Gasóga na hÉireann / Scouting Ireland No. Issued Amended Next Review Date PSD-TOR-P01 August 2026 July 2029 Category: Programme Services Department – Open Call Terms of Reference – Venture Challenge Team Lead
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PSD-TOR-P01 – Venture Challenge Team Lead – August 2026
⚠ ADULT VOLUNTEER ROLE — Open to persons aged 18+ only. All appointees must hold valid Garda Vetting / Access NI clearance per Scouting Ireland's Child Safeguarding Policy.
Role Overview The purpose of this role is to lead, support, and coordinate Venture Challenge, ensuring the safe, effective, and high-quality delivery of this Scouting Ireland national event for Venture Scouts. The role provides leadership to the event team, supports volunteers in delivering an engaging and memorable participant experience, and ensures the event contributes positively to the mission, values, and strategic priorities of Scouting Ireland.
About the Team / Project / Event Venture Challenge is a Scouting Ireland national expedition event for Venture Scouts. Over the course of the event, teams travel approximately 100 kilometres on foot, navigating their route independently while immersing themselves in local communities, developing resilience, teamwork, leadership and selfreliance. The Venture Challenge Project Team is responsible for the planning, coordination and delivery of the event, ensuring a safe, challenging and memorable experience that reflects the values and educational objectives of Scouting Ireland.
Accountability & Support Commitment The Venture Challenge Team Lead is accountable to Term of Appointment and supported by both the National Venture Section • Three-year appointment Team Lead and the National Events Team Lead. • Maximum consecutive term six years Meetings & Events The role holder will be supported through regular The role holder is expected to attend meetings as communication, guidance, feedback, and access to required, event delivery activities, and to complete relevant training and development opportunities. agreed actions and responsibilities between meetings to support the successful delivery of the event. The role holder works closely with the National Stepping Down Programme Team, Venture Section Team, staff, Where responsibilities are consistently unmet, the role volunteers, and local host Scout Groups and will be reviewed, and the individual may be asked to Counties to ensure the successful planning and step down following an initial discussion. An individual delivery of Venture Challenge. may also voluntarily step down at any time with reasonable notice to allow for an orderly handover and continuity of event planning. Key Responsibilities The Venture Challenge Event Lead is responsible for the effective planning, coordination and delivery of Venture Challenge, ensuring a safe, challenging and high-quality experience for all participants. • Lead and coordinate the Venture Challenge staff team. • Foster a positive, inclusive and collaborative team environment. • Develop and oversee the event plan, timeline, budget, risk assessment and key deliverables. • Ensure the event is delivered safely and in accordance with Scouting Ireland policies and procedures. • Work collaboratively with the young people, volunteers, staff, and external stakeholders. • Coordinate event logistics, resources, communications and participant support. • Support and develop volunteers through delegation, mentoring and effective leadership. • Represent Venture Challenge at meetings, events and relevant working groups as required. • Maintain appropriate records, reports and documentation, including post-event reviews and recommendations. PSD-TOR-P01 – Venture Challenge Team Lead – August 2026
Person Specification - Essential Experience & Knowledge • Experience leading or coordinating events, projects, teams, or volunteers. • Good understanding of Scouting Ireland, the Scout Method, and the Venture Scout Section. • Experience planning, organising, or delivering events. • Wood Badge holder, or willing to complete Wood Badge training within an agreed timeframe. • Overnights training completed or willing to complete prior to the event. Skills & Abilities • Strong leadership and teamwork skills. • Effective communication and relationship-building skills. • Strong planning, organisation, and time-management abilities. • Ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and volunteers simultaneously. • Sound judgement, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Personal Attributes • Commitment to the values, mission, and objectives of Scouting Ireland. • Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and reliability. • Positive, inclusive, and collaborative approach to leadership. • Resilient and adaptable when responding to challenges. • Willingness to learn, develop, and support the development of others. Person Specification - Desirable • Previous experience with Venture Challenge or another national Scouting event. • Knowledge of event planning, logistics, or risk management. • Relevant qualifications or training in leadership, event management, outdoor activities, or youth work. Support & Development Safeguarding & Eligibility Requirements Scouting Ireland is committed to supporting Applicants must: volunteers in their role. • Be a current member of Scouting Ireland. The Venture Challenge Team Lead will receive: • Meet the minimum age requirement for the • A Letter of Appointment. role. • Role-specific induction and onboarding. • Hold valid Garda Vetting / Access NI • Access to training and development clearance. opportunities. • Complete required safeguarding training. • Support from the relevant manager and team. • Adhere to Scouting Ireland's Code of Conduct • Reimbursement of approved expenses in and all relevant policies. accordance with Scouting Ireland policy. • Regular reviews through the Mutual Agreement and Review process. How to Apply • Submit via the Scouting Ireland Online Application Form. • Demonstrate clearly how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. • Garda Vetting / Access NI clearance required prior to application.
PSD-TOR-P01 – Venture Challenge Team Lead – August 2026