Building for the future

Providing opportunities for young people “The recent development project, funded to develop and reach their full potential through YUF, has delivered not only new in less privileged parts of our society is Sections to fill gaps in existing Groups, but always important as it helps to reduce completely new Groups too. The lessons the attainment gap. Scouts has learned from the process will inform the welcomed with open arms the opportunity Region's approach to further development to be part of the UK Wide Uniformed Youth planning and opportunities. Clyde Region Social Action Project that has been funded looks forward to using all opportunities through the Youth United Foundation (YUF) and resources to bring Scouting not only to offer Scouting in ‘hard to reach areas’ to more young people and adults but to and we are delighted with the results that a wider spectrum of our communities. we have achieved. This resource will assist us with that.

Two Local Development Officers (LDOs) in South West and Clyde Regions have helped local Scouting to welcome 29 Sections, Marion Rankin 300 young people and 90 adults into the Regional Commissioner, Scouting family. We are indebted to the Clyde Region local leadership teams that have gone the extra mile to provide support, advice “The availability of a part time Local and encouragement to help the Sections Development Officer has been invaluable get started and keep going. We know it is in terms of starting new Sections and possible, if sometimes a challenge, to offer new Groups across both North and East Scouting in new communities and we hope . The LDO has delivered an this resource will provide encouragement enormous boost to not only the numbers and support to Scouting throughout of young people and adults in Scouting Scotland to take up this challenge. in the South West, but has also allowed us to extend the fun and adventure of Let’s all work together to bring Scouting Scouting to a large number of young to more young people in Scotland. people with special needs. As we move forward there will be new challenges ahead but this project has provided real momentum in the Region on which Anne Whiteford we can build in the future.” Scottish Headquarters Commissioner, Development

Colin Williamson Regional Commissioner, South West Region

1 Every Scout knows it makes sense to ‘Be Prepared’. Planning your project is vital to its success.

So do some background work and take key decisions at the start.

Here are some helpful tips on:

• Where to start your research • How to find funding • How to get others on board.

All of which are important and will give you information on where best to focus your efforts.

2 3 Level of Scouting: District

Opportunities for development: Help: • Draw up a map of the District’s Scout Check for adults at District level who Groups and Sections. Are there any can help with specific parts of the obvious geographical gaps? development process. • Perhaps some Groups don’t have • Is there a functioning Appointments all Sections or excessive waiting lists? Advisory Committee with members Mapping it out helps show areas for who may be flexible over when and development. where they meet? They may have good knowledge of the area for development, Research • Check local census information to understand what makes a good Leader see if Scouting reflects the community. in an area of high deprivation or be Where can you find opportunities for development Consider gender, BME, social deprivation, familiar with specific areas of the Equal faith and ethnicity. Is there scope for and get the help you’ll need? Find out here. Opportunities Policy. possible development? • Are there adults who can train new • Are there vacancies within the District volunteers as and when necessary? Roles Structure, both at Group and Remember, new volunteers with no District level? Recruiting adults to fill Level of Scouting: Scouting background are likely to need the posts is all part of development training before starting a new Section work and it helps boost the number Existing Groups or Group. of adult Scouting members. • New volunteers will need support. Opportunities for development: Help: How to find out: Are there adults within the District who can help out for the first six to 12 weeks, • Groups may have a waiting list of young • Could young people or adults • Speak directly to District Commissioners so new volunteers are comfortable with people. Could they form a new Section? help out at taster events, school and District Executive Committees. the set-up and routines? assemblies, recruitment fairs? • Adults may wish to change Groups, • Contact Scouts Scotland Headquarters • Check for programmes or lists of try a different location or time. Some • Groups may have resources they for census information. local Scouting events such as fun days may want a new role in Scouting, to are happy to share. or camps, so new Sections or Groups move from Sectional Assistant Leader • Many adults are happy to share their can get involved. to Leader, or Leader to Group Scout experiences and help new volunteers Leader. Could they be transferred or Groups get started. to start new Sections? • Check whether Groups have suitable venues to accommodate a new Section.

How to find out: Arrange to visit and speak to Group Scout Leaders and Section Leaders.

