different, so there is no fixed time for the Becoming a walk leader is a great opportunity to buddying relationship. Many new walk leaders share our passion for walking with others. At the will appreciate some support for the first few Ramblers over 14,000 people volunteer their time walks they lead. Some may just like a chat about to do this. Experienced walk leaders are in a a few specific things to get started. Being a great position to be able to help new volunteers buddy is not a formal role, so it’s for you to find their feet and build their confidence. decide. And not all new walk leaders will feel they need a buddy.
Being a buddy is not a formal role at the For new walk leaders, the benefits include: Ramblers but is still an important way we Feeling more connected to their group welcome new walk leaders. Being supported to develop new skills Gaining confidence in the Ramblers
Having a listening ear from a peer who When new walk leaders start to volunteer it is understands the role helpful to get some help and advice from people Feeling welcomed into a new volunteer who are more experienced. A buddy (or mentor) role can be anyone who is available to help you find your feet. For buddies, the benefits include: Being able to pass on skills and Buddies don’t need any formal training, but many experiences people have experience of mentoring, coaching Helping the group to increase the number and buddying. of walk leaders and offer more walks, and more diverse walks
own style and grow in confidence The best buddies are experienced in leading Leading by example and having the walks with the Ramblers and have excellent opportunity to bring the Ramblers values people skills. A buddy will be able to help a new to life volunteers to grow into their role.
A good buddy will: The Document Hub on Assemble, is full of Understand the walk leadership role at handy tools for all walk leaders. These tools will the Ramblers help new walk leaders to understand what they Be able to help others identify their own need to do, and when. solutions Give advice and share experiences Buddies should share experiences and give Be able to listen and empathise personal tips too. They will also listen to new Be able to encourage and be supportive walk leaders and help them to discuss how they when things don’t go to plan would like to lead their walks. You may have Help new volunteers to use Ramblers different styles and approaches to some things, systems like the Ramblers app to take and that’s OK. walk registers and Group Walks Events Management (GWEM) to promote walks
volunteersupport@ramblers.zendesk.com e-Learning training has been designed for walk leaders. It’s called Walk Leader Foundations. In Scotland you can email the team at
All walk leaders can access it by going to the training tab on Assemble.
Recruiting and inducting new walk Take a preview of the Walk Leader leaders Foundations course here Information for new walk leaders https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He 7noQnnD6A&feature=youtu.be We encourage all new Walk Leaders to complete this course. Buddies may also find it helpful to do this course, so you have the latest knowledge and understanding of what’s expected of the role at the Ramblers.
Once new volunteers are recorded as a Walk Leader, support documents on the Assemble Document Hub will be available to them. Some of the most important documents for the role include: • Risk assessment • Incident reporting form • Ramblers guide to insurance
Page 2 of 2 Last updated: Jan 2021