focus

How diverse is your team?

Time to bring in fresh ideasGet away!

How InternationalFellowships

can help you

The magazine for

volunteer managers in ScoutingJune/July 2009

Focus

SUPPORTING

Introducing Wayne Bulpitt,

our first UK Chief Commissioner

SUPPORTING

Introducing Wayne Bulpitt, Introducing Wayne Bulpitt,

our first UK Chief CommissionerBETTER SCOUTING

scouts.org.uk/focus

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focus_6709.indd 2 15/5/09 13:06:28

Welcome

3scouts.org.uk/focus


scouts.org.uk

June and July is when Scouting really moves outdoors. While you’re tracking down last year’s sun screen or tightening guy ropes at your first summer

camp, Ben Storrar invites you to look wider still

There’s already an exciting start to the summer as we welcome in Bear Grylls,

our next Chief Scout and Wayne Bulpitt, our new UK Chief Commissioner. I’m

sure you will offer them both your full support in their new roles.

And what better way to continue than with some international Scouting?

Ideas for camps (at all levels) and trips always seem better against the backdrop

of summer. Be surprised by the continuing global appeal and possibilities

of Scouting on page 8.

A word of thanks Hopefully a brand new appointment card arrived in your last issue of Scouting. We issue appointment cards partly to recognise the time and commitment of

adults in Scouting. Why not add your personal thanks to leaders when you see

them?

Elsewhere, the appointment process continues to bed in across the UK while

we also focus on training, diversity and Network, with articles on a range

of issues – all designed to help you as managers in Scouting.

Keep me up to dateAs always, I want to hear about your experiences at [email protected].

For news, links and other useful information for managers in Scouting, drop

in on www.scouts.org.uk

Bright horizons

Your Adult Support TeamMark Flexman, UK Adviser for Adults in Scouting, Ben Storrar, Programme and Development Adviser (Adults in Scouting)Contact them at:[email protected] [email protected]@scout.org.uk

Adult Support TeamThe Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford;London E4 7QW; Tel: 0845 300 1818

ADVERTISINGSenior Sales Executive: Tom [email protected] Tel: 020 8962 1258

County: Although in some parts of the British Isles Scout Counties are known as Areas or Islands - and in one case Bailiwick - for ease of reading this publication simply refers to County/Counties. In Scotland there is no direct equivalent to County or Area. In Scotland, Scouting is organised into Districts and Regions, each with distinct responsibilities. Some ‘County’ functions are the responsibility of Scottish Regions, whilst others lie with Scottish Districts. The focus of responsibility is outlined in Scottish variations from POR.

4 Let’s work together Why our new UK Chief Commissioner is looking forward with optimism

6 Variety showsA look at the benefi ts and challenges of managing a diverse team

8 Get away! A closer look at International

Scout Fellowships and how Network Russia is supporting young people from Middles-borough to Moscow

10 Taking the leadHow much do young people themselves shape Network in your patch? Network ... Taking the Lead can help turn things around

12 Training for success Why is it that adult training works better in some areas than others? A recent survey highlights some simple learning points

14 Welcome news A catch up on the appointment process and some practical support if you’re running behind

BE PART OF IT!

Good luck with your Big Adventure – don’t forget to tell us about your event at [email protected] Check www.scouts.org.uk/thebigadventure to find out what others are doing.

In Focus

focus_6709.indd 3 15/5/09 13:06:38

Welcome



scouts.org.uk

June and July is when Scouting really moves outdoors. While you’re tracking down last year’s sun screen or tightening guy ropes at your first summer

camp, Ben Storrar invites you to look wider still

There’s already an exciting start to the summer as we welcome in Bear Grylls,

our next Chief Scout and Wayne Bulpitt, our new UK Chief Commissioner. I’m

sure you will offer them both your full support in their new roles.

And what better way to continue than with some international Scouting?

Ideas for camps (at all levels) and trips always seem better against the backdrop

of summer. Be surprised by the continuing global appeal and possibilities

of Scouting on page 8.

