At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire young girls through fun activities and adventures.
- Company: Girlguiding Scotland, empowering girls with over 35,000 members.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, receive training, and claim travel expenses.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering opportunities available across Scotland.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in girls' lives while having fun and building friendships.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic, friendly, and reliable individuals who love working with young people.
Looking for a volunteering opportunity? See the latest Scotland wide volunteering opportunities at Volunteer Scotland. We also regularly update our website with the latest opportunities within West Lothian. To find the right opportunity for you, use keywords and your postcode (e.g. EH48 1AX) to refine your search.
Girlguiding Scotland is the leading charity for girls and young women in Scotland, with over 35,000 girls supported by 9,000 amazing volunteers. Girlguiding helps members discover their full potential by having fun and enjoying new adventures. At the heart of guiding are our regular group sessions, called unit meetings. These are run by volunteer teams of adult leaders, helpers, and young leaders. Leaders have responsibility in running the unit, managing the volunteer team, and planning the activities for girls. You’ll be supported to complete our required Leadership qualification and receive training on everything from admin and finance to child safety.
Unit meetings are split by our 4 main sections, defined by age range. It’s up to you what section you’d rather work with, and you can attend a variety of meetings to find the right fit for you:
- Rainbows are aged 4-7 and focus on fun, friendship and adventure.
- Brownies are aged 7-10 and focus on fun, adventure, and even first nights away!
- Guides run for those aged 10-14 and is a relaxed, safe space for young members to develop their interests and take on new challenges.
- Rangers are aged 14-18, and are supported to be independent, take the lead on activities, and explore UK and international adventure!
If you're not ready to start the leadership qualification or you want something more flexible, register your interest in the same way and a senior volunteer will get in touch to chat about other ways to volunteer.
Want to get involved? Your enquiry will be shared with senior volunteers in your area, who will aim to contact you within 7 days. You will then be asked to sign up for a virtual welcome session with Girlguiding Scotland. You will be asked to complete the PVG process, provide 2 referees’ details and complete online safeguarding training. The senior volunteer will then put you in touch with a local unit to arrange getting started with our young members.
Experience required
We are looking for individuals who are:
- Enthusiastic and willing to learn.
- Friendly and welcoming; our units are a safe, inclusive space for our young members to express and challenge themselves.
- A good communicator; you’ll be working with a volunteer team, young members, as well as communicating with parents and carers.
- Reliable and have regular availability – The groups can't run without our amazing volunteer leaders but there is the possibility of being able to share the responsibility between the team.
There are groups throughout Scotland with travel links. There is a map on the enquiry form that will help you find a unit local to you, and you’ll also have the chance to talk about the various locations with the local volunteer team.
Travel expenses
Volunteering shouldn’t cost you anything, and reasonable expenses can be claimed by all Girlguiding Scotland volunteers.
Support
What do we offer?
- You’ll receive all relevant training, including safeguarding.
- You'll also have access to a wide range of resources and our e-learning platform for additional trainings that interest you.
- You’ll have support from a mentor throughout your Leadership Development Programme qualification.
- You’ll gain and develop new skills which can support your CV.
- You’ll have a great support network from your fellow volunteers, locally and nationally.
Restrictions
All our adult leaders are required to be 18+. A PVG is required for all volunteers, but this is no cost to you. We require all leaders to be women, but we have lots of other volunteer roles that are open to anyone.
Availability
You can volunteer as regularly as you are able to! Most units meet weekly during term time, with meetings lasting between 1 hour – 2 hours per week. In addition to weekly meetings, leaders will also set aside time to complete planning and admin tasks.
Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Volunteer Youth Group Leader - Training & Impact employer: Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian
Girlguiding Scotland is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. As a leading charity, we offer comprehensive training and support for our volunteer leaders, fostering a welcoming and inclusive work culture that prioritises personal growth and development. With flexible volunteering opportunities across Scotland, you can engage with young members while gaining valuable skills and experiences that enhance your CV.
Contact Details:
Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Youth Group Leader - Training & Impact
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Youth Group Leader - Training & Impact
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian.
How to prepare for a job interview at Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