4 5 Level of Scouting: Working example A

Regional The Local Development Officer (LDO) employed by Scouts Scotland spoke at District Committee Meetings in Clyde Region. District Commissioners Opportunities for development: Help: (DCs) were an invaluable source of geographical knowledge, sound Scouting • How will the new development feed • Regional members may be able to step knowledge and provided an overview of strategic growth for their area. into the Region’s strategic priorities? in with help at times when District level The meetings meant they could discuss the type of growth wanted and members aren’t available. • Are there posts within the Regional Roles how it could be achieved. Structure that haven’t been filled? Filling those will boost the number of adult There are many sources of help and information outside of Scouting members in Scouting. too, such as:

How to find out: Local Councils: Schools: Speak directly to the Regional Make connections with the local council Local schools are an obvious source Executive Committee and Regional for funding opportunities, resources of young people for your Section Commissioner. Remember to make and signposting to other agencies. Are or Group. They can also provide the District Commissioner aware of they aware of Scouting and how it could accommodation, community support this course of action. contribute to their own plans? If you can and links to people - like parents - who prove Scouting helps achieve some of their may become volunteers. Meet head aims and objectives, then opportunities may teachers of local schools and share your arise. Check you’re speaking to the correct ideas for development. Remember, in department. some local authority areas you will need permission to approach the school. Other community groups: These can offer local knowledge and links to other organisations. They may be able to provide accommodation for new Sections or share resources. Some may even be a good source of volunteers. Introduce yourself to key community workers to discuss development ideas. Use Community Councils, Neighbourhood Partnerships, Residents Associations and Tenants Groups too.

6 7 Working example B Top tip: Top tip: The LDO in Ayrshire met the Youth Services Team Manager at North Accommodation can be expensive. Start planning funding early, then keep Ayrshire Council. The result was a valuable insight into areas where the Don’t underestimate the value of an planning throughout the year. Keep an offer of free premises. Tracking down eye on periodic grant applications or council hoped to boost youth provision and where there may be conflict a place to use for free, at least until for the next fundraising activity. with other groups. There was guidance towards accommodation, possible the group is sustainable, can be worth the effort. sources of volunteers and resources. In Stevenston, the LDO was directed to which part of town needed a youth provision, and to available halls and contacts within other groups. Working example C

Funding your development You’ll find funding opportunities here: The 55th Ayrshire (Dalry) Group had a hall but it was in need of repair. Scouting has always been capable has a Development The group restarted in a local church hall and applied to Trust Funds for of creating amazing work on a Grants Fund for large development projects. grants to help with the repair work. A local wind power company provided Find out more at www.scouts.org.uk shoe-string budget. a grant for the hall renovation. Plus, it offered to pay the Group’s hall hire But there are many sources of funding Scouts Scotland offers grants of up fees. So don’t be afraid to ask for help. available too. Funding can help with to £3,500 to support the development development start-up costs like: of . Check the website: www.scouts.scot • Rent for new accommodation Top tip: Local councils usually have Funding Look out for free training Here are four top tips • Resources for sessions, training, Officers who can provide details of local opportunities to help new to help you ‘Be Prepared’ uniforms, badges, certificates and national funding opportunities, their volunteers, either from other • Membership fees for young people criteria and deadlines. organisations or from your District. 1. Do your research: Good research • Marketing materials, leaflets and posters Local funding can be found in a variety of will define which route your places such as windfarms, landfill tax, local Top tip: project takes. • Costs of hiring tables at recruitment council neighbourhood funds. events Be aware of any training skills 2. Engage with others: Seek Trust Funds may support youth oriented that existing Leaders might support from local authorities • Funding for staff posts, such as local objectives or to help a specific community have. For example, one leader development officers or area. Chat with the Trust to get their in Muirhead ran a First Aid and other community groups. You’ll find many supporters who Don’t forget to leave time to research views and prepare your application with Training company and was able what funding is available and how long their requirements in mind. Some match to deliver First Response Training really want to help bring Scouting it can take to arrive. funding may be preferred. Support is at a nominal cost. to more young people. available from the Head of Fundraising at Scouts Scotland Headquarters. You can find Planning for a new Group or Section 3. Focus on funds: Top tip: Fundraising by the Group/District/ involves preparation. But there are lots funding in a variety of places. If you are applying for large sums of Region: funds can be available to support of people who have good information, To be successful, thoroughly money such as salaries, plan at least development. That’s helpful if an external contacts and good will, so it’s important research what’s available and 8 to 12 months ahead of when you funding opportunity requires matched to ask around. What you find out may give yourself time to submit funding. Start by checking for funds mean you end up amending your plans, actually need it. funding applications. within Scouting. but that’s all part of ensuring your project is a success. 4. Be open to offers: Funding ‘in kind’ can be really valuable.