A word of thanks Hopefully a brand new appointment card arrived in your last issue of Scouting. We issue appointment cards partly to recognise the time and commitment of

adults in Scouting. Why not add your personal thanks to leaders when you see

them?

Elsewhere, the appointment process continues to bed in across the UK while

we also focus on training, diversity and Network, with articles on a range

of issues – all designed to help you as managers in Scouting.

Keep me up to dateAs always, I want to hear about your experiences at [email protected].

For news, links and other useful information for managers in Scouting, drop

in on www.scouts.org.uk

Bright horizons

Your Adult Support TeamMark Flexman, UK Adviser for Adults in Scouting, Ben Storrar, Programme and Development Adviser (Adults in Scouting)Contact them at:[email protected] [email protected]@scout.org.uk

Adult Support TeamThe Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford;London E4 7QW; Tel: 0845 300 1818

ADVERTISINGSenior Sales Executive: Tom [email protected] Tel: 020 8962 1258

County: Although in some parts of the British Isles Scout Counties are known as Areas or Islands - and in one case Bailiwick - for ease of reading this publication simply refers to County/Counties. In Scotland there is no direct equivalent to County or Area. In Scotland, Scouting is organised into Districts and Regions, each with distinct responsibilities. Some ‘County’ functions are the responsibility of Scottish Regions, whilst others lie with Scottish Districts. The focus of responsibility is outlined in Scottish variations from POR.

4 Let’s work together Why our new UK Chief Commissioner is looking forward with optimism

6 Variety showsA look at the benefi ts and challenges of managing a diverse team

8 Get away! A closer look at International

Scout Fellowships and how Network Russia is supporting young people from Middlesbrough to Moscow

10 Taking the leadHow much do young people themselves shape Network in your patch? Network ... Taking the Lead can help turn things around

12 Training for success Why is it that adult training works better in some areas than others? A recent survey highlights some simple learning points

14 Welcome news A catch up on the appointment process and some practical support if you’re running behind

BE PART OF IT!

Good luck with your Big Adventure – don’t forget to tell us about your event at [email protected] Check www.scouts.org.uk/thebigadventure to find out what others are doing.

In Focus

focus_6709.indd 3 18/5/09 17:28:30

4 Focus June/July 2009

‘I believe that we can be professional without losing sight of the fact that this is our hobby. Having fun along the way is very important!’

These are exciting times for Scouting: a new Chief Scout and, for the first time, a UK Chief Commissioner in Wayne Bulpitt. It’s a powerful combination. But how does it feel to be leading a team of national volunteers and what advice does he have for other managers in Scouting? Chris James finds out

W ayne is no stranger to big challenges.

A Trustee of The Scout Association since

2001, he also has extensive experience

of managing adults. He has overall

responsibility for volunteer leadership in the Association,

and in particular Chief Commissioners, UK Commissioners

and the International Commissioner. But, we will discover,

he has not forgotten what it’s like being a local volunteer

manager coping with a variety of local issues.

What’s the best way to support volunteers? As a manager in Scouting, I’m somebody to bounce ideas

off, somebody to provide good support should they need

it, perhaps for a meeting or particular activity and to

provide honest feedback from time to time. Most

importantly I hope to have regular contact, both informal

and formal, as well as building an effective team through

meetings and interaction. I believe that we can be

professional without losing sight of the fact that this is our

hobby. Having fun along the way is very important!

What are the big challenges facing Scouting today? Probably the biggest single challenge is the number

of young people presently waiting to join us. I’m also

concerned that of the adults who volunteered to help us

last year over 30 per cent received no response to their

offer. I hope to promote greater flexibility starting with the

example of the joint appointment of Bear and myself.

Where are the areas we need to concentrate our resources? In reality, more people will enjoy this hobby of ours if we

provide more effective support for our line managers. One

way to do this is to focus our resources on the recruitment,

development and support of people that will themselves

enjoy managing other adults as their hobby.

