focus

CAN PARENTS

TRANSFORM SCOUTING?TRANSFORM SCOUTING?

Getting new adults involved – and keeping them

scouts.org.uk/focus

The magazine for volunteer managers in Scouting

August/September 2010FocusPlan of actionMake the most of

Scout Active Support

Let’s talkLook out –

Headquarters is heading your way

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 1 08/07/2010 16:27

Welcome

3scouts.org.uk/focus

Embracing change

4 Let’s get togetherYour chance to discuss the future of Scouting in person and local to you

6 Think big!Be ready to respond to offers of help after this year’s Big Adventure

7 Group therapy News on a learning package to help Group Scout Leaders get to grips with their role

8 Plan of actionAgreeing a service agreement with Scout Active Support

10 Insurance? Snow jokeMake sure your property and equipment is insured in good time for winter

12 Keeping children safeSome Q & As on the new safe-guarding training

14 NewsCatch up on the latest news – including a free open day for District Commissioners at Gilwell Park

15 From parents to volunteers Are you promoting the parent pack? Over 300,000 copies are already in use

CREATE YOUR OWN SCOUT POSTERS AND FLYERS The Scout Association’s brand centre now has an expanded range of templates for you to adapt, print and use. Find out how to access them and lots more materials including video and Word templates at www.scouts.org.uk/brand

In Focus

Your Adult Support TeamMark Flexman, UK Adviser for Adults in Scouting, Paulina Sekrecka, Programme and Development Adviser (Diversity)Contact them at:[email protected] [email protected]

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

ADVERTISINGRichard Ellacott [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.

Nothing stands still for long, says new Focus editor Paulina Sekrecka. This

issue looks at some changes and new opportunities that may impact your work as managers

First – a word of introduction, my name is Paulina and my main role is

Programme and Development Adviser for Diversity. I’m really pleased to be

editing this edition of Focus. As ever, it’s packed with information, tips and

advice that will help you tackle some potential challenges.

We start by looking at this year’s regional events and some of the

opportunities they provide. We also hear from Rosie Shepherd who explains

what roles parents can take on after a Big Adventure event.

A plan of action Need extra support? Laura McManus looks at a service agreement as a plan of

action for Scout Active Support Units. Meanwhile, Steve Reeves provides you

with some information on the new safeguarding training. We also remind you

about The No-nonsense Parents’ Guide to Scouting as an example of a great

resource supporting the recruitment of new volunteers.

Your feedback pleaseYour thoughts on management issues and suggestions for articles are always

welcome. Please send them to [email protected]

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 3 08/07/2010 16:27

Let’s get together

Face-to-face meetings remain the best form of

communication in Scouting – but only when used

effectively. Wayne Bulpitt, Sam Marks and Steve Peck

invite you to take this opportunity to join us and shape

Scouting’s future

Following on from the success

of last year’s National

Conference, Group Scout

Leader and District

Commissioner forums and the series of

Development, Advice and Support

Days, we are pleased to share more

information with you about this year’s

regional events.

Weekend workshopsDuring the autumn of 2010 and the

spring of 2011, we will be running a

series of weekend workshops. These

will take place in Wales, Scotland,

Northern Ireland and the eight English

Regions. The events aim to provide

targeted support and information to

Group Scout Leaders, District

Commissioners and Supporter roles as

well as giving us an opportunity to

hear your views on where we should

be focusing resources.

Group Scout Leaders and District Commissioners’ Forums The purpose of these workshops is twofold.

They are an opportunity to hear from the UK

Chief Commissioner on the work to-date on

our Vision Towards 2018 and to help shape

the future work and support. Further details

on the vision can be found at

www.scouts.org.uk/2018

Secondly, this is an excellent opportunity

to have your say about how Headquarters’

services and the support you receive should

develop over the next few years. It is part of

our commitment to get better at listening to

the Movement – so please come and join us.

Offering larger events also means that we

will provide you with more tailored workshop

opportunities, networking potential and a

great all round experience.

Development Advice and Support DaysThese workshops are for Supporters in

Scouting (Sectional ACCs, ACC Activities and

International and Training Managers).

The day provides an opportunity to engage

4 Focus August/September 2010

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 4 08/07/2010 16:27

www.scout.org.uk/forums (for Group Scout Leaders and District Commissioners Forums)www.scout.org.uk/supportdays (for Development Advice and Support Days).

