Purpose of the role
The Group Leader provides overall leadership and coordination of the Scout Group. They work with Section Leaders, the Group Support Committee, families, supporters, District and the broader community to ensure the Group is safe, sustainable, well-supported and continuing to grow.
The Group Leader’s primary responsibility is the overall health and development of the Group. This includes supporting the adults who deliver Scouting, strengthening the Group’s volunteer team, encouraging membership growth and ensuring the Group operates effectively within Scouts Victoria requirements.
Key responsibilities
- Leadership & people: Support and coordinate Section Leaders and other adult volunteers; encourage teamwork between sections; assist with volunteer recruitment, onboarding, development and recognition; address issues affecting the Group; and build a positive volunteer culture.
- Group development & growth: Monitor youth and adult membership, identify opportunities for growth, support recruitment and retention, consider succession planning and help establish priorities for the Group’s future.
- Community engagement: Promote 1st North Shepparton within the community, develop relationships with schools, Greater Shepparton City Council and community organisations, and coordinate involvement in events such as the Youth Expo and Shepparton Show.
- Governance & Group Support Committee: Work collaboratively with the Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and other committee/support members. The GL provides the Scouting/operational leadership while the committee supports areas such as finances, property, fundraising and administration. The GL shouldn’t simply take over committee responsibilities.
- Safety & compliance: Help ensure activities and Group operations comply with Scouts Victoria policies, Child Safe requirements and applicable legislation; ensure adult volunteers have appropriate registrations/checks/training; and raise or escalate safety and operational concerns appropriately.
- Property & resources: Work with the committee and relevant volunteers to make sure the hall, grounds and equipment are maintained, safe and appropriate for the Group’s needs.
- Planning & finances: Help establish Group priorities and plans, work with the Treasurer/committee on budgets and expenditure, and coordinate fundraising and resource planning to support the youth program.
- Youth program: Support Section Leaders to deliver quality Scouting while maintaining the principle of youth leading, adults supporting. The GL provides support and oversight rather than becoming the Section Leader for every section.
- Communication: Maintain effective communication between Leaders, the committee, parents, District and other stakeholders, and make sure significant Group matters don’t fall between the cracks.