What would you say to a manager in Scouting who is demotivated?I am sure we all feel like this from time to time. I have

certainly had my moments dealing with a dispute or sat in

a meeting thinking how much nicer it looks outside. In the

short term, I always find it good to remember why my

Let’s work together

focus_6709.indd 4 15/5/09 13:06:55

UK Chief Commissioner

Let’s work together

hobby is so important to me, namely, the immense

benefits it brings to young people.

Often I think we get sidetracked by internal politics or

detail and lose sight of what Scouting is really about.

If the demotivation continues then it is almost certain that

you are in the wrong role and that a conversation with

your line manager is overdue. We should also not be

frightened to take a break from time to time.

Will you be looking for best practice outside The Scout Association and bring in external expertise? There’s a huge number of good ideas in the Movement

and I am hoping to promote these first. But working with

others is beneficial too. One example is Project YOU, an

initiative led by the Metropolitan Police and which the

Association is working closely with The Prince’s Trust and

other youth organisations. If successful in London, there

are plans to roll it out across the UK with Scouting at the

forefront.

Where is Scouting going? Scouting is at its most successful where we have

motivated leaders delivering exciting activities to young

people. Fortunately, we have lots of these – but we need

to stay motivated and well supported. We presently enjoy

a high public profile, an excellent programme and a range

of activities that is second to none. As we look forward

to the next 10 years I want us to work towards a

Movement where every single young person who wants

to join Scouting, can. I also want us to welcome and

support every suitable adult who wants to get involved in

our great work.

See page 23 of the June/July issue of Scouting to find out more about Wayne. You can email Wayne at [email protected] or write to him at The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford, E4 7QW

scouts.org.uk/focus 5

more info

focus_6709.indd 5 15/5/09 13:07:14


Variety showsScouting relies on groups of adults who work

effectively together as a team. In fact, there are

not many, if any, roles in Scouting that work in

isolation. It is easy to have an insider perspective

when we belong to a group, because ‘I fit in’ and ‘I am

comfortable’. The danger with this is that we assume that

other people (those on the outside) would feel the same.

When we look at the groups we belong to how much

variety is there in terms of age, perspectives, ethnicity,

religion and so on? Not only is the question important

because we want to make sure we are welcoming and

inclusive of all people but because a diverse team is an

enriched team. People with different backgrounds, skills,

attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and insights.

We should therefore be actively seeking to make our

teams diverse believing that the differences the individuals

bring will make it more effective.

Breaking from the past Sometimes we are so used to seeing a particular person fill

a particular role, that we can find that we fill a vacancy

with the same kind of person. Over time, there is a danger

that we also find ourselves believing that a certain type of

person is best suited to the role. These subtle perceptions,

which are sometimes hard to identify even within

ourselves, can limit recruitment and the way we value

people.

To help us overcome this natural bias it is useful to

review your recruitment strategy.

Look at:

• usingadiverseteamtorecruittotheposition

• youractions–areyoureadytowelcomenewand

different people?

• theplaceswhereyoucommunicate-whataudience

is it reaching?

• themessages,languageandtermsyouuse–

focus_6709.indd 6 15/5/09 13:07:27


Variety shows Claire Welch looks at the benefits of managing a diverse team and

finds out why it’s not as surprising as it might be to meet a 25-year-old

Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Fellowship)

are they accessible and welcoming to all?

• theimages–dotheyportraythediversityinScouting?

A surprising appointment? IcaughtupwithSarahJones,whoattheageof25took

ontheroleofAssistantCountyCommissioner(ACC)-

ScoutFellowship,tofindoutherviewsonthissubject.

‘It is perhaps seen as unusual for someone my age to be an ACC (Scout Fellowship). People do appear surprised when I tell them and often make jokes. But to me the role fits my skills and interests. I feel that I am a valued member on my County team, that my background, age and experience help me to offer a useful perspective’.

Whenconsideringwhypeopletakeoncertainroles

withinScouting,itishelpfultoconcentrateontheirideas,

talentandinterests,ratherthantheirage,gender

orexperience.Thebestteamsaremadeupofavariety

ofpeopleandScoutingisnoexception.

