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If you are unsure about how to recruit more adults to help run your Scout Group, don’t worry. After all, someone was successful in recruiting you into Scouting, right? Here are a few tips to motivate people to say “yes”:

1. Don’t confuse recruitment with publicity. Sending out a flier or email l notifying a long list of people about unfilled volunteer positions is information, but not necessarily an invitation to come forward to help. Never assume everyone “knows” what help is needed or whether they are right for the job.
2. Be clear on what you want people to do before you recruit them. These will help you be specific and avoid the vague approach of “Do you want to volunteer?” A vague approach can lead to all sorts of incorrect assumptions about what the tasks might be. Instead try: “Would you be willing to coordinate the xyz?” It is more appealing to be asked to become an Assistant Leader, Section Assistant, Parent Helper,” or some other definable role, than an indistinguishable “volunteer.”
3. Be honest, tell prospective volunteers about the time and effort the role entails, even if you think it may sound like a lot. Don’t minimise the work with comments such as “This will only take a few hours” or try to sway people into acceptance with “Why not try it and see what you think?” If you need someone several hours every week, or for a full year’s commitment, or willing to drive 25 miles to camp, say so. It may take longer to find someone willing to fill the position, but once you do, you’ll have the right person.
4. Define the training (validation), supervision and support the volunteer will have. Many people are understandably cautious about being thrown in at the deep end to sink or swim. If they know they are going to get help while they learn the ropes, they’ll be more likely to give it a try.
5. Identify and express the positives of being involved. Explain how much the young people will benefit from their help but talk unapologetically about personal payoffs, too. Be aware that people have different reasons for getting involved. Some enjoy interacting with young people, others want to learn a skill for career development—the list of possible motivations is extensive. You can share how you’ve grown personally from your own volunteer work with Scouting and don’t forget to point out that they’ll have fun!
6. Explain why you decided to ask this particular person to help. Wat skills or personality traits make them a good candidate for the position. After all, you are implying this person has the talent to do the job, and that’s quite flattering. In the long run, it is better to live with a vacancy for a while than to appoint someone who is unqualified or reluctant to make a full commitment to the work. A second-choice placement can negatively affect all the other people on your team.
7. Never recruit anyone by asking them to do it as a “favour” to you. Instead, try to communicate that you don’t want them to miss a marvellous opportunity to participate in an important project!
8. The best way to recruit volunteers is simply to ask people to help. If you never have the conversation, how can someone say yes? And if you are turned down, keep in mind that you have still helped you’re Scouting by reaching out to new people and lending visibility to your Scout Group!
9. Remember to offer ‘flexible volunteering’.  It’s better to have someone doing a job once a month rather than frighten them away because the role we need filling is a weekly commitment. Find the right role for the person rather than fill a role with the first person who comes along.
10. Change the culture of your Group by implementing as many ‘teams’ as you can.  This can be in the Sections and on the Executive Committee.  People are more likely to join a team where they are sharing the workload rather than being the only person doing a task.

The County Development team will support you with recruiting volunteers. Please contact us if you have a specific project in mind.  cgdo@hampshirescouts.org.uk