Induction

After spending time finding the right role for a new or existing volunteer, the first few months are crucial. Making sure that they are supported and can become effective in their role as quickly as possible is key to keeping them motivated and involved.

The Scouts’ supporting resources covering the following may be helpful:

What is Induction?
Welcome and induction resources, including:

• Welcome to managers in Scouting – This information is aimed at all those with line manger responsibility
• Welcome and Key Policy Card
• Induction checklist for Leaders, Managers and Executive Committee members, to help new members feel comfortable and confident in their roles.
• Welcome to Scouts – lots of information for new members

Team work

Induction is as much about making someone feel part of the team as it is about making sure they have the knowledge and skills to be effective in their role.

You might need to consider team dynamics as part of the induction process, asking yourself whether everyone in the team understands the new adult’s role and how it fits into what is already happening.

Buddies

Consider buddying new adults up with existing members of the team as an additional line of support.  A buddy can do simple things like bringing them to their first meeting so that they already know someone there, or supporting them in ‘having a go’ in their role.  These things help new adults to feel comfortable and supported, and therefore more confident.

Training

Remember that the Adult Training Scheme is also there to support the induction process. Depending on the role that is being taken on, adults will probably need to complete a certain amount of training.

If a Wood Badge is required, an induction plan might also feature introductions and meetings with their Training Adviser. If elements of the Personal Learning Plan have already been agreed with a Training Adviser, then it might include any dates that have been agreed to attend training, complete learning or complete validations.

More information about the Adult Training Scheme can be found at Cambridgeshire Scouts – Adult Training.