Our challenge UsingSarahasanexampleisnottosaythatallACC(Scout

Fellowships)shouldorshouldn’tbeyoungbuttosimply

challengeourownperceptions.It’simportantthatwegive

rolestopeopleontheirownmerits,otherwiseourown

constraintsandprejudicescanlimitthem,andus.

Weneedtoalsorecognisethatgettingtherightperson

fortherole,isalsoaboutgettingtherightperson

forourteam.

So,let’schallengeourselvesandthinkwider

whenwerecruittoourteams.Wecanallbenefitfrom

theenrichmentoftherangeofskills,experiences

andperspectivesthatcomeswithhaving

adiverseteam.

Diverse teams

focus_6709.indd 7 15/5/09 13:07:43


Fly away Destinations covered by International Fellowships include:• Africa• Russia• Arabian Peninsula• Serbia• Montenegro• Kandersteg International Scout Centre,

Switzerland

A group of leaders are planning a summer adventure abroad. As a manager in Scouting, would you be able to help them? Fortunately there are people around the UK only too willing to offer you active support and advice

a cross the United Kingdom there are seven

national Fellowships offering support to

anyone in Scouting wanting an international

adventure. Whether it’s a summer camp for

Scouts, an Explorer Belt Expedition or a service visit for

Scout Network, they are there to help.

As well as planning advice and local knowledge,

International Fellowships also provide programme material

and resources. Typically, they also have well established

links to other groups in other countries. This means that

the Beavers and Cubs can also share in the adventure as

part of their balanced programme or even the

International Group Award.

First hand knowledge The close links nurtured by the Fellowships mean that

each one is well placed to be able to share a wealth of first

hand knowledge, advice and local information with the

planning team.

And if you don’t think your Groups can manage a visit

abroad, International Fellowships can help bring the world

to you. Remember Operation Ho Ho – the Home

Hospitality Programme from the 2007 World Scout

Jamboree? International Fellowships have been actively

promoting, and supporting exchanges with foreign Scouts

and their leaders for many years, offering Groups, Districts

and Counties very different summer adventure at home.

Case study: Network RussiaAs the name implies, this Fellowship provides assistance to

Groups, Districts and Counties wishing to travel to Russia.

Get away!

focus_6709.indd 8 15/5/09 13:07:54


Fly away Destinations covered by International Fellowships include:• Africa• Russia• Arabian Peninsula• Serbia• Montenegro• Kandersteg International Scout Centre,

Switzerland

A group of leaders are planning a summer adventure abroad. As a manager in Scouting, would you be able to help them? Fortunately there are people around the UK only too willing to offer you active support and advice

a cross the United Kingdom there are seven

national Fellowships offering support to

anyone in Scouting wanting an international

adventure. Whether it’s a summer camp for

Scouts, an Explorer Belt Expedition or a service visit for

Scout Network, they are there to help.

As well as planning advice and local knowledge,

International Fellowships also provide programme material

and resources. Typically, they also have well established

links to other groups in other countries. This means that

the Beavers and Cubs can also share in the adventure

as part of their balanced programme or even the

International Friendship Partnership Award.

First hand knowledge The close links nurtured by the Fellowships mean that

each one is well placed to be able to share a wealth of first

hand knowledge, advice and local information with the

planning team.

And if you don’t think your Groups can manage a visit

abroad, International Fellowships can help bring the world

to you. Remember Operation Ho Ho – the Home

Hospitality Programme from the 2007 World Scout

Jamboree? International Fellowships have been actively

promoting, and supporting exchanges with foreign Scouts

and their leaders for many years, offering Groups, Districts

and Counties very different summer adventures at home.

Case study: Network RussiaAs the name implies, this Fellowship provides assistance to

Groups, Districts and Counties wishing to travel to Russia.

