FAQ: Applying as a volunteer in World Scouting's volunteer open call

By volunteering with World Scouting, you will join a global volunteer pool of individuals willing to contribute ideas, knowledge, and expertise to support the implementation of the World Triennial Plan 2024-2027 and the delivery of projects for the next triennium. All applicants who apply and are endorsed by their National Scout Organization are added to a global roster. A select number of volunteers will be chosen by the World Scouting team to join and contribute to specific projects based on their skills, competencies, experience, and expertise.

These projects and areas of work can include:

• Standing Committees
• Working Groups
• Operational Framework projects
• Special Task Forces
• Other groups created to support the delivery and achievement of the World Triennial Plan.

The majority of projects for the next triennium will be managed virtually, allowing volunteers from different parts of the world to work on projects together. This setup enables volunteers to engage with diverse teams, contributing to international projects without geographic limitations. Additionally, you will gain valuable experience working with people from other cultures, backgrounds, and languages, enhancing your ability to collaborate effectively in a global context.

Volunteering with World Scouting is a rewarding opportunity where individuals can gain valuable skills and experience including:

• Global impact: Work on projects that influence the Scouting movement on an international scale.
• Skill development: Enhance your leadership, project management, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Networking: Connect with Scouts and leaders from around the world.
• Personal growth: Gain valuable experience and grow personally and professionally.
• Support global initiatives: Help to implement key programmes and events that support Scouting’s mission.

As a volunteer with World Scouting, you can expect a wide range of support from our experienced team, and the opportunity to develop skills and experience in project management and delivery. Here’s some of what you can expect if you are selected as a volunteer:

• Induction: Receive a comprehensive induction to understand your role and responsibilities.
• Project assignment: Be matched with projects that align with your skills and interests. The majority of these projects and work that we do takes place online. While we can’t guarantee international travel, we can connect you with fellow Scouts around the world to work on impactful projects together.
• Support: Ongoing support and guidance from the World Scout Bureau and project leaders.
• Recognition: Acknowledgment of your contributions to our global Scouting community:
  • Team Purple Pin: As a member of “Team Purple”, you will be awarded a unique Purple pin identifying you as a vital part of the World Scouting team.
  • Celebration moments: Regular opportunities to connect and celebrate online with volunteers working on other projects and areas of work.

To apply and be considered as a volunteer with World Scouting, there are several steps to follow:

• Apply online: First, volunteers need to submit their application through our online form. Applications will be open until 30 October, and will be reviewed as they are submitted.
• Endorsement: Once a volunteer submits an application, their National Scout Organization will be notified to review the application and endorse the volunteer. All volunteers must receive an endorsement from their National Scout Organization before they can be considered and selected to join projects.
• Complete your application: Once a volunteer’s application has been reviewed and endorsed by their National Scout Organization, they will be invited to complete their application with additional information and competency requirements.
• Volunteer screening: The completed volunteer applications will then be screened and evaluated by the World Scouting team.
• Selection and appointment: Volunteers that meet the criteria will be added to a global roster, which will be announced by the end of 2024. These volunteers are eligible to be selected to join specific projects throughout the 2024-2027 triennium.

Anyone can apply to be a volunteer with World Scouting as long as they meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years old. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, languages, and experiences to work on projects together in a safe and inclusive environment.

World Scouting values both experience and the willingness to learn and grow. During the application process, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your interests and skills in relation to various project areas. Our screening team is prepared to recognise and appreciate the unique strengths you bring no matter your level of experience. If you are selected, you will receive thorough inductions designed to help you build on your existing knowledge and contribute meaningfully to your assigned projects.

Before a volunteer is considered to join the global roster, they must first be endorsed by their National Scout Organization. This is a critical step to ensure that all volunteers meet the age criteria of 18 years old to be eligible, and to verify that they are a registered member of Scouting in their country.

This endorsement step also ensures that each National Scout Organization is aware of an individual’s intention to volunteer with World Scouting and provides confirmation that a volunteer complies with all national Safe from Harm requirements.

Once a volunteer is endorsed by their National Scout Organization, the endorsement is valid for the entire triennium and applies to any appointment within World Scouting, both at the World and Regional levels. A National Scout Organization may only withdraw their endorsement in the case of a Safe from Harm issue.

• Applicant completes the second phase of their profile.
• World Scouting screens the completed profile.
• World Scouting communicates the decision of acceptance to the applicant to be in the volunteer pool. 

In the first stage of the application process, volunteers will be required to provide the following information:

• Personal details such as your name, contact information, and demographic information.
• Information about your language skills and proficiency as an intermediate level of English is required to become a volunteer.
• Details about your areas of interest and expertise both within and outside of Scouting. This information is relevant to match volunteers with projects that align with their interests and expertise.
• Contact information for two references within or outside Scouting who can verify a volunteer’s skills and experience.

Volunteer applicants that proceed to the second stage will also be asked to complete two small tasks to demonstrate their key competencies. This stage of the application process takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete, so we recommend preparing supporting evidence in advance to make the application process easier. Volunteers will only be able to complete the second phase of their application once they have received an endorsement from their National Scout Organization.

All volunteers must receive an endorsement from their National Scout Organization to be considered as a volunteer with World Scouting. Each National Scout Organization has its own system to endorse volunteers, and it is at the organisation’s discretion to provide the endorsement. Volunteer applicants who do not receive an endorsement from their National Scout Organization may wish to contact their International Commissioner or Official Key Contact to discuss and clarify the endorsement. World Scouting is unable to contact a National Scout Organization on behalf of a volunteer applicant.

The volunteer screening and evaluation stage is designed to verify the information submitted by a volunteer. A team from World Scouting comprised of staff and experienced volunteers will assess the key competencies submitted against World Scouting’s competencies framework. This includes reviewing the supporting evidence submitted by a volunteer, and evaluating the information provided by a volunteer’s references. This thorough assessment ensures that a volunteer’s qualifications and competencies align with the requirements for volunteering with World Scouting.

The volunteer open call aims to recruit and select volunteers for projects that have a global impact. While we recognise and appreciate the diversity of languages spoken by volunteers around the world, English is an official language of World Scouting and serves as a common language to help us connect and communicate. Therefore, an intermediate proficiency in English is required for all volunteers to ensure that they can comfortably work on international projects with other volunteers from around the world.