Working with Young Leaders

Guidance for Section Leaders on inducting Young Leaders, supporting participation, recognising achievement, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Young Leaders

Valuable members of the leadership team — and still young people

Introduction

Explorer Scout Young Leaders (ESYLs) are the only under-18 members of a Section leadership team in Scouting. They may be Explorer Scouts, or undertaking time-limited volunteering placements such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or Girlguiding.

In Worthing:

• Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs: Young Leaders can be 13½–18
• Scouts: Young Leaders must be 15+

Young Leaders remain young people and must always be treated and supported as such.

Working alongside a Young Leader brings great opportunities for your Section. They can bring new ideas, energy and perspective, while developing valuable skills for life and future leadership roles.

Approval Before Helping (Essential)

Young people must not attend or assist at a Section until approval has been confirmed by the District 14–24 Team.

• Applies whether allocated or approaching directly
• Section Leaders must contact the District team first
• No approval → no helping

If a Young Person Approaches Your Section

Young people may approach Sections directly to offer help — this is encouraged.

They must not start helping until approval is confirmed.

“That’s great — we’d love your help. I just need to check this with the District Young Leader team before you can start.”

The Young Leader Scheme

Young Leaders complete a structured programme of 11 modules and 4 missions.

Modules cover topics such as:

• Programme planning
• Inclusive Scouting
• Safeguarding and first aid

Missions allow them to apply this learning in practice within your Section.

Your support as a Section Leader is key to helping them develop and gain the most from the experience.

Welcoming a Young Leader

Before their first session:

• Ensure approval has been confirmed
• Make sure they know where they are going and who they will meet

At their first session:

• Introduce them to the leadership team and young people
• Help them feel part of the team
• Introduce them to parents where appropriate

Getting to Know Them

Spend time understanding their experience and motivation.

Some useful questions:

• How long have you been in Scouting?
• Why do you want to be a Young Leader?
• What are your interests and strengths?
• What would you like to get out of this experience?

Helping Them Get Involved

Young Leaders should actively contribute. They may:

• Help plan the programme
• Run games and activities
• Support youth forums
• Open or close meetings
• Share skills or experiences

They are not there to make drinks or do basic tasks — they are part of the team.

Training Requirement – Module A

Module A (Prepare for Take-off) must be completed within 3 months of joining.

This applies to all Young Leaders, including those volunteering for DofE.

If this is not completed, they must stop attending until it is completed.

OSM Record Requirement

Young Leaders must be correctly recorded before attending.

They must be on:

• Your Section
• Worthing Young Leader Unit
• Any other Explorer Unit they belong to

These must be the same shared record on OSM.

Your Responsibilities

As a Section Leader, you are responsible for:

• The safety and wellbeing of the Young Leader
• Providing appropriate supervision
• Supporting their development

Important:

• Young Leaders are not adult volunteers
• They must not be left in sole charge
• They must not be counted in adult ratios

Camps and Residentials

Young Leaders must not attend camps without prior approval.

• Approval must be obtained from the District 14–24 Team
• Applies to the specific Young Leader and the specific event

Sleeping arrangements must ensure:

• No sharing with adult leaders
• No sharing with young people
• Appropriate separate accommodation

Safeguarding

Young Leaders must:

• Follow the Orange Card
• Be supported in understanding safeguarding
• Never be left alone with young people

District Oversight

Approval may be withdrawn at any time by the District 14–24 Team.

Recognition for Young Leaders

Young Leaders receive recognition through:

• ESYL badge (after Module A)
• Mission badges
• Young Leader Belt (top award)
• Service recognition at age 18

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Young Leaders undertaking volunteering for DofE:

• Must join the Young Leader Unit
• Must complete Module A within 3 months
• Must meet all expectations of the role

This is not a casual or drop-in volunteering role.

Key Principles

• Direct approach is allowed — but approval is required
• Young Leaders are part of the team — but remain young people
• Safeguarding and supervision always come first