8 9 The groundwork for your development project is underway. So let’s see what you need to help it grow.

10 11 Adult Recruitment: Working example A Working example C

Looking for help? Here’s how to The LDO in Ayrshire set up several The 11th Ayrshire (Stevenston) find adults who are new to Scouting. Top tip: new Groups in special needs schools. Beavers runs from 3.30pm to 4.30pm Managing social media can be more • Use social media. Connect with local The schools gave time to Scouting in a hall directly behind the school. groups, organisations and pages linked time consuming than you might think. to local interests and events like markets Is there a willing parent or appointed on the regular school time tables, It means children go straight from and shops. Remember social media person in the District who can help? and allowed the Scout Group to school to Beavers, without any works best if it’s updated regularly, is If a new person comes on board, accurate and you engage with others. make sure they understand The use the hall and other classrooms. distractions. Plus, the early meetings Scout Association guidelines. • Display posters in busy places. Shops, The schools also provided support don’t interrupt meal times or impact local colleges, libraries, GP Surgeries, staff. It meant young people who on early bedtimes. Health Centres, bus stops – they’re all Top tip: normally couldn’t access Scouts due ideal. Resources: Blank posters are available from the to lack of transport and support • Get chatting. Speak to parents, Print Centre on the website scouts. The internet makes programme guardians and extended family. Some org.uk. They can be used for youth or were able to do so. planning easy. The Scout Association might not realise they can help out, so adult recruitment – or for anything that has lots of session plans available in the make sure they’re your first port of call might raise awareness of the Group. Days and times: ‘Programmes Online’ of the members’ for support. Encourage them to share Be flexible and be creative. section. Check Pinterest, Times Educational news and opportunities on social media. Supplement (TES) and other education Top tip: websites for ideas. • Contact local volunteers’ centres. They Have a big sign-up sheet at the Top tip: can match people up with available Investiture Night for new members volunteering opportunities. Ask parents what would be their Top tip: of the Executive Committee ideal Group meeting time. • Ask around among former Leaders or You can order resources such as adult Young Leaders who may be interested information forms for free by going in a fresh chance to get involved. Logistics Working example B online to shop.scouts.org.uk • Visit volunteer recruitment days at local colleges and recruitment fairs. Scouts Venues: A Saturday afternoon is an unusual Could you make use of a Scout hall at a Uniforms: Scotland Headquarters or your Region different time from the typical meeting? time for a Cubs meeting. However Approach existing Scout Groups or or District may be able to provide a Or look at using a local church hall, school the LDO found there was nothing put a call out in the local community stand. hall, even a supermarket meeting room? else happening in the community for used uniforms. It can be surprising • Remember Scouting is co-educational so how many are lying around, unused. adults should be prepared to work with Top tip: in Drumchapel, Clyde Region, on This can also be good publicity and boys and girls. raises awareness of the new Group. Don’t be afraid to try something new, Saturdays. The local hall was free, whether that’s an unusual venue or so a daytime meeting was organised. Session resources: Top tip: a different time for your meeting. It Because their meetings were Established groups and organisations like The Scout Association website has might be just what’s needed to attract held in the day time, there were libraries and museums may have material detailed information on recruitment young people and those who are often they can lend developing groups. Just ask! and relevant forms for adults in new the hardest to reach. more chances for the Cubs to appointments. Do your homework so head outdoors. the process is smooth and speedy. Top tip: High Schools open later than primary schools, they have a larger choice of accommodation, bigger rooms and often cost less as key staff are already present.

