District Lead Volunteer Opportunities

Help shape the future of Scouting in Gloucester

Scouts helps young people gain the skills they need to succeed in life. Every week across Gloucester District, volunteers give their time to provide adventure, challenge and opportunities for young people aged 4-25.

We are now looking for a District Lead Volunteer to provide strategic leadership and help shape the future of Scouting across the district.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys leading people, developing teams, and making a positive impact in their community. You don’t need to have been involved in Scouting before – many of our volunteers join from outside the movement and bring valuable professional skills and perspectives.

The Role

The District Lead Volunteer provides overall leadership for Scouting in Gloucester District. Working with a team of volunteers and trustees, you will help ensure local Scout Groups are well supported, volunteers feel valued, and young people continue to enjoy high-quality experiences.

The role is similar to a senior leadership or management role within a local organisation, business or public service. It focuses on leading people, setting direction and working collaboratively across teams, rather than delivering the day-to-day programme.

Everything the District Lead Volunteer does ultimately supports one goal: ensuring young people across Gloucester have access to safe, exciting and life-changing Scouting experiences.

However, you won’t be doing this alone. The District Lead Volunteer works alongside a team of volunteers and trustees who help shape the direction of Scouting in Gloucester. We are open to building a leadership team around the role, allowing people to contribute their strengths and share responsibilities.

Flexible Leadership Opportunity

We recognise that leadership works best as a team effort. While we are recruiting a District Lead Volunteer, we are open to building a small leadership team around the role.

This could mean splitting responsibilities between people with different strengths or professional backgrounds, helping ensure the role is manageable and sustainable while supporting the wider district effectively. For example, the role could be split into complementary positions such as:

• District Development Lead – focusing on strategy, governance, partnerships and the overall development of Scouting across the district.
• District People Lead – supporting volunteer recruitment, development and wellbeing, helping to build strong and motivated teams.

This flexible approach allows us to bring together people with different professional skills and experiences.

Key Responsibilities

As District Lead Volunteer, you will help to:

• Provide leadership and direction for Scouting across the district
• Support and inspire volunteers, helping them succeed in their roles
• Develop a positive and inclusive volunteering culture
• Work with the District Trustee Board to ensure strong governance and sustainability
• Encourage growth and community engagement, helping more young people access Scouting
• Build partnerships with local organisations, schools and community groups
• Above all, the role ensures volunteers have the support they need so that young people can enjoy safe, fun and inspiring Scouting experiences.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is motivated, collaborative and community-minded.

You might have experience in:

• Leadership or management
• Business development or strategy
• HR, people development or organisational culture
• Charity governance or community leadership
• Previous experience in Scouting is not required – what matters most is your ability to support people, think strategically, and bring teams together.

Why Volunteer with Scouts?

Volunteering with Scouts is rewarding, flexible and impactful. As a District Lead Volunteer you will:

• Help shape opportunities for hundreds of young people locally
• Develop and use your leadership and strategic skills
• Build strong community connections
• Be part of the UK’s largest youth movement
• Most importantly, you will help ensure more young people in Gloucester gain the skills, confidence and experiences that Scouting provides.

Who are Gloucester District Scouts?

Gloucester District Scouts is located within the county of Gloucestershire, and is made up of 16 Scout Groups and 9 Explorer Units. We facilitate Scouting for the people of the City of Gloucester and local surrounding towns.

The total number of Scouts in the District is currently 1540 – this is made up of:

• 50+ Squirrel Scouts (4-6 year olds)
• 307 Beaver Scouts (6 – 8 year olds)
• 375 Cub Scouts (8 – 10 ½ year olds)
• 334 Scouts (10 ½ – 14 year olds)
• 116 Explorer Scouts (14 – 18 year olds)
• 51 Network members (18 – 25 year olds)
• 366 Adults (18+ year olds).
• Plus a waiting list of over 180 young people

Interested?

If you’d like to find out more, we’d love to have an informal conversation.

Whether you’re an experienced leader, a community professional, or simply someone who wants to give back, this could be a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Speak to a member of our team or apply by clicking on Apply Now.