Becoming a Welcome Conversation Volunteer
Find out more about what’s involved and how to get started
Welcome Conversation Volunteers
Welcome Conversation Volunteers are key to helping new volunteers feel welcomed into Scouts. They attend the Welcome Conversation alongside the new volunteer’s Team Leader and support the conversation.
By holding the same (or a very similar) role to the new volunteer, they offer relevant, relatable experience, giving the new volunteer an opportunity to ask questions to better understand their role and the support and learning available. This can help identify any potential issues or concerns the new volunteer may have early on, making sure they then get the right support from the start.
As the Welcome Conversation Volunteer is from a different unit/team to the new volunteer, they also bring an independent perspective, supporting our safer recruitment practices and give the new volunteer a chance to meet with, and potentially buddy up with, someone new from outside their team.
Who can be a Welcome Conversation Volunteer
Most active volunteers in a Group, District or County/Area/Region team could become a Welcome Conversation Volunteer. If your only role is Trustee, you cannot take on this responsibility.
Speak to your Volunteering Development Team Leader or District or County/Area/Region Lead Volunteer if you think you’d like to become a Welcome Conversation Volunteer, as they'll need to discuss this with you and agree that you’re happy to take on these responsibilities. Once you have completed the required learning, and meet the criteria, they’ll be able to give the accreditation.
It’s important to note that you must have:
- A full role
- A valid criminal record check
Is this a good fit for you?
You don’t need to be an expert to support Welcome Conversations, just someone who enjoys meeting people and listening. This accreditation could suit you if you:
- Want to help give new volunteers a positive start to their journey
- Are looking for a different opportunity to contribute outside your usual team role
- Have skills in recruitment or people-focused roles (either in Scouts or elsewhere)
- Would like to try something new and develop your own skills along the way
Learning and accreditations
To get started, you’ll complete the digital learning called Welcome Conversation Learning on scouts.org.uk. If you've already completed 'Leading Scout Volunteers' as part of any other role you hold, you don't need to do the learning.
It’s made up of three videos and a few scenario-based questions, and most people finish it in 15 to 30 minutes. You’ll need to complete this learning before your accreditation can be signed off.