Young Leader Code of Practice Print
Written by Ian Mitchell   

This policy outlines our approach to Young Leaders (YLs), what we expect of them, what they can expect of the adult leaders and how the adult leaders will transition them into the Troop.

Objective

The objective of the 5th Billericay young leaders programme is to help anyone wanting to be a Scout leader under the age of 18 become a competent Scout Leader by that age, or contributor to society. If the YL wishes, this opportunity could be used as a way of achieving their DofE. The overall Troop objective of teaching young people to operate independently, and within a team also applies to young leaders.

Criteria

The following criteria for acceptance of a young leader applies:

  • All young leaders must be under 18, preferably under 15 1/2
  • Have left Scouts for a minimum period of 6 months, i.e. 2 full Scouting terms 
  • All young leaders must belong and be active in an explorer unit, or undertaking their DofE through the Scouting Association and 5th Billericay
  • All young leaders turn up as regular as possible, notifying the Scout Leader in advance if they are unable to attend
  • There is a vacancy, plus a maximum number of young leaders, not to exceed the number of adult leaders
  • The potential young leader agrees to abide by this code of practice


Roles and Responsibilities

The role of the young leader is to be a bridge between the Scouts and the adult leadership team. To achieve this they undertake the following responsibilities:

  • Young Leaders should keep the scout law and promise and set a good example to scouts
  • Finding new games
  • Running games as required
  • Act as a point of contact for Scouts who may have a problem they would rather discuss with a younger person
  • Undertaking one admin responsibility (typically the tuck shop manager, quartermaster or badge manager, but this may change as adult roles evolve) as per the Young Leader Roles policy published on the Genesis site
  • Running entire evenings as per the term programme
  • Attend PL meetings
  • Contribute to the development of term programmes and the overall development of the troop
  • Contribute regularly to the news page on the Young Leaders part of the 5th Billericay web site 
  • With other YLs organise at least 1 additional event per year (preferably one per term)
  • Contribute to leader discussion via email
  • Undertake leader training
  • Attending Leadership team events
  • On occasions be responsible for looking after a small group of scouts, e.g. when on a night hike


Transition

To transition a potential YL into the troop we will undertake the following in an informal manner:

  1. Meet with the potential YL and ensure they understand this code of practice.
  2. Undertake up to a 1/2 term trial period, with a review at the PL meeting (this should be treated as a 360 degree review, i.e. us of them and them of us). The trial period will look at commitment, interaction and organisational skills re the games.
  3. After a mutually successful review the YL will be given their admin responsibility, this will be on a shared basis with any older young leaders who might be transitioning out, e.g. to Uni.
  4. If applicable, the YL applies for thier DofE.
  5. On-going support will then be provided as outlined below.


Support Mechanisms

The following support mechanisms will be in place to help the YL:

  • A buddy adult leader, who will involve the YL in the organisation & running of events the adult leader is responsible for.
  • Opportunity to discuss issues, questions, etc. at the PL and Leadership meetings
  • A private Facebook group organised and run by the YL’s for the YLs and young adult leaders, for discussion and collaboration re events, programmes, etc. (please note that this group is private, but anything written to it should be constructive and not impolite, rude, or unprofessional)
Last Updated on Monday, 09 April 2012 22:08