At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire young girls through fun activities and adventures.
- Company: Girlguiding Scotland, a leading charity empowering girls and young women.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, receive training, and access a supportive network.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering with travel expenses covered and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young girls while having fun.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic, friendly, and reliable individuals aged 18+.
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.
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? Please complete our enquiry form linked below. 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
Minimum age: 18. 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
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Morning Afternoon Evening Frequency & commitment 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.
Youth group leader in Scotland employer: Voluntary Sector Gateway
Joining the 13th West Lothian Scout Group as a Volunteer Scout Helper offers a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of young people. With a supportive work culture that values community engagement and personal growth, volunteers can expect comprehensive training and the chance to develop leadership skills while fostering teamwork and friendship among Beavers and Cubs. This role not only enriches your own experience but also contributes to building a vibrant local community in West Lothian.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth group leader in Scotland
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before you apply, check out Girlguiding Scotland's website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect better during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current volunteers or leaders in your area. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your skills! Think about examples from your past experiences that highlight your enthusiasm, communication skills, and reliability. These are key traits they’re looking for!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your enquiry in front of the right people. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining an amazing community of volunteers!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth group leader in Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your enthusiasm for working with young people and what makes you a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for in a youth group leader.
Show Your Commitment:We’re looking for reliable volunteers who can commit to regular meetings. In your application, mention your availability and any previous volunteering experiences that demonstrate your dedication and reliability.
Ask Questions:If you have any queries about the application process or the role itself, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re here to help, and asking questions shows your interest in getting involved. Remember to apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Voluntary Sector Gateway
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research Girlguiding Scotland and their mission. Understand the values they uphold and think about how your enthusiasm for working with young people aligns with their goals. This will help you connect better during the conversation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a youth group leader, communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with different age groups or managed a team. Be ready to discuss how you would engage with both young members and their parents, ensuring everyone feels included and informed.
✨Demonstrate Your Reliability
Reliability is crucial for this role. Think of instances where you've shown commitment, whether in previous volunteering roles or other responsibilities. Highlight your availability and willingness to share duties with your team, as this shows you're a team player who can be counted on.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the unit meetings, the training process, or how the volunteer team collaborates. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this opportunity is the right fit for you.
