Your Joining Journey
Steps in the volunteer joining journey
Here’s a handy illustration which explains the steps new volunteers take to become a full member:
Getting started is easier than you think!
We’re really pleased you’re considering joining Chapelford Scouts. Whether you’re helping out occasionally, supporting a section or taking on a regular volunteer role, we’ll guide you through the joining process every step of the way.
We don’t expect you to know everything from day one. Our team will help you settle in, explain how everything works and make sure you have the support and training you need.
There are a few steps to complete before becoming a full member of Scouts. These are there to help keep everyone safe and make sure you feel confident in your role.
1. A warm welcome and getting started
Once you’ve expressed an interest in volunteering, we’ll get in touch to have an informal chat about what you’d like to do, your interests and how much time you might be able to give.
We’ll introduce you to the Group, explain how our sections operate and help you find a role that works for you.
2. Getting to know you – references
As part of the joining process, we’ll ask you to provide details of two referees.
References help us get to know you a little better and form an important part of our commitment to keeping young people safe.
Ideally, your referees should know you well and be able to comment on your character and relationships with others. They must not be family members, and at least one should have known you for five years or more. One referee must be from outside Scouting.
We’ll guide you through providing these details.
3. Criminal record check
Depending on your role, you’ll need to complete a criminal record check as part of our safeguarding procedures.
In England and Wales, this is completed through an online, mobile-friendly process. We’ll explain what you need to do and help you through it.
Even if you’ve previously completed a check for another organisation, you’ll still need to complete a new Scouts check.
4. Your welcome conversation
Within your first six weeks, you’ll have a Welcome Conversation with your Team Leader and an appropriately accredited volunteer.
This is a friendly opportunity to get to know each other, talk about your role, ask questions and learn more about what it means to be a Scout volunteer.
We’ll also talk about our values, expectations and how we work together to keep young people safe.
5. Declarations and membership checks
As part of becoming a member, you’ll be asked to complete the relevant declarations for your role.
These confirm that you understand and agree to follow Scouts’ values, policies and procedures.
Scouts UK Headquarters will also carry out its internal membership checks. If you’re taking on a Trustee role, there are some additional eligibility requirements to complete.
6. Growing Roots – your learning and development
We want you to feel confident and supported in whatever role you take on.
That’s where Growing Roots comes in!
Growing Roots is the Scouts’ learning and development programme, designed to give volunteers the knowledge, skills and confidence they need.
Your learning will be tailored to your role and includes important topics such as safety, safeguarding, inclusion and understanding how Scouting works.
New volunteers need to complete their Safety and Safeguarding learning within their first 30 days, with the remaining required learning completed within six months.
Don’t worry – you’ll have access to online resources, guidance and support from our experienced volunteers throughout.
And that’s it – you’re part of the adventure!
Our aim is to make your volunteering journey as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.
We’ll be there to help you along the way, answer your questions and make sure you never feel like you’re figuring things out on your own.
You bring the enthusiasm. We’ll help with the rest!
Thank you for considering volunteering with Chapelford Scouts. We can’t wait to welcome you to the team.
Take your first step today!
For an informal chat, contact our team: