Under the grill!
When recently appointing a new Development worker, Project SWITCH thought it made perfect sense to ask young women to be involved in the interviewing. That's why candidates for Camborne's new SWITCH development worker had to give a presentation about self-esteem to a panel of young local women before attending a formal interview with Girlguiding UK staff and Kerrier Division Commissioner, Sue Norfolk. It also gave the girls a chance to learn a little bit more about the project.
The girls putting candidates under the grill included Kim and Elizabeth from Kerrier Rangers and Zara, 14 and Emma and Emma, 14, from Camborne Share Project. Zara and Emma has not been involved in guiding before and said they enjoyed being part of the decision-making process. 'It was fun and interesting to know that what we put into the interview was taken into consideration,' said Zara.
The successful candidate was Heather Lawry. Heather works as a Detached Youth Worker in the Camborne area, which means meeting young people like Zara and Emma out in the neighbourhood where they live.
Being on the SWITCH interview panel with young women that are already members really opened Zara and Emma's eyes as to what guiding had to offer. 'They didn't realise there are lots of opportunities for young women within guiding.' says Heather.
'As a detached youth worker,' Heather explains, 'it's not about young people coming to a youth club. Our main aim is to go out to meet up with groups of young people where they hang out and see if we can build a relationship with them.'
'She is excited about the opportunities that SWITCH will be able to offer. 'I think the residentials are especially appealing, getting off the estate and just being away from the lads really. The boys tend to take over so they felt it would be very nice to do something that was just for them, without any of the lads around taking the mickey.'
If you would like more information about SWITCH in the South West, you can contact us for more information at switch@girlguiding.org.uk .
