Thanks for your interest in becoming the next British Scouting Overseas (BSO) Youth Lead. This role is about opening doors, lifting voices, and shaping a movement that puts young people at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’ve been in Scouts for years or you’re brand new to it, if you’re passionate about helping young people influence decisions and lead change, this might be the challenge you’ve been waiting for.
What is the BSO Youth Lead?
The BSO Youth Lead makes sure young people are meaningfully involved in shaping Scouts at every level - from local decision‑making to BSO strategy.
You’ll work closely with the BSO Lead Volunteer, the BSO Chair and the Trustee Board to champion youth voice, bring new perspectives into key discussions, and support young people across BSO to influence the movement.
Your leadership will help ensure that young people feel heard, respected and empowered, and that their ideas directly contribute to the direction of Scouts
Purpose of the role
This role exists to embed youth leadership in every part of Scouts. You’ll help young people shape programmes, policies and projects, while also supporting volunteers and staff to involve young people meaningfully in their work.
You’ll:
- Bring youth perspectives into national decisions and conversations.
- Support and coordinate Youth Leads across BSO to strengthen youth shaped Scouting locally.
- Lead the BSO Youth Team (District Youth Leads and teams), guiding youth engagement, forums and initiatives across BSO.
- Support the District Youth Leads across BSO, including bringing them together regularly to collaborate, share ideas and work towards shared goals.
- In everything you do, you’ll champion the simple belief that young people deserve a meaningful say in shaping their own experiences.
Who you’ll work with & support you’ll receive
The BSO Youth Lead works in partnership with the Area Lead Volunteer.
You will be supported by:
- The BSO Leadership team
- The UK Scouts Youth Team
- Other Youth Leads across the UK and Overseas
You'll also be part of our BSO Leadership Team
Support includes inductions, training, events, and ongoing opportunities to connect with other Youth Leads.
What does the BSO Youth Lead do?
Area Youth Leads are volunteers aged 18-25 at the time of appointment and are responsible for driving youth shaped Scouting. They enable volunteers to embed the ideas and decisions of young people into local Scouting and play a key role in the leadership of the Area.
This role requires someone who can inspire and motivate both young people and adult volunteers, working across a diverse and international community.
A core part of the role is coordinating and supporting a team of District Youth Leads across the Area. This includes bringing them together regularly to collaborate, share ideas, and work towards shared goals.
Responsibilities of the role include:
- Helping to ensure that the Area programme is shaped by youth voice
- Creating opportunities for young people to provide feedback (e.g. Youth Forum or digital engagement)
- Promoting the YouShape Award and top awards
- Coordinating and supporting District Youth Leads, bringing them together through monthly meetings to share ideas, support each other, and work towards shared objectives and projects
- Encouraging collaboration and the sharing of good practice across Districts
- Inspiring and motivating young people across BSO, ensuring they are aware of the opportunities available to them, including pathways beyond age 18
- Influencing decisions as a member of the Area Trustee Board, ensuring young people are at the heart of decision-making
About You
We’re looking for someone who believes in the power of young people, enjoys bringing people together, and is excited about helping shape the future of BSO.
You don’t need to know everything already, what matters most is your passion, your ideas, and your willingness to learn.
1. You care about youth voice
You believe young people should have a real say in the decisions that affect their experiences. You’re motivated to help others get involved, influence change, and feel heard.
2. You’re a natural connector
You enjoy bringing people together, helping them share ideas, and creating spaces where everyone feels included and comfortable. You don’t need to be loud or outgoing - just someone who values collaboration and enjoys helping others feel part of the conversation.
3. You’re open, curious and up for learning
You don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers. What matters is that you’re open to new ideas, willing to try things out, and happy to learn along the way.
4. You’re comfortable sharing your ideas
You can speak up in meetings, present your thoughts clearly and help bring conversations to life. Confidence helps, but enthusiasm and preparation matter more.
5. You can stay organised
You don’t need to be a scheduling wizard - just able to plan ahead, manage your time, and keep on top of messages and meetings alongside your other commitments.
6. You live our values
You embody our values of belief, respect, integrity, care, and cooperation. You care about helping Scouts be a place where everyone feels they belong.
A note on experience
You don’t need to have:
- held a BSO Area role before
- years of leadership experience
- been in Scouts for a long time
If you’ve led a project, helped run an event, supported a team, or had a role where you’ve encouraged others - that counts.
And if you haven’t had chances yet? That’s okay too. Bring your ideas, your point of view, and your enthusiasm. We’ll support you with the rest.
Time Commitment
- Approximately 4-5 hours per week, on average
- Additional time required for camps, events, and key meetings throughout the year
- The role is flexible and can be balanced around work, study, or other commitments
- Attend and contribute to the Area Trustee Board (4-5 meetings per year)
- Attend the BSO Area Camp (typically held in the summer)
- Attend 1-2 District camps / events in person per year to engage with young people and volunteers
- Take part in BSO leadership weekends or training events (1-2 per year)
Term of appointment
- 2 to 3 year initial term
- Annual reviews and regular check ins
- Must be 18-25 at appointment (Saturday 5th September)
- No prior Scouting experience required – just a willingness to become a member
- Ideally is located, or has been located overseas with British Scout Overseas.
Application tips
Applying for a BSO role can feel a bit daunting - but it doesn’t need to. We’re not looking for perfection; we’re looking for your passion, your ideas and your potential. Here are some simple ways to make your application shine
1. Be yourself
We want to hear your voice, not what you think we want to hear. Write and speak in away that feels natural to you.
2. Show why youth voice matters to you
Explain what youth shaped Scouting means in your eyes and why it’s important. This helps us understand your motivation and connection to the role.
3. Use real examples
Think of moments where you’ve helped, led, supported others, influenced a decision or brought people together. These don’t need to be from Scouts - college, work, sports, activism, youth groups or your community all count.
4. Keep it clear and simple
You don’t need long sentences or fancy language. Tell us what you did, why it mattered and what you learned.
5. Talk about how you work with others
This role involves collaborating with volunteers, young people and senior leaders. Sharing how you build relationships or work in teams will really help.
6. Share your ideas
You don’t need a perfect plan — just show us what inspires you. What would you love to explore or change? What energises you?
7. Be honest about your strengths
Tell us what you’re proud of, what you’re good at and what you’d like to develop. Growth is part of the role, and support is built in.
8. If you record a video, don’t overthink it
Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.9. Ask for support if you need it
If you need help understanding any part of the application or require adjustments, we’re here to help.
How to apply
Before making an application pleas make sure you’ve carefully read the role information above.
Key Dates
Closing Date: 30 June 2026
Interview Date: TBC
For more information
If you’d like to discuss he role in more details, please email Graham Eden (BSO Lead Volunteer) or for an information conversation about what being the BSO Youth Lead is like, email Charlotte Thompson (BSO Youth Lead)
Share:
