these opportunities. This will help make your roles more accessible and appealing to a wider range of people.
Reach diverse audiences
Reach out to diverse audiences to help break down barriers and create more opportunities for everyone to get involved. Connect with Black, Asian and minority owned businesses, local societies and community groups to share what Scouts offers and let people know about any available opportunities.
Our Furthering Reach Toolkit provides practical steps to help you connect with underrepresented communities in your local area.
Provide reassurance
Let parents, carers and volunteers know that Scouts is a safe and welcoming place for their young people. Share our Yellow Card, safeguarding policy and safety guidance to build trust and reassure them that their young people will be looked after in a respectful, secure environment. This is especially important for families from underrepresented communities who may be more worried or unsure about new experiences.
Share diverse stories
Share stories of people from different backgrounds to help people see that Scouts is inclusive and values everyone. Create ‘Meet the Team’ displays to highlight the diversity in your volunteer team. Use posters, newsletters and social media to share diverse stories and inspire people from underrepresented communities to get involved. When people see others like them in leadership roles, it helps them feel more confident and motivated to join.
Encourage fresh perspectives
Let people know there’s so much more to Scouts than camping! Share the wide range of activities Scouts offers and how we teach skills for life, showing there’s a place for everyone. Support people in sharing their ideas and bringing them to life, creating an environment where new perspectives are welcomed and valued.
Celebrate leaders from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
Celebrate and share the achievements of local leaders, Scouts ambassadors and other role models from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. This helps inspire others and shows that leadership is for everyone. Highlighting their success can help break down stereotypes and promote equity.
Read our race equity review
Check out our race equity review, which provides helpful insights and practical ideas for welcoming and including volunteers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. By reading this review, you’ll learn how to make your local Scout Group more inclusive and supportive of everyone.
Supporting people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds
Learn and talk about race and ethnicity.
Find out how we’re making Scouts more welcoming for people of all ethnicities and backgrounds.