Get away!

focus_6709.indd 8 18/5/09 17:29:22

scouts.org.uk/shop01903 766 921

SCOUTSHOPS

EQUIPPED FOR ADVENTURE

N

S

International

Further information and contacts for the International Fellowships can be found at www.scouts.org.uk/fellowship

more info

As part of these types of events it can also provide ad-hoc

training sessions for groups of Scouts and leaders, or be

part of a larger training group. Each Fellowship can tailor

the support needed to the Group, District or County and

each year the range of different adventures varies from

study visits to expeditions and jamborees.

Every year Network Russia conducts a winter expedition

to Losovo, north of St. Petersburg on the frozen Lake

Ladoga were young people can experience conditions not

likely to be encountered in the UK or more southern

European countries. For those Explorer Scouts and Scout

Network working towards their Duke of Edinburgh or the

service element of the Queen’s Scout Award, service visits

offer a unique opportunity to work in foreign countries,

meet local people whilst making a positive difference to

local communities. This experience, offered by some of the

International Fellowships is also open to adults, who are

looking for a different summer adventure.

Two major visits to orphanages south of Moscow have

been mounted in the past five years. These visits tend to

last for just over two weeks and there is also the

opportunity of extending the friendships to a more

individual level by maintaining contact with the

orphanages, children and staff. In 2007, during one of

these visits, the members of the groups, made up of

Explorer Scouts and leaders from all over the UK, carried

gift boxes packed by a Scout Group in Kingston-on-

Thames under the Gifts for Peace programme.

These were distributed to the children at two

orphanages as Christmas presents and we know that they

would really have been appreciated since many of these

children do not enjoy the gift-giving processes that we

have here in the UK and in many cases simply don’t have

any personal possessions at all. It’s hard to visualise and

has to be seen to be really appreciated.

The Big Adventure PenItem code: 1026913

£1This is multi-function item, including liquid capsule and jewel bearing compass card. The ruler measures in cm and the thermometer in Celcius.

Scout TowelItem code: 1024948

£13 Recta Comet Keyring/ Compass/ ThermometerItem code: 1026835

RRP £10.99

£9.95

i.SCOUT Polo ShirtsItem code: 1026117R

£11.74 i.SCOUT T-ShirtsItem code: 1026102R

£7.83

Made from 100% cotton, this is ideal for any camping trip or holiday. Size: 153x75cm

This year’s big event is The Big Adventure. Take a note of the names of your new recruits with this branded pen!

Get ready for summer with the i.SCOUT clothing and souvenirs. The polo shirts come in black, orange and purple, the t-shirts in the same colours and also in kiwi. Sizes are S-XXL, XXXL (Black only).

All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland).

focus_6709.indd 9 15/5/09 13:08:08

scouts.org.uk/shop01903 766 921

SCOUTSHOPS

EQUIPPED FOR ADVENTURE

N

S

International

Further information and contacts for the International Fellowships can be found at www.scouts.org.uk/fellowship

more info

As part of these types of events it can also provide ad-hoc

training sessions for groups of Scouts and leaders, or be

part of a larger training group. Each Fellowship can tailor

the support needed to the Group, District or County and

each year the range of different adventures varies from

study visits to expeditions and jamborees.

Every year Network Russia conducts a winter expedition

to Losovo, north of St. Petersburg on the frozen Lake

Ladoga where young people can experience conditions

not likely to be encountered in the UK or more southern

European countries. For those Explorer Scouts and Scout

Network working towards their Duke of Edinburgh or the

service element of the Queen’s Scout Award, service visits

offer a unique opportunity to work in foreign countries,

meet local people whilst making a positive difference to

local communities. This experience, offered by some of the

International Fellowships is also open to adults, who are

looking for a different summer adventure.

Two major visits to orphanages south of Moscow have

been mounted in the past five years. These visits tend to

last for just over two weeks and there is also the

opportunity of extending the friendships to a more

individual level by maintaining contact with the

orphanages, children and staff. In 2007, during one of

these visits, the members of the groups, made up of

Explorer Scouts and leaders from all over the UK, carried

gift boxes packed by a Scout Group in Kingston upon

Thames under the Gifts for Peace programme.

