Public Relations Officer

Who we are...

Scouting in the UK is organised through The Scout Association. Its purpose is to help young people, aged 6-25 years old, achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. With 400,000 members in the UK, Scouting is the largest mixed youth organisation in the country. Adult volunteers must follow the policies of The Scout Association, which can be found on our webpage:

When we need help...

This is a flexible role, which could be undertaken during the day at weekends or evenings as convenient.

Short description

Greater London South West Scouts are looking for adults to help support Scouting for boys and girls in their Scout Groups based across Richmond, Twickenham, Croydon, Kingston, Tolworth, Mitcham, Wimbledon, Morden, Teddington, Hampton, Purley, Sutton, Wallington, Carshalton, Cheam, Worcester Park and surrounding areas. This role involves engaging with the local media on behalf of a group to assist them in the promotion and publicity of their Scout Group at a local level.

Outline...

This role is suitable for those who are creative and who would enjoy engaging with the press, local businesses and local radio. You would help increase local awareness of what the Scout Group is doing in order to create a greater partnership with the local community. This individual will have an eye for the way to pitch promote a good story, in order to get people excited about Scouting. With greater local awareness, it is hoped that more adults and children can benefit from getting involved with the organisation.

The role would also involve liaising with The Scout HQ Media Team, in order to keep up to date with the national and international campaign focus. The Scout Association release a national publication (Scouting Magazine) which you would submit articles to as and when appropriate. All adults are provided with training and support to carry out their role, and these can qualify you for nationally recognised awards.

As an adult Member of Scouting you will receive:

- a dedicated members website and weekly e-newsletter and magazine

- a telephone support and information service,

- ongoing training and development opportunities with one to one support (including safeguarding training)

- discounts on a range of outdoor gear and other nice stuff.

The potential benefits to volunteering with us....

Volunteering with the Scouts provides you with a number of opportunities to develop yourself. You can gain skills that are useful for your career, meet like-minded people and enjoy yourself all in one go. As a volunteer, you might be involved in marketing, recruiting, raising funds, handling budgets and managing large-scale events. And you could develop all sorts of skills including excellent organisational and communicative skills, as well as the ability to work as part of a team or on your own initiative.

Cause/Interests: Youth

Types of activity: PR/Media

What are we looking for in a volunteer?

  • Experience in the media or PR or a willingness to learn the necessary skills
  • Good networking skills
  • Enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved

Skills that would be useful

  • Negotiation and influencing
  • Team work
  • Creative
  • Listening and communication
  • Good literacy

Skills a volunteer can gain

  • Improve your CV and put your skills to good use
  • Try new things and gain qualifications
  • Experience working in a Media/PR role
  • Gain local media contacts
  • Experience volunteering within the charitable sector
  • Meet new people and have fun
  • Become an active member of your community
  • Supported and part of a District and County team
  • Part of a national and international organisation

What type of commitment might be required for a volunteer?

Part time opportunities available during the day & evening & weekends

Appointment Requirements:

To understand and accept The Scout Association’s polices, have a satisfactory CRB clearance, completion of modules required as outlined in The Scout Association’s Adult Training Scheme.

Interested? Contact – Louise Preedy –