Beavers - volunteering application process seems OTT

[mintyme]

The Head of our local Scouts popped into the Beavers session that my DS attends at pick-up to ask for a parent/s to volunteer as a regular helper. I said I would as by the time I get home I’m coming back to pick DS again so I might as well help out etc.

The DBS is done and I have online safeguarding to do which is fine, as I’ve done this before with volunteering. But now I’ve had an email to say I must attend an Appointments Advisory Committee meeting with a panel of 3 people for 20 mins to discuss how they can best support me.

Alarm bells are going off because I’ve since heard that his Scouts Head is very persistent when it comes to recruiting volunteers, this meeting seems a bit OTT for a parent helper, and the DBS states the position applied for is ‘Child Workforce Trustee/Helper/Leader.’

As far as I am concerned I am only going to be a regular parent helper and I have neither the time nor the inclination to take on any responsibility than to just turn up and help out regularly.

Would this panel meeting flag to you that they are expecting/going to demand more commitment than parents were led to believe? I’m feeling a bit cross that this could be the case.

@Poppiesway1 yes they asked for two references

I think I might forward my email to the Leader again asking for clarification as to what this meeting today is for, and to reiterate I am only offering myself forward as a regular parent helper. If this is not what they are looking for then I need to withdraw my application. I will not be pressured otherwise.

If you are on a parent Rota of say one meeting every month or every two months you wouldn't need a DBS check or take a safeguarding course because you are an occasional helper. Weekly helping out you would need to have the DBS and safe guarding. It appears you are going to be classed as part of the Scout movement.

I’m on the appointments committee in my district, it’s a pretty informal affair to be honest. We’re meant to see anyone coming into a regular leadership or section assistant role. scout group’s used to have a lot of occasional helpers helped very regularly but bypassed having the training by not being registered as at least section assistants - this is to ensure adults working with young people in scouting regularly have a minimum level of understanding of the scout association and it’s safety and safeguarding policies - this (with my parent hat on) is not a bad thing!

Ps - at appointments all we Normally do is have a chat about what you’ve been doing, what your enjoying or finding challenging and check these you understand the minimum training (it’s a few modules including things like safety and safeguarding). It’s not formal by any stretch - most of the people we see are parents who want to help out with their kids but also the people who come to scouting through the general enjoyment of it or wanting to give something back.

@amgine I think what has frustrated me is that the Leader led parents to believe they just needed an extra parent helper but then the documentation/DBS states role titles that carry responsibilities. I am happy to help out each week but refuse to lead an activity or session etc, or be railroaded into doing so. This is what worries me - that I have been misled. I just want to be a regular parent helper and it’s of course fine to do the safeguarding course (have done this before), but as for taking on any responsibility for sessions or doing courses it’s an absolute no from me.

Scouting groups are always in need of more adults.

I have been an Assistant Beaver Leader, Assistant Cub Scout Leader, Assistant Explorer Scout Leader… I stopped all of those because I don’t have the time to commit to it weekly. My DH is still an occasional helper with the Explorers but can’t commit to more as we have two children - one a Beaver and one a toddler.

In spite of my work and home commitments, I’ve still been roped in. I volunteered to take the minutes at a meeting once. I’m now group secretary and on the executive committee… 🤦‍♀️

I think its just the bame fir a weekly parent helper really. If anyone is going to be in one of my kids groups every week I want them to have gone thru safeguarding etc as they become an adult the children trust. So I completely see the need to give it a name and training in that sense.

Just make it clear you're there to help and not lead any activities. I don't think they're tricking you, just difference in terminology. You are an assistant as you're assisting each week...

Those who post saying they ended up doing xyz. That's up to them! There's always more people can do in a voluntary org. Just say no to extras!

Its great you're volunteering really . Don't let people put you off

I am on the appointment committee and it is informal, just makes sure you understand about the basic requirements etc, we absolutely don’t pressure people to do more, we are at pains to thank people for their time and effort and ensure they know there is support available. It’s meant to be a helpful meeting, but we would flag if we felt we had concerns re someone. Don’t worry!

This unfortunately is the issue with volunteering. If more people offered, then everyone would only have to do a small bit. DH or I always offered to be a parent helper when cubs needed them, seemed only fair as we only have one DC. The one time we decided we fancied a night off, their outdoor walk had to be cancelled as no other bugger would put their hand up. Loads of volunteers for the observatory visit though as many adults wanted to see that.

I ended up as the secretary for the scout committee. I was fine with that, but every meeting there was reference to some fair or occasion and the assumption that the committee would help with that. One of the reasons I volunteered to do the back of house stuff is because I'm naturally much better at that, so no I didn't want to wrap up 200 bottles for the fair and run a stall all day ( but did).

As a result I'm naturally cautious about volunteering now.

@WholeClassKeptIn

Those who post saying they ended up doing xyz. That's up to them! There's always more people can do in a voluntary org. Just say no to extras!

Its great you're volunteering really . Don't let people put you off

It's really not. When you're being blackmailed into doing something because it will be cancelled and 24 little cubs are looking forward to it, you tend to just do it. No becomes very hard when it comes to things like camp and competitions

It really is about assetiveness and boundaries. It really is okay to say "No."

This ought to be another thread though.

A face to face interview is the recommendation for all positions where you may come in to sole contact with other people's children. It is a safeguarding vetting process to ensure that you can give reasonable answers to scenario questions and are able to understand basic rules. It means nothing more than that they are following best practise to ensure the safety of the children.

Unit helpers in Girguiding need to do that safeguarding course, provide 2 references and have a DBS check. The interview definitely sounds a bit suspect.

@underneaththeash

Unit helpers in Girguiding need to do that safeguarding course, provide 2 references and have a DBS check. The interview definitely sounds a bit suspect.

The NSPCC recommendation is also a face to face interview with a panel of at least 2 people.