These were distributed to the children at two

orphanages as Christmas presents and we know that they

would really have been appreciated since many of these

children do not enjoy the gift-giving processes that we

have here in the UK and in many cases simply don’t have

any personal possessions at all. It’s hard to visualise and

has to be seen to be really appreciated.

The Big Adventure PenItem code: 1026913

£1This is multi-function item, including liquid capsule and jewel bearing compass card. The ruler measures in cm and the thermometer in Celcius.

Scout TowelItem code: 1024948

£13 Recta Comet Keyring/ Compass/ ThermometerItem code: 1026835

RRP £10.99

£9.95

i.SCOUT Polo ShirtsItem code: 1026117R

£11.74 i.SCOUT T-ShirtsItem code: 1026102R

£7.83

Made from 100% cotton, this is ideal for any camping trip or holiday. Size: 153x75cm

This year’s big event is The Big Adventure. Take a note of the names of your new recruits with this branded pen!

Get ready for summer with the i.SCOUT clothing and souvenirs. The polo shirts come in black, orange and purple, the t-shirts in the same colours and also in kiwi. Sizes are S-XXL, XXXL (Black only).

All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland).

focus_6709.indd 9 18/5/09 17:29:52


Taking the LeadThis we know – lots of Network members are

also local leaders or instructors in their County.

Many others take on additional responsibilities,

such as being a member of the District/County

Executive Committees which can, in many cases, be a

daunting task. Inevitably, this leaves limited time to fit

everything in.

Scout Network is run by its members for its members,

with the support of a leadership team. However, even

with this support, Network members still need additional

training to help them understand the workings of their

own Executive Committee and also of a District/County

Executive Committee.

Practical support Scout Network ... Taking the Lead has been developed to

help promote the active participation of Network

members in the day-to-day running of their section. It also

gives support to those who participate in other forms of

representing the Network. The resource helps members

develop life long skills and can be used as part of the Skills

and Development Self Development Area.

It is important that Network members involved in

decision making at a local, District and County level

remember that the County has overall responsibility for the

section’s provision. Members need to be represented and

are given the correct tools to enable them to have their say

with confidence.

What’s inside? In a nutshell, the resource will help leaders and

commissioners support Network members in building up

their leadership skills.

Not everyone is clear about the role of Network members in determining their own programme and activities. Fortunately the resource Scout Network . . . Taking the Lead should provide the answers – and help build member’s skills

focus_6709.indd 10 15/5/09 13:08:18


Scout Network

For your copy of Scout Network . . . Taking the Lead please visit: www.scouts.org.uk/takingthelead

If you have any queries or would like the Scout Network team to support and run a Taking the Lead training weekend please contact us at [email protected]

more info

Taking the Lead

The resource is divided into four sections:

• Being a Scout Network member

• Building skills outside Scout Network

• Being on the Network committee

• The extras

It is made up of various modules which are all closely

linked with the Adult Training Scheme. If a Network

member completes modules within Taking the Lead this

can be used within the validation section of the Adult

Training modules.

Training weekends Scout Network ... Taking the Lead was launched at the

2008/9 round of the Development, Advice and Support

days. Following this we have presented a number of

Taking the Lead training weekends from the North East

to South London with positive feedback from all involved.

During these weekends we have involved the County

Training Managers who have come along to gain a better

understanding of the Scout Network section. This has

helped them support the training of Scout Network

Leaders and Commissioners as well as appreciate Network

members and their involvement in the running of the

section.

‘Taking the Lead is great for building up a Network Training Weekend especially for those who don’t have many links with Network - and adding in the imagination of lead trainers and County Training Managers it just gets better and better!’Steve Brownless, Humberside

‘Following the training weekend at Bradley Wood we went back into our County and began re-energising Scout Network. Using the resources from Taking the Lead enabled us to put in place an effective County Scout Network Committee. Since November it has met regularly and worked together to move Scout Network forward. Our numbers have grown by around 40 members taking our total to over 70. Talking to people from other Counties really helped. We were able to share best practice and the resource backed this up. It meant we had the tools to do what we needed.’ Phil Bennett, North Yorkshire

focus_6709.indd 11 18/5/09 17:30:50


L et’s be honest, how many of your

learners complete their training? Many

Training Managers are concerned about

the motivation of learners and rightly so.