12 13 Working example D

Groups set up in schools are District Support Use Mentors Top tip: often allowed to use school Named contact Existing and previous leaders make great Districts may have gaps in roles, either resources – that’s happened for Development projects need a named mentors for new Leaders. They can: contact to coordinate the initial stages because not all volunteer roles are filled • Support and share expertise on new groups in Ayrshire and the of setting up a new leadership team. or they’re not available. Plan ahead, everything from traditions and badges That can involve volunteer recruitment - agree on who can fill those roles. Pentland Group in Clyde. However to Districts including the application process and the avoid becoming a drain on the following forms through the Appointments Top tip: • Help set up systems and advise on how school. The 106th Ayrshire (Hillside) Advisory Committee - training at both they might work best Group regularly replaced the paper learning and validation stages, liaising If unsure, check Policy Organisation with Group mentors and investiture. and Rules (POR). • Be a great source of planning and ideas and paint they used. • Be ‘virtual’. They don’t need to be there Coordination doesn’t mean they have every week to DELIVER any of that. Their role Top tip: will be to check it’s done in a timely Advertise within your District. You may manner by appropriate individuals and have existing leaders with hidden skills. Top tip: Remember the volunteer journey with consideration to the needs of the Funding may be available to support The volunteer journey shows a clear volunteers. volunteer mentors. A freelance process that new recruits should follow. Volunteer Supporter can add vital skills It helps everyone understand what Consideration should be given to the to a new section over an agreed period should be happening and when. availability of people, places and resources. of time, such as 20 weeks, in return for an agreed financial payment. Volunteer Supporters act in a self-employed capacity. Contact Scouts Scotland for more information on Volunteer Supporters. The acquisition of Training support and The management adult resources personal development of adult resources

Reassignment

Assessment Mutual Review of of need and agreement and Integration Activities Retirement evaluation recruitment appointment

Training and Renewal support

14 15 Working example E Working example F

“Gary is an inspirational Mentor. Training Advisers: In both Ayrshire East and Calder in • Take props like bows and arrows, shirts, badges, camp blankets, neckerchiefs and • need to be allocated He joined Scouting at the age , the District combined lots of photos. Keep it relevant, there’s no of 21, just two years ago. But • should be proactive, particularly the Appointments Committee point in highlighting activities that aren’t while he’s quite new, he’s taken if volunteers are new to Scouting. and Module 1 Training (Essential available locally. Remember some volunteers will need • Have a prepared presentation that can on board every opportunity for training before a Section or Group starts Information). It meant new be adjusted for different schools and learning and has built up a fresh • need to be proactive in offering support volunteers could meet important areas. That way you can slot in relevant knowledge of training, experience and visits members of the District in one information like dates and locations. and responsibility. Because he District Commissioners need to coordinate time-saving session and created a • Be brave. Include a song if you like! all of the above wasn’t involved in Scouting in his less intimidating impression of the • Check your tech. If you need technology youth, he’s a good example of how Appointments Advisory Committee. – like internet access – make sure it works in advance. someone can come to it later and Top tip: have a great impact. He explodes District Commissioners and Assistant Top tip: • Try to organise class visits. District Commissioners (Section) should the myth that you need to have Hold the Committees near where • Suggest an activity afternoon. One that build in time to meet new volunteers. a group is located or where the links to events, outdoor themes or specific done it as a young person – They could save time by doing that at volunteers are. Their time is precious. days will also be of help to the school. the same time as Appointment Advisory and he is not affected by what So make it easy for them. Committee Meetings. • Take advantage of social media. Ask the was done when he was younger. school to tweet, mention on Facebook or So everything is up for grabs.” Top tip: on their webpage that you’ve visited. Working example E Make sure the volunteers are aware • Link to the Parents and Teachers Get to know new Leaders Association if possible. In & Arran the of the District and Regional calendars Districts need to encourage new Leaders so they can put the key dates, such as and volunteers to make contact with key Assistant District Commissioner training opportunities, in their diaries. people. Make sure District personnel know (ADC) for Cubs was very proactive Top tip: where new volunteers are and their roles. This helps people make contact and build and visited the new Group within Young People’s Recruitment Make Assembly lively. Catch their good relationships for the future. Plus, imagination. the first couple of weeks to There are many things fighting for young volunteers will feel supported and be people’s attention. Here are some ways to more comfortable when it comes to introduce herself. She demonstrated recruit young people. Top tip: asking for help. ceremonies, activities and games to See if there’s a school presentation that new volunteers and explained the School Assemblies: Keep it Real you can sit in on. You can watch how role of the District and District-led • It’s vital to speak to the person who it’s done – and plan how to do it better! The idea of growth is positive. But the organises school assemblies. That might reality is that it comes with an increase activities and events. not always be the head teacher. Ask in responsibility across the District. about the assembly format and how much Top tip: time you will be allocated. To work well: Top tip: Do a follow up Assembly the next term. By then, you should have Volunteers are giving their time and • Make your presentation age appropriate Appointments Advisory Committee: some members of the Group in the skills for free. Make the appointments and interactive. audience. They can show that they’ve • has to be flexible process quick, so that new volunteers • Some assemblies are attended by the joined and might even get involved feel welcome and valued and you don’t • needs to be responsive whole school. That could be more than in the presentation. risk losing them to other organisations. 200 pupils at a time. • needs to act in a timely manner so that new volunteers feel valued