Regional events


with UK Headquarters staff and volunteers

and receive up to date briefings on UK

wide developments. It is an

opportunity to look at regional growth

and development and share in work

that is relevant to the real needs of the

Movement.

Event details Over the coming months you will be

receiving further information sent

directly to you about the events relevant

to your role. In the meantime, if you

require further details, want to find out

where your nearest event is being held or

to make a provisional booking then

please visit:

We look forward to seeing you there.

Wayne Bulpitt is UK Chief CommissionerSteve Peck is Director Of Programme and Development for The Scout AssociationSamantha Mark is Programme and Development Adviser (Adult Training)

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 5 08/07/2010 16:27


Think big!With The Big Adventure underway this summer

it’s time to think about what roles parents can take

on after the event. Rosie Shepherd has some ideas

for you…

We know many parents involved in the Big

Adventure will go on to help out in their

child’s section or Group. However this is

not always be the case. Some parents

prefer to help out in other ways, and might be put in

contact with you.

Parents will not always know how they can help,

although their Big Adventure experience could have given

them some ideas. Thinking in advance about what needs

doing in your Group, District or County, and what

commitment those roles involve, will help you to make

best use of any offers of help.

Helping in another sectionSome parents may be willing to help out

in a section. This could be with a different

age range to their child’s or in a different

Group. It’s important to know which local

Groups would welcome this kind

of help.

Working with adultsHelping Scouting doesn’t have

to mean working with young

people, and some parents

may prefer a role which

involves working with other

adults. Many roles, such as

on the Executive

Committee, the

Appointments Advisory

Committee, or administrator

roles have a direct impact on Scouting but involve working

mainly with other adults rather than young people.

Flexible volunteeringIncreasingly, people are looking for flexible volunteering

opportunities that fit around their work and family lives.

Perhaps you need someone to help with fundraising,

become a Training Adviser, or organise a particular event.

There are many similar roles, formal or informal, which

allow people to have more control over when they give

their time. A local Scout Active Support Unit may be able

to offer just the right mix of flexibility, opportunity

and support.

More information and your feedback For more information on The Big Adventure, visit

www.scouts.org.uk/thebigadventure

Whether or not you have taken part this year, you can

help us to provide even better support

next year by giving us feedback.

Visit the ‘Contact Us’ section of

The Big Adventure website to take

part in the survey, and have the

chance to win £230 worth

of camping equipment or

a free weekend’s camping

at one of our Scout

Activity Centres.

All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland). www.scouts.org.uk/shop

01903 766 921

fo

Arrowhead Flashing ScarfRef 1027389

£12

Campfire Flashing ScarfRef 1027614

£12

A fun woggle that can be worn round the campfire this summer. Multi-coloured image of a glowing campfire and goes with the scarf.Material: Leather

Choose from two flashing scarves, the arrowhead or campfire designs. Great for wearing at night, easy on/off switch. Size: Adult

Great savings in time for summer camp. Save £5 on men’s and women’s activity shorts.Sizes: Men’s 26”-46” waistWomen’s 8-26

Available in four colours, the i.Scout polo shirt is great for wearing on a campsite. A full range of new items is available on our website.Colours: Black, tangerine, purple, fuchsiaSizes Black S-XXXL, tangerine, purple S-XXLfuchsia 8-14

Men’s Activity Shorts Women’s Activity Shorts Ref Men’s 1006973R Women’s 1006992R

Men’s 26” and 28” £13 all other sizes £15 while stocks last.

i.Scout Polo ShirtRef 1027022R

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Campfire WoggleRef 1027194

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A fun woggle that can be worn round the campfire this summer. Cut as the arrowhead shape, and goes with the scarf.Material: Leather

Arrowhead WoggleRef 1027196

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Sale

Spare batteries available (pack of 2)Ref 1027403

£1

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 6 08/07/2010 16:27

GSL Support

Group therapy Wouldn’t it be good if there was a ‘Haynes’ style instruction manual for Group Scout Leaders, says Sonja May. Well now there is...

Think big!