While many complete their training in good time,

there seems to be a number who do not. Why is

this?

When learners are new, there is usually a push

to get them started on training. Getting Started

training is often locally delivered and learners are

encouraged to complete it in order to obtain their

full appointments. But what happens to the

encouragement and support after this?

Where things go rightIf you look at Districts and Groups where learners

are motivated, some key actions are taking place:

• District Commissioners and Group Scout

Leaders are regularly reviewing where the

volunteers are in their training

• Encouragement and support for learners to

complete their training is coming from Group

Scout Leaders and the District Team

• Completion of modules and Wood Badges are

highlighted as achievements in Groups

• Districts and Training Managers are working

together to ensure leaders are well trained.

If we all work on this next year a lot more than

the current 55 per cent of the training managers

will be happy with their links with Districts in

encouraging learners to complete.

What about Training Advisers? In most places we could do with more

Training Advisers. The feedback from

over 80 per cent of learners is that

their Training Adviser is useful and

motivates them. As you would

expect, many Training Managers

have the recruitment of Training

Advisers high on their action plans.

But could you help recruit more?

After all, District and Groups are

best placed to know local adults.

Things you could do to help might be:

• encouraging people to think about

the role of Training Adviser

• selling the benefits locally of people

being Training Advisers

(it has a direct impact

A recent national report on adult training has drawn some interesting conclusions. Focus looks at what these findings could mean for District teams and Group Scout Leaders

Training for success

focus_6709.indd 12 15/5/09 13:08:48


Adult training

Remember, we train our adults so that they deliver the best quality Scouting for our young people. We can all help in achieving this. For more information contact the Adult Support team at [email protected]

more info

on our ability to provide good

quality local Scouting)

• encouraging and recognising

the Training Advisers you have.

Often Districts would like to

have more training delivered

locally, but most training teams

are just not big enough to

achieve this. Many Training

Managers are looking to grow

their training teams to provide

better and more flexible support

for learning.

Where are the trainers going

to come from? You’ve guessed

it, the Districts and Groups

again. Think of the benefits of

having someone locally in the

training team who can help

with local delivery. You can

help the training managers

achieve this by thinking about

the following:

• Are there people in your District who deliver

training at work?

• Are there people who are good at presenting?

• Would someone you know possibly enjoy

helping other adults learn in Scouting?

• Could you encourage them to think about

delivering training in Scouting?

Your Training Manager will help potential

trainers work towards and gain validations

for the necessary trainer modules. With larger

training teams, more flexible training

can be delivered.

Training for success

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Welcome news

A sking the right question in the right way is the best

way to ensure adults in Scouting are using their time

and skills effectively. As we’ve explained in previous

issues of Focus, October 2008 saw the introduction

of a new appointment process around the country. The new

process was devised by a volunteer and staff team, trialled

around the country and aims to make sure all adults are

appointed appropriately. As line managers in Scouting, we need

your help to make this happen.

As you may know, all Counties must be using the new

appointment process by 5 October 2009. Encouragingly, the

feedback we’ve had since last October, suggests that most of

you are finding the change to be simple and the accompanying

training (Module 37) easy to run.

But why is the change necessary?To make sure that we appoint people in the right way, we have

identified that the process needs to be:

• easy to understand

• simple to operate

• efficient

• welcoming and non threatening

• robust (in ensuring adequate checks happen)

• effective (in placing people in appropriate roles).

What needs to be in place by 5 October?There are three steps towards making the transition to the

appointment process to give you something to aim for:

• Appointment of an Appointments Secretary (this might be

your existing Appointments Secretary)

• Completion of Module 37 training

• First applicant receiving a provisional appointment under the

new process.