16 17 Engage Parents/Guardians at school gates: • Ask for the school’s permission first • Wear uniform/neckerchief/Scout polo-shirt • Have a leaflet and contact information with you Local Groups: • Whether it’s a toddler group, youth club, church or community organisation, build links either by putting up posters – ask permission first, though – or joining their Facebook groups. These groups often like people to come and talk to them, so give it a go.

Top tip: Search on Facebook for your Here are four top tips area and look through all the to help you plan. pages. Join any which might be appropriate. 1. Be organised: Have adult support in place before you offer District Website: information to young people. • Make sure your details are on the 2. Shout out: Advertise opportunities District website and are up to date. widely and be clear on what you Send the person who manages the need adults to do. People want to page regular photos and updates. know what’s expected of them • Try to use generic email addresses before they make a decision. rather than personal ones. 3. Be creative: You don’t have to stick Visit Locally: to traditional times and locations • Put posters up in libraries, community for your new Section. Focus on centres, local churches, coffee shops, what suits young people, their notice boards at supermarkets and go along to gala days. families and new Leaders. • Some local and community papers 4. Go back to school: Engage with are well read. Information from them local schools. That’s where you’ll can spread across generations as find young people who are already families share what they read. in their ‘comfort zone’.

18 19 20 21 Activities

Weekly activities mean young Camps: people get into a familiar routine Heading for the great outdoors? and get to know the leadership New Sections planning to head off camping team quickly. may want to: • Link to District and Regional Calendars. Here are some ideas to support • Link to District, Regional and National weekly activities: Activity Centres for support and key • Planning is key. Involve young people members of staff. There are resources so they know why things happen a available, just ask. certain way. • Consider a joint camp with another • Include all leaders in the planning. Group or Section. Listen to all opinions. • Ask around for support. • Know who is doing what each week. • Be aware of the rules for camping. Ratios, • Follow a standard programme plan. PVG status of adults in attendance and Top tip: permits for leaders are all important. Here are four tips to help That way if someone has to step in If you are doing a badge on a at the last minute, it’s clear what’s Outings: subject that’s new to you, try to you make it all happen. happening and when. visit another Section to learn how When planning days out: • Complete training in Module 3 (Tools they are doing it, or ask an outside 1. Make it fun: Young people join for the Role), Module 12a (Quality • Link into District events and celebrations. visitor and specialist to come in. It’s good for the young people to know Scouting for fun and adventure. Programme) and 12b (Programme • Involve parents. They might have ideas for Planning). you’re learning too! Make sure great activities are outings and contacts who can help out. at the heart of your weekly • Build up a set of different and • You don’t have to go far. Some young programme. new games. Keep collecting and people haven’t even explored their own Top tip: adding to it. area! Follow a balanced programme 2. Listen up: Encourage young • Let the young people lead. Ask what – it should be interesting but it’s people to have a say on what they Funding: games and badges they would like important it has a regular pattern want to do. to do next. Raising funds and keeping costs down and routine. makes sense. And it can lead to even 3. Seek help: It’s enough to be more events and outings: managing a programme of fun Top tip: Top tip: • Group fundraising and contributions help and adventure without trying to It can be tricky at first for a new There’s always something we can learn. spread the costs. deliver it all too. Make use of other Section or Group to get to grips So everyone should shadow and visit people’s skills and expertise. Build • Schedule your outing into your plan for with handling their own finances. another Scout Group and different the year ahead, so you’re well prepared. Instead, it can be done through a database of supportive adults Section regularly - no matter how long the District Executive Committee. who you can call on to help. they have been in Scouting. • Ask local stores for donations. Food, That lifts responsibility from the fruit, water, anything they can offer. new Leadership team and ensures 4. Broaden your horizons: Take Top tip: • Make sure you have support to deliver good financial management. advantage of District camps and your plans. It is important that you work events, and team up with other Always ask for help. For people, ideas, with the District to ensure that Groups with experienced leaders. programme planning. Anything. • Approach local sources of potential funds allocated to your Group It’ll help extend the range of funds, like local Co-operative stores are restricted for that purpose. and branches of banks. activities you can offer.

