Group Scout Leader Induction
Materials to support Group Scout Leaders through their induction
Congratulations on your new and exciting role. The Group Scout Leader's role is all about providing direction and support in order to develop your group and ensure its sustainability. We hope you’ll enjoy every minute, and feel proud knowing that you’re changing lives and creating opportunities for more young people and adults in your community.
Managing and supporting Scouting can be challenging at times, so we've developed an induction package consisting of three separate elements to help you get to grips with the role. The three elements are:
- Receiving support locally utilising the downloadable induction checklist
- Support given through the Scouts website such as safeguarding, safety, governance, and programme
- A rolling programme of six interactive online workshops
These resources are designed to complement the Getting started training modules and wood badge training.
For support with using our adult member management system, check out the Compass Support Site. To get support completing a disclosure application in Atlantic data, look at the Disclosures section of the Compass Support Site. If you want help with Online Scout Manager (if your district uses it) check out the help section on OSM once you've logged in.
Delivering a quality programme
An amazing programme is key to the success of any Group and is the foundation for retaining and recruiting volunteers and young people. For help and support in developing a quality programme, contact your Assistant District Commissioners or take a look at our guidance on delivering a quality programme.
Managing issues and situations
You may face issues that others will look to you, as their line manager, to sort out. Thankfully we have lots of guidance and procedures to help you overcome difficulties and deal with complaints. Check out Scouts' Complaints Policy to find out more.
Young Leaders
You may have Young Leaders who volunteer in your Group. They are a valuable asset to any section, bringing energy and fresh ideas to the team. Find out more about supporting Young Leaders on our Young Leaders Scheme page.
Tools to support your induction
Quality Programme Checkers for each section:
Don't forget to use the programme planning tool.
Useful resources
Induction Workshops
We’re running six workshops throughout the year to complement your induction. Each workshop will go into more detail on your role managing the group, your team, reviews, development, recruitment and the volunteer journey.
Join a workshopDevelopment Planning
Find out how development planning provides direction and ensures more young people have access to Scouts
Find development planning supportRunning things locally
Find support and guidance on everything from the Census, Trustee Boards, grants, data protection, dealing with complaints and much more.
Read the guidanceThe Review Process
Reviews are a great way to understand what your volunteers enjoy doing, what they're happy to continue with and what needs to change.
Complete your reviewsGrowing Scouting
Explore our tools to help you recruit more volunteers, get more young people involved, start a new section and celebrate success.
Explore the toolsGrowth & Communities Team
The Growth & Communities Team are the Scouts field-based staff team that provide direct support to Scouting across England.
Find growth support