What is the process for transition?Many Counties/Districts have already let us know that they have

completed their Module 37 training and started to appoint

Getting more adults into Scouting and keeping them has been a challenge for the last century, says Ben Storrar. In this update on the appointment process project, he suggests that the way we welcome and appoint adults to Scouting roles is key to making this happen

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Appointing adults

AT A GLANCE • Individual Districts can ‘move over’ ahead of

others in their County, providing the County Commissioner is aware of it.

• The new appointment process includes new and amended roles. The Appointments Secretary role for example, has changed considerably: the use of the Member Admin area at www.scout.org.uk/appointment for example is now a key part.

• You can use the ‘old’ (pink) AA forms until you are using the new process, or until 5 October. From October, all Counties and Districts must be using the ‘new’ (blue) form.

• Within the next few weeks, we will be contacting all Counties who have not yet started to use the new process to offer support to ensure that all Counties are able to transfer to the new process by 5 October.

• From October 2009, the new appointment process will be the only supported way to appoint adults in Scouting and the previous process will no longer be available.

Welcome news people in the new roles. County Commissioners (or

nominated person) need to co-ordinate their responses,

making sure that they work with the County Training

Manager to ensure Module 37 training courses take place.

Once they are sure that enough people are in place, we ask

that they email [email protected] to let us know that

they have made progress.

Where can I find support?There are a number of support materials (including five books)

on the appointment process to help explain how to make the

transition. These can be downloaded free from www.scouts.

org.uk/appointment or ordered (as photocopied, print to

order resources from the Scout Information Centre).

The Appointment Process Implementation Team of staff

and volunteers are also there to provide the County

Commissioner with any support required in getting their

County onto the new process. This may mean an explanation

of the process, assistance with explaining the changes or help

with the new training module. We can only help if asked, so

please email [email protected]

For more information on the appointment process, visit

www.scouts.org.uk/appointment, email appointment.

[email protected] or contact the Scout Information

Centre.

focus_6709.indd 15 15/5/09 13:09:33


Appointing adults

AT A GLANCE • Individual Districts can ‘move over’ ahead of

others in their County, providing the County Commissioner is aware of it.

• The new appointment process includes new and amended roles. The Appointments Secretary role for example, has changed considerably: the use of the Member Admin area at www.scout.org.uk/appointment is now a key part.

• You can use the ‘old’ (pink) AA forms until you are using the new process, or until 5 October. From October, all Counties and Districts must be using the ‘new’ (blue) form.

• Within the next few weeks, we will be contacting all Counties who have not yet started to use the new process to offer support to ensure that all Counties are able to transfer to the new process by 5 October.

• From October 2009, the new appointment process will be the only supported way to appoint adults in Scouting and the previous process will no longer be available.

Welcome news people in the new roles. County Commissioners (or

nominated person) need to co-ordinate their responses,

making sure that they work with the County Training

Manager to ensure Module 37 training courses take place.

Once they are sure that enough people are in place, we ask

that they email [email protected] to let us know that

they have made progress.

Where can I find support?There are a number of support materials (including five books)

on the appointment process to help explain how to make the

transition. These can be downloaded free from www.scouts.

org.uk/appointment or ordered (as photocopied, print to

order resources from the Scout Information Centre).

The Appointment Process Implementation Team of staff

and volunteers are also there to provide the County

Commissioner with any support required in getting their

County onto the new process. This may mean an explanation

of the process, assistance with explaining the changes or help

with the new training module. We can only help if asked, so

please email [email protected]

For more information on the appointment process,

visit www.scouts.org.uk/appointment, email appointment.

[email protected] or contact the Scout Information

Centre.

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OBC_FOCUS_Scouting_JuneJuly09.indd 6 13/5/09 12:54:22

focus

Documents

issue of scouting

chief scout

members of scouting

possibilities of scouting

international scouting

wayne bulpitt

uk adviser

uk chief commissionerbetter