22 23 Your Section or Group is up and running. Well done! Now it’s important to look at how to keep it going. That initial enthusiasm of both adults and young people can easily fade, so make sure all the Leaders feel supported and aren’t being asked to take on too much.

A varied, challenging programme will keep young people’s attention and make them want to return, week after week. Remember that Scouting should be fun for everyone!

24 25 Recruiting and retaining • Support new volunteers and give adult volunteers: feedback on their progress. Here’s how you can ensure your • Quality control: Scouts Scotland needs adult volunteers keep coming back: to set guidance and standards. • Be sociable. Hold social events for adults and young people so the Group operates Top tip: like a family unit. Be prepared for change. • Have a rolling parent rota (with Don’t get stuck in a rut. appropriate checks as necessary).

• Accept offers of help. Make sure you use Training and support: it to meet your aims. • Link to the District for the latest Scouting • Network to find people with particular training opportunities. skills, such as fundraisers, treasurer, people with financial and book-keeping • Be prepared to ask for support when skills, chairpersons, secretaries and so you need it. on. All Groups should have Executive • Don’t be scared to self-manage. Take Committees with these roles filled. responsibility for your own training and • Let adults change Section, Groups that of Group members. or roles if they want to. Here are four tips to help • Regularly review volunteer needs. • Make it an aim for the new Group The District Commissioner and Assistant you keep up the pace to have a Group Scout Leader with District Commissioners should aim to visit experience in Scouting. They’ll be new Sections and Groups at least once a 1. Involve others: Keep a wide circle term to offer support. able to provide essential support for of interest around your Section or Section Leaders. Funding: Group. You never know, a parent, • Hold regular reviews with adults to praise • Regularly review and plan funding needs. carer or supportive adult may end and thank them as well as providing up becoming a Leader themselves. support and encouragement. Recruiting young people: Top tip: 2. Plan ahead: You need to know you’ve got the help and support • Make sure the programme is exciting and Use events to involve all members of to run the programme and challenging. Young people should be able the Group. You’ll have fun, raise funds to offer their suggestions on all aspects plus it’ll help raise your Group’s profile. provide the activities. of the programme. 3. Stay active: Don’t stop seeking • It’ll be more exciting and adventurous new recruits. Offer activities that if they have the chance to do things give young people the chance to they wouldn’t normally do elsewhere. ‘bring a friend’. • Update social media regularly. Let them know what you do, so they’ll want to 4. Move on up: Embrace training come. opportunities. Share learning experiences in a relaxed and • Build good relationships between Sections, so young people can move enjoyable way. We want to help through the Scout Group/District young people learn in a fun and with ease. creative way - let’s show them • Encourage them to bring friends along. how it’s done!

26 27 Scouting has achieved so much, but there is more still to do. We want to hear your ideas, stories and successes that show how Scouting transforms lives. Scouting happens locally and that’s where our Vision will come to life.

Scouts Scotland Fordell Firs Hillend , KY11 7HQ

T 01383 419 073 E [email protected] www.scouts.scot twitter.com/scoutsscotland fb.com/scoutsscotland

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28 www.scouts.scot