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EnglishHow to Volunteer or Become a Leader with The Boys' Brigade
Updated
You can volunteer with The Boys' Brigade (BB) by starting from the "Volunteer" section of the official website, then choosing whether to help an existing local group or start a new one. Leadership roles involve working with specific age groups (5–8, 8–11, 11–14, or 14–18) and require training in safeguarding and risk management before or alongside your role. The exact steps, time commitment, and any local requirements are set by the group and the organisation's policies, so confirm details with the group you contact.
Where to begin
The website lists two main entry points for adults who want to get involved:
- Volunteer – general information on volunteering with BB.
- Start a New Group – for situations where there is no local group to join.
If you already know you want to work directly with young people, the Info for Leaders section is the relevant area, since it covers running a company, age group essentials, and training.
Decide how you want to help
BB distinguishes between different kinds of adult involvement, and the right route depends on what you want to do.
| What you want to do | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Help at an existing group | Volunteer |
| Set up a group where none exists | Start a New Group |
| Lead or run activities with a specific age group | Info for Leaders → Age Group Essentials |
| Support behind the scenes (e.g. fundraising, admin) | Volunteer / Support Us |
| Work with the wider organisation | Volunteer / Amicus |
The age groups you could work with are 5–8, 8–11, 11–14, and 14–18, each with its own programme and awards.
Find a local group first
Before applying to volunteer, it helps to know whether a group exists near you. The site provides a Find a Local Group tool. If a group is nearby, contact it and ask about volunteer or leader openings. If there is no group in your area, the Start a New Group route is the alternative.
What leader training and development involves
BB provides structured Leader Training & Development, including:
- Leader Training and a search for training courses.
- Leader Development and a Community Trainers Hub.
- Young Leaders Network and a Disability Advice Network.
- Managing Risk & Safeguarding, which includes safeguarding, safer recruitment, and a Leaders Code of Conduct.
Safeguarding and risk management are treated as core requirements rather than optional extras, so expect to complete training in these areas. The specific courses, their format, and any costs are not stated on the page, so ask the group or check the training section for current details.
Practical steps
- Go to the website and open Volunteer (or Start a New Group if nothing is local).
- Use Find a Local Group to identify a group near you.
- Contact the group and ask what roles are open and what the next step is.
- Review Info for Leaders and Age Group Essentials for the age range you would work with.
- Complete the required safeguarding, managing risk, and leader training as directed.
- Confirm expectations — time commitment, meeting frequency, and any local checks — directly with the group.
Common sticking points
- No local group: use the Start a New Group route instead of waiting for one to appear.
- Training requirements: safeguarding and risk management are mandatory areas, so plan for them before taking on responsibility.
- Role fit: the programme differs by age group, so check Age Group Essentials for the range you are considering.
- Costs and availability: the page does not state fees or course schedules; these must be confirmed with the group or through the training search.