Youth Leadership in the UK Scout Association

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL, POLITICAL & GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES

PhD Research Studentship: “Youth Leadership in the UK Scout Association”

Supervisors: Dr Helena Pimlott-Wilson & Dr Sarah Mills (Department of Geography, School of Social, Political and Geographical Sciences)

This fully-funded studentship seeks to examine ideas of youth leadership, skills acquisition and aspirations through the case-study of the UK Scout Association’s ‘Young Leaders’ scheme for 14 – 18 year olds. The project seeks to understand what youth leadership means to current and former Explorer Scouts, as well as the views and experiences of adult volunteers. Furthermore, the project will trace shifting ideas and approaches to youth leadership in recent decades within the UK’s largest youth organisation. This research project will contribute to academic debates in children’s geographies and work in the social sciences on informal education and young people’s transitions and aspirations in changing social and economic conditions. The research project involves an online survey and semi-structured interviews.

This project is match-funded by Loughborough University and the Eric Frank Trust (EFT). As part of the PhD student’s research training and activities, they will be expected to produce regular reports and engage with the EFT, as well as undertake two one-week work placements at the UK Scout Association headquarters at Gilwell Park, Essex.

The PhD studentship commences on 1st October 2016 for a duration of three years.
Applicants must have a strong undergraduate degree (ideally in geography, but other social science related disciplines may be appropriate). A Masters degree is also highly desirable. In addition, applicants should have excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as confidence in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Some relevant experience with young people would also be advantageous.

Informal enquiries about the project should be made to Dr Helena Pimlott-Wilson ([Email Address Removed]) and Dr Sarah Mills ([Email Address Removed]).

To apply, please complete the online application using the following link: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/
Under programme name, select ‘Geography (Human and Social)’

For further information, please contact Sue Clarke ([Email Address Removed]).

The closing date for applications is Friday 10th June 2016.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 21st June 2016.

Please quote the following reference when applying: GSGY2016/HPW