All profits go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland). www.scouts.org.uk/shop

01903 766 921

fo

Arrowhead Flashing ScarfRef 1027389

£12

Campfire Flashing ScarfRef 1027614

£12

A fun woggle that can be worn round the campfire this summer. Multi-coloured image of a glowing campfire and goes with the scarf.Material: Leather

Choose from two flashing scarves, the arrowhead or campfire designs. Great for wearing at night, easy on/off switch. Size: Adult

Great savings in time for summer camp. Save £5 on men’s and women’s activity shorts.Sizes: Men’s 26”-46” waistWomen’s 8-26

Available in four colours, the i.Scout polo shirt is great for wearing on a campsite. A full range of new items is available on our website.Colours: Black, tangerine, purple, fuchsiaSizes Black S-XXXL, tangerine, purple S-XXLfuchsia 8-14

Men’s Activity Shorts Women’s Activity Shorts Ref Men’s 1006973R Women’s 1006992R

Men’s 26” and 28” £13 all other sizes £15 while stocks last.


£12


£12

Campfire WoggleRef 1027194

£1.50

A fun woggle that can be worn round the campfire this summer. Cut as the arrowhead shape, and goes with the scarf.Material: Leather

Arrowhead WoggleRef 1027196

£1.50

Sale£12

Spare batteries available (pack of 2)Ref 1027403

£1

When I suggested we needed a resource that

contained straightforward information that

could be easily accessed and dipped into, my

manager said: ‘just get on with it!’ GSL Support can now

be accessed online only at www.scouts.org.uk/gslsupport

It includes advice and information on:

• the role of the Group Scout Leader

• the Executive

• bringing new adults into Scouting

• keeping existing adults

• safety

• other key elements of the role.

The material is written to be a guiding friend at your

elbow rather than a wagging finger telling you off. That

means there’s lots of: ‘Had you thought about…’ ‘What if

…’ ‘Don’t forget …’ rather than ‘You must!’ Why not take

a look today?

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 7 08/07/2010 16:27

Plan of action


Each Scout Active Support Unit should have

a service agreement to outline the support

it will provide over a 12 month period.

As a volunteer manager in Scouting, you

should review it annually with the Scout Active Support

Manager. It is also an excellent idea to consult the

members of the Unit.

The service agreement should

consist of three parts:

• Introduction and

membership details

• Support provided

• Support needed.

Part 1 –Introduction and

membership details This part should describe when and

where the Unit meets. It does not

form part of the agreement itself.

For example:

Green Wood Service Crew Scout

Active Support Unit meets on the

third Saturday of the month in the

Den at Green Woods Campsite.

Part 2 – Support provided Scout Active Support Units exist to provide

support to Scouting. Details of the

support the Unit will provide should be

listed in the ‘support provided’ part of the

service agreement. There is a real

opportunity here to tailor the support the Unit provides

around the needs of local Scouting as detailed in your

development plan. This part of the agreement should be

looked at regularly over the next 12 months to make sure

the content is still valid.

The exact format of this section is down to those involved.

The example opposite is one way of displaying the

information.

Part 3 – Support needed The Unit should think about

any backing they need to

support part two. The third

part is where this is listed.

As the responsible

commissioner you need to

think about the support and

development the Unit needs to

fulfil part 2. This includes:

• Support provided to the Unit.

This could be that the Scout

Group pays the membership

fees of the members of the

Group Scout Active Support

Unit.• Development of the Unit. This could be that six Unit

members need first aid training. The County could find

and fund this.

An example service agreement can be found in Appendix 2

of Scout Active Support Essentials at www.scouts.org.uk/

activesupport However, you can structure the service

agreement in which ever way you will find most useful

locally.

How exactly will the Active Support Unit support Scouting

where you are? The answer is all in the service agreement. Laura

McManus explains how it works

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 8 08/07/2010 16:28


Scout Fellowship – transition deadline approaching From 31 December 2010 all current Scout Fellowship appointments (ACC, AAC and ADC Scout Fellowship, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and member) will be closed on our Membership Database.

Current members of the Scout Fellowship who wish to continue to support Scouting must be registered as Scout Active Support members to continue to be part of The Scout Association. This is particularly important if they hold no other active roles within Scouting.

The process put in place to change Scout Fellowship members to Scout Active Support members is up to you. We suggest that you discuss this with your District or County Secretary to decide on the most appropriate approach. For some this may be to request new AA forms as this will help to identify any changes to individual records (and any CRB

checks that are required). For others it may simply be an agreement that Scout Active Support Managers will send an updated list of members to be added to the database.

