UK Contingent Leader for Roverway 2028

About the Role

The UK Contingent Leader for Roverway 2028 is responsible for leading and delivering the UK’s participation in this flagship European Region Scout and Guide event in Switzerland. The role focuses on creating a high quality, inclusive and educational international experience that reflects the values and ambitions of UK Scouting. Working closely with UK Staff and UK Volunteers in the wider [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], the UK Contingent Leader will provide overall leadership for a well-managed Contingent, underpinned by strong governance, safety and safeguarding, and delivered in line with the agreed budget and Contingent Operating Procedures. They will recruit, develop and lead a diverse Contingent Leadership Team to support young people and adult volunteers before, during and after the event. At the event itself, the UK Contingent Leader will represent the UK, provide leadership to the UK Contingent in Switzerland, and ensure attendees are supported to make the most of their Roverway experience.

Key Tasks

• Define, develop and promote a programme for the UK’s participation in the Roverway with consideration of the safeguarding requirements for the age range of the participants.
• Recruit and lead a Contingent Leadership Team (CLT).
• Oversee International Service Team (IST) recruitment and develop a plan to select participants.
• Work in partnership with UK staff and UK volunteers to plan, deliver and review our part in the event.
• Plan for a positive legacy from this event including working to develop contingent members as future leaders.
• Liaise with the event organisers in Switzerland and other external partners.
• Work with the lead staff member in developing the event budget to be approved by the Association’s Finance Committee.
• Deliver the project within budget.
• Provide regular management reports, demonstrating how key outcomes are being met.
• Oversee all preparations for the Contingent including the training and development of adult volunteers, travel, kit provision and programme.
• Lead the Contingent during their time in Switzerland.
• Ensure a full evaluation is completed post event and reported to the relevant committees/boards.
• Ensure the Roverway experience compliments the Explorer Scout and Network programmes.
• Ensure cost is not a barrier to participation, especially for youth members.
• Ensure that environmental sustainability is considered throughout the Contingent’s planning.
• Ensure inclusion and inclusivity is a key component of all recruitment, appointments and is central to all decisions relating to the Roverway 2028 project.

Person Specification

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience of working with the Explorer Scout and Scout Network age range
• Experience of leading and supporting large groups of people in a controlled project environment
• Experience of managing adults across a wide geographical area and from various backgrounds
• Experience of managing large budgets and of using financial control to successfully run projects
• Experience of delivering results against an agreed set of objectives and plans, dealing with multiple tasks and deadlines in an organised and efficient way
• Experience of working in a multinational environment with people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds
• Experience of leading international events working with young people, either inside or outside of [Employer hidden]
• Experience of developing and communicating written work for agreement by committees or groups

Skills & Abilities

• To inspire, mentor and coach individuals to develop and realise potential
• To deal with multiple tasks and deadlines in an organised and efficient way
• To build good relationships and work in partnership with UK volunteers and UK staff members in line with the Working Together Policy
• To support the management of large budgets and to recognise the importance of financial control in running successful projects
• To negotiate skilfully whilst demonstrating the ability to influence decisions
• To lead and manage people at a distance and in a voluntary environment
• To communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with the ability to speak and present publicly in a clear, articulate and motivating way
• To listen to others and counsel when necessary
• To be assertive and cope with challenging situations
• To use technology, especially email and remote meeting options, to carry out a range of tasks (confident in Microsoft Office programmes)
• To confidently lead large meetings, both in person and remotely
• To quickly gain a broad overall knowledge of Scouting’s policies and structures
• To undertake the appropriate adult training
• To adapt and make reasonable adjustments to criteria and tasks that allow for the inclusion of all

Personal Qualities

• Resilient and positive in challenging circumstances
• Self-motivated and able to use your own initiative, whilst recognising the limits of your authority
• Excited about the experiences an international scouting event can offer young people and adult volunteers
• Fully committed to seeing the project through to completion
• Approachable at all reasonable times
• Commitment to The [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] values Sufficient time available for the role, including mid-week and weekend engagements, sometimes including travel
• No envisaged barriers to obtaining adult membership of The [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]
• No envisaged barrier to holding a valid passport for the duration of the project – and having the rights to enter Switzerland and other European countries
• Be able to take time off work and out of the country for approximately 2 to 2.5 weeks in Summer 2028 (dates are not yet confirmed)
• Able to work with others from different cultures where English may not be their first language
• Committed to ensuring all [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] have the opportunity to participate, no matter their religion, culture, ability or sexual orientation

Time Commitment

The demands of the UK Contingent Leader are considerable until the end of 2028 (throughout preparation, the event itself and then post-event reporting). The Contingent Leader will not be permitted to hold any other significant Scouting leadership or delivery role for the duration of their appointment. The successful candidate must be able to take time off work and be out of the country for approximately 2 to 2.5 weeks in Summer 2028.

How to Apply

Apply via the Application Form link or nominate someone using the Nomination form. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview at Gilwell Park on Sunday 7 June 2026. For questions, contact Rob Murray at [contact hidden].