Information for anyone considering the role of
District Lead Volunteer
Please, use the form at the bottom of this page to have your say when a District Lead Volunteer search is underway.
We’re currently looking for a District Lead Volunteer. This is a management role, and we need someone who can provide leadership, motivation and guidance to our adult volunteers.
A large part of this role involves managing and supporting Group Lead Volunteers, who manage local Groups. A key source of support for the District Lead Volunteer is their line manager, who is the County Lead Volunteer
The role - District Lead Volunteer
Person Specification
Role Description
Knowledge and experience:
Ability to manage adults effectively |
Essential |
Understanding of the challenges of working in the voluntary sector |
Desirable |
Experience of working with young people and/or community work with adult groups |
Desirable |
Experience of working in the Scout or Guide Movements as an adult |
Desirable |
Skills and abilities
Excellent written and oral communication skills |
Essential |
Provides advice and guidance effectively to others |
Essential |
Provides inspirational leadership for the District |
Essential |
Provides strategic direction for the District |
Essential |
Motivate adults volunteering in the District |
Essential |
Can build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people |
Essential |
Enables others to identify issues, clarify objectives, develop attainable objectives and gain the necessary skills and confidence to work as an effective team |
Essential |
Ability to negotiate compromises |
Essential |
Plans, manages and monitors own tasks and time |
Essential |
Can construct and implement long-term plans that improve and expand the Scouting offered to young people, and identify any training, resources and other needs required to undertake this work |
Essential |
Can use basic computer software |
Essential |
Personal qualities
An understanding of the needs of adult volunteers |
Essential |
Flexible approach |
Essential |
Self-motivated |
Essential |
Able to work as part of a team and promote good teamwork |
Essential |
Resourceful, energetic, and enthusiastic about the job |
Essential |
Acceptance of the fundamentals of the Scout Movement |
Essential |
Outline:
To manage and support the Scout District to ensure it runs effectively, and that Scouting within the District develops in accordance with the rules and policies of The Scout Association. To ensure the District provides good quality Scouting for young people and proactively supports and manages adults in the District.
Responsible to:
County / Area / Region Lead Volunteer
Responsible for:
Group Lead Volunteers, District Youth Leads, District Leadership Team Members, 14-24 Team Leaders, Programme Team Leaders, Support Team Leaders, Volunteering Development Team Leaders, District Leadership sub-teams.
Main contacts
- County Lead Volunteer, County Trustee Board, County Team Members
- District Trustee Board Chair, District Trustee Board, District Team Members,
- Group Lead Volunteers,
- Wider community contacts, businesses, other youth organisation leads, etc
Appointment requirements
Must complete the relevant training for the role within the prescribed timescales. Must be eligible for charity trustee status (as a member of the District Trustee Board). This role is likely to include contact with young people and will therefore require disclosure checks
Main tasks
- Ensure that the District thrives and has the best systems in place to support the Groups, to support all adult volunteers in the District and to develop Scouting in the District
- Provide line management and support to the adults in the District that directly report to you including setting objectives for their work and holding regular reviews and one-to-one meetings.
- Produce a vision for the District and implement a development plan to meet that vision.
- Ensure that Scouting in the District is attractive to young people and adults from all backgrounds in the District.
- Ensure that the District has an adequate team of supported and appropriate adults working effectively together and with others to meet the Scouting needs of the area.
- Ensure that problems within the District are resolved so that excellent Scouting is provided to young people in the District.
- Work with the County / Area / Region Lead Volunteer and other District Lead Volunteers in the County to ensure that Scouting thrives.
- Ensure that an excellent safeguarding and safety culture exists across the District including addressing issues if they arise, with help from County, Regional and National teams.
Note: Some of the tasks for which the District Lead Volunteer is responsible may be delegated to others in the District Team
The Scouts have identified 6 core skill areas for District Lead Volunteers:
1. Providing direction
Creating a vision for Scouts in their District and implementing that vision.
2. Working with people
Creating team spirit based on the fundamental principles of Scouts:
- integrity
- respect
- care
- belief
- cooperation
3. Achieving results
Ensure that goals are achieved and plans are seen through to completion.
4. Enabling change
Each District Lead Volunteer must encourage volunteers to think of creative ways to improve Scouts and support the changes needed.
5. Using resources
Ensure information and resources are available and shared.
6. Managing time and personal skills
A good DLV uses their time effectively and is willing to continue to learn and improve their skills.
Have Your Say!
Use the form below to have your say when a District Lead Volunteer search is underway in your District.
Please complete your submission prior to the deadline date. Your views will be treated in strict confidence.
