Reviews guidance for team leaders
Information to help you plan and conduct formal and informal reviews with your team
Understanding reviews
This page is under construction.
We're preparing guidance for transformation. Please go to Reviews Guidance for Line Managers if you're looking for information about the current reviews process.
Please note that this page refers to two different groups, please select the group you're in. This reflects recent changes to our Volunteer Experience. If you're not sure which group you're in, please ask your local Transformation Lead or check out our list (link to explanation page - to be created).
Find out what group I'm inReviews are a great way to get to know the people you volunteer with, build relationships and show your leadership. They're an opportunity to talk with your team about how they're getting on and make them feel valued and supported. This means they'll be more likely to keep volunteering at Scouts.
When a volunteer’s done something well, it’s natural to say ‘well done.' Or, if we have a spare five minutes, we might give them some quick feedback or support. Reviews, on the other hand, give you more dedicated time to talk about the volunteer’s experience (the good and the bad).
You might feel nervous and out of your comfort zone about doing a review, especially if you've not done one in Scouts before. Don't worry, that's completely normal and you're not on your own. The support available to you locally and this guide will help you lead great reviews with your team.
Who does reviews
If you lead a team, you’ll need to invite and lead a review with your Team Members. If you're not sure who you're responsible for reviewing, speak to your Lead Volunteer. They'll be able to help.
It's good practice for you, as someone who leads a team, to have reviews as well. This is great leadership, as you'll lead by example and show your volunteers you value reviews.
As a line manager, you’ll need to invite and lead a review with your volunteers. If you're not sure who you're responsible for reviewing, speak to your volunteer line manager. They'll be able to help.
It's good practice for you, as a line manager, to have reviews as well. This is great leadership, as you'll lead by example and show your volunteers you value reviews.
When reviews happen
There is a slight difference between an informal and formal review.
Informal reviews happen at least once a year. You'll chat about how things are going, celebrate success, plan for the future and agree any extra support.
You'll agree a date for a formal review when a volunteer completes all Welcome requirements. This'll be within their first year on the role. As well as talking about how they're getting on, these reviews are to decide if they'll stay in their role and team, change role or team, or potentially leave Scouts.
You'll then set the date (if appropriate) for the next formal review. The next formal review date is automatically suggested in 3 years, but you can choose to do it sooner and manually change the date by logging in to scouts.org.uk.
There is a slight difference between an informal and formal review.
Informal reviews happen at least once a year. You'll chat about how things are going, celebrate success, plan for the future and agree any extra support.
You'll agree a date for a formal review when a volunteer starts their role. This'll be within 5 years of their volunteering. As well as talking about how they're getting on, these reviews are to decide if they'll stay in their role, change role, or potentially leave Scouts. You'll then set the date (if appropriate) for the next formal review, which might be sooner than 5 years.
How long reviews are
Reviews are two-way conversations, so allow enough time for both of you to share their views and agree on the next steps. As a guide, 30 minutes to 60 minutes is a good start.
Reviews are two-way conversations, so allow enough time for both of you to share their views and agree on the next steps. As a guide, 30 minutes to 60 minutes is a good start.
The outcomes
After an informal review, it’s recommended to share the notes of the conversation with the volunteer. This might be what they’ve done well, their opportunities to develop, or ways to make their volunteering experience better. You can use this to make sure the volunteer feels supported and valued between each review.
After a formal review the volunteer will either:
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continue in their current role or team,
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change role or team, or
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leave Scouts.
You'll record the details of the formal review and the outcome on the Review Form by logging in to scouts.org.uk. The volunteer can also access the Review Form and complete the confirmation of review notes.
Both you and the volunteer have access to the Review Form you filled in through scouts.org.uk until the next review.
You’ll find more information on how to fill in the Review Form at the Digital tool guide: Reviews.
After an informal review, share the notes of the conversation with the volunteer. This might be what they’ve done well, their opportunities to develop, or ways to make their volunteering experience better. You can use this to make sure the volunteer feels supported and valued between each review.
After a formal review the volunteer will either:
- continue in their current role,
- change role, or
- leave Scouts.
You'll record the details of the review and the outcome on the Appointment Review Form, which is then given to the Appointments Secretary to update the members record on Compass.
Workshop recording
Coming soon! We're preparing videos to help you understand the reviews process.
Preparing for a challenging review
It's important to acknowledge how you feel about doing the review. If you think it may be challenging, remember that you’re not alone. You can ask your Lead Volunteer or Team Leader for support and to help you prepare.
Additionally, you can find tips and advice on the constructive conversations webpage about how to plan and structure the conversation, the language you should use and the approach for making the conversation a success.
Read more about preparing for a challenging conversation