If you would like further support or practical advice about the transition then please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

Scout Active Support

Need Method Target Completion dateThe need should include a description, so it is clear to whoever reads the document.

The method is how the need will be achieved.

Each item should be given a target so that it is clear where most effort should be put. This could be a target to be reached, for example, one per cent adult Membership growth or the order in which things should be tackled.

The completion date is when each need should have been met.

1. Provide all support functions for annual St George’s Day Parade.

Invitations, marshals & reception refreshments.

1 Invitations out by December

2. Recruit more adults and young people.

Advertise in local library, shops, schools.Run an annual information stall at a school fete.

1% adult growth

4% growth in youth membership

Ongoing

End of next census year.

3. Assist with the running of a craft tent for District Cub Camp in May.

Provide all materials including, tables, chairs and staff for 10 different crafts.

2 Agree all crafts, staff number and resources by 31 January

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 9 08/07/2010 16:28


Insurance? Snow joke.

What insurance does a Group, Districtor County need? One of the most important is Property and Equipment, advises Ralph Doe of Unity (Scout Insurance Services) – especially in light of our recent harsh winter

O ne of the most common and important

phrases in insurance is ‘sums insured’. The

value of the things you are insuring should

reflect the total rebuild value of your property

and replacement of equipment on current valuations, not

the market value. It should also include new for old costs

for your contents and equipment even if they were second

hand or donated to the group. Don’t forget that the

planned VAT changes in January 2011 will add to the cost

of replacing lost and damaged equipment.

Are you covered?The value of insurance is never fully appreciated until you

have to make a claim. Remember, a cheap deal usually

means cuts somewhere in the cover, usually benefits like

legal expenses and levels of cover. Unity doesn’t cut

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 10 08/07/2010 16:28

ContaCtFor a quote, please call Unity (Scout Insurance Ltd) on 0845 0945 703 or visit www.scoutinsurance.co.uk


Insurance

corners and is still competitive on premium. To help ensure

you get the cover you need Unity (Scout Insurance

Services) as a subsidiary company of The Scout Association

understands Scouting’s needs and 100 per cent of our

profits go back to Scouting.

Unity provides a free rebuilding estimation service to all

their clients insured through the Scout Property and

Equipment Scheme. This means you can be certain that

you are insuring your buildings adequately. All you need to

do is fill out a simple form and return it with some

illustrative photos and we’ll do the rest. You should keep a

record of all your contents and equipment and make a

note of how much it would cost you to replace it as new.

This is the sums insured we use.

Unity will automatically adjust these values by an

average inflationary figure at renewal unless advised

otherwise by the Group. If you make any changes to your

buildings or acquire new equipment during the period of

your policy you must notify Unity or your broker. Do not

leave it until renewal or when you go to claim for your

new tent only to find out it isn’t covered.

What happens if you have a claim and you’re under insured?If insurers discover that you are under insured when you

make your claim they may exercise the policy clause of

‘Average’. This means that if the sums insured are less than

the actual value at the time of loss the claim settlement

will be reduced by the same proportion. In a total loss

situation such as a fire, if the sum insured is 50 per cent of

the total rebuild or replacement value you will only get 50

per cent of your claim paid. What use is half a Scout hut?

Case study: The Big FreezeBetween December and February 2009/10 The Met Office

recorded the lowest mean temperature in the UK in

31 years (1.51 degrees C). In total 22 Groups made claims at

Unity exceeding £160,000. In nearly every claim it was

discovered that the Groups were under insured and at risk

of having the Average Clause applied to their claims.

Thankfully, Unity has a dedicated in house claims handling

team with a delegated authority to settle claims. This,

combined with a strong relationship with the Property &

Equipment Scheme Insurers – built on many years of

experience and an understanding of Scouting needs, which

meant we were able negotiate full settlement payments,

less the policy excess, in nearly every case. Each Group was

required to pay the additional pro rata premium for the

difference in cover before settlements were made but this

was nothing compared to the potential reduction by

average. This was a goodwill gesture to Unity and one

unlikely to be given by any other insurer or broker.

Be prepared for winterDuring the winter months it is a requirement with any

insurer that water pipes are lagged to protect against

freezing and if the buildings are left unoccupied for more

than a week that the water is turned off at the mains or

the water drained from the building as far as possible. Or,

by keeping the buildings at a minimum of 13 degrees

Celsius/ 55 degrees Fahrenheit or fitting frost