Beyond Waiting Lists: Are We Ignoring Scout Volunteer Needs?

27/04/2025 3 min

Listen "Beyond Waiting Lists: Are We Ignoring Scout Volunteer Needs?"

Episode Synopsis

I'm just back from a County Scout event, and all the talk was about youth waiting lists. It's great we want more Young People in Scouting, but I couldn't stop thinking... where's the conversation about keeping the Adult Volunteers?We seem to focus heavily on recruitment but overlook volunteer retention. Are long-service badges really the answer when leaders are working full-time, doubling up on roles, and handling endless admin? Our sections are often full because we're at capacity, not just because of building space.Honestly, after thinking about it, I'm not even sure what the perfect solution is. So I'm asking you:What does effective leader retention look like in Scouting?As a volunteer, what support or recognition actually makes a difference to you staying?