Midlothian District Scouts is looking for a volunteer to lead our District Programme Team, helping every section in the district run a safe, enjoyable and quality programme.
About the role
The District Programme Team helps every section in the district run a safe, enjoyable and quality programme by bringing Section Team volunteers together with activity experts. As Programme Team Leader you lead that team. Its members include any Programme Team Members you appoint and the Team Leaders of any sub-teams, such as Nights Away, Top Awards, International or adventurous activity teams. You are a member of the District Leadership Team alongside the District Lead Volunteer and the other District Team Leaders. Sources: Programme Teams and POR 4c.2 District Teams.
What you’ll do
- Help Section Teams run quality programmes, including community impact projects, nights away and international trips and activities.
- Help volunteers with programme changes, such as new badges and activities, so young people can achieve Top Awards.
- Spot learning that would help Section Teams, so the Volunteering Development Team can offer it.
- Organise programme networking opportunities so sections share good practice and work together across the district.
- Make sure there are skilled people and permit holders, or external providers, so sections can access adventurous activities.
- Approve activities and permits, such as Nights Away and Adventurous Activity Permits and Visits Abroad, when this is shared by the Lead Volunteer.
- As a Team Leader, welcome new volunteers and make sure everyone knows their tasks and has the support they need.
What we’re looking for
Scouts doesn’t set a fixed list of qualifications for this role. Its team description points to someone who can lead and organise a team of volunteers, connect sections with the right expertise, and keep activities safe. Activity skills are welcome but not essential, and you don’t need to have been a Scout. The role description does not state a time commitment; we can talk through what works for you.
Training and support
All Programme Team Members complete the learning everyone needs (Growing Roots, including Safety and Safeguarding), and Programme Team Leaders also complete Leading Scout Volunteers. You’ll have support from the District Lead Volunteer and the wider District Team. See Programme Teams.
Safeguarding
All district roles require PVG membership: in Scotland you must join the PVG scheme, and you can’t start the role until your Scouts PVG disclosure has been viewed and approved by the UKHQ Safeguarding Team, even if you hold a PVG for another organisation. We’ll guide you through it. See Criminal record checks in Scotland.
Interested?
Fill in our volunteer enquiry form and mention the Programme Team Leader role, or contact Richard Fairbairn, District Lead Volunteer, at richard.fairbairn@midlothianscouts.org.uk. Find out more about volunteering on our Volunteer page.