For information call us on: 0845 300 1818

Recruitment: a fresh approach

Recruitment Stand

Overview:

One way to recruit the general public is to set up a stand in your local area where you can talk to people about Scouting and about the opportunities open to them as volunteers. This could be situated in the town centre or at a local boot fair, but make sure you get permission from the appropriate body or organiser.

The Scout Association also has a mobile display unit (MDU) that can be booked. This is a big, eye-catching display unit that comes fully equipped with display material and promotional leaflets. It is designed to promote Scouting to non-Members and is a good way to attract interest. A number of Counties also have smaller versions that you may be able to use.

Top tips:

• Make sure that the people you choose to run the stand are enthusiastic and are comfortable with talking directly to people and answering any questions. You will probably have to approach people rather than waiting for them to come to you!
• Bear in mind that this method of recruiting is not for the faint hearted. Don’t lose enthusiasm if your approaches to people get a disinterested or negative response. For every 20 or so people you try to talk to, expect only one or two to be genuinely interested.
• Make sure you have promotional material with the Information Centre’s or a local phone number on it to hand out to people. Many people will not want to stop and chat but this does not mean that they would not be interested in what you have to say.
• Have a plan for how to follow up with any interested people. There is nothing worse than finding someone who is keen but having no way to make sure their interest is followed up.

Case studies:

Weald District Promotion Day

Weald District Explorers spent a Saturday promoting Scouting and looking for new Leaders by camping in a shop window. The spectacle gave them plenty of interest and publicity and resulted in six expressions of interest and two new Leaders.

Faversham District Recruitment Day

Leaders from Faversham District in Kent spent a Saturday morning in the busy town market place chatting to the locals and people from further away. The morning resulted in nine adults expressing an interest. All have received a letter and personal invitation to meet up to discuss which roles might be suitable.

City of Bath District

The City of Bath District set up a stand at the local Sainsbury’s supermarket. They found that most people did not stop and look at the stand, but if a direct approach was made some success was achieved. Over two days, the stand recruited six people. A further two were recruited from the related newspaper article.

Support material:

• NAPP: Adult Recruitment Promotional Posters
• CH735100: Want Adventure? (Recruitment poster)
• LT1851019: Adult Support promotional leaflet (also available in Welsh)
• Factsheet FS310510: Design and Displays (Design tips for displays)
• Factsheet FS310511: Displays (Guidance on making displays)

Download factsheets for free using the ‘ScoutBase Library’ link below or order a printed copy from the Information Centre (0845 300 1818)

Leaflets and posters can be ordered online using the ‘Information Centre Catalogue’ link below. Alternatively, order from the Information Centre (0845 300 1818)

Further information (links):

ScoutBase Library (Factsheets) - www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/

Information about The Scout Association’s Mobile Display Unit (MDU)

www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/pr/mdu/

Information Centre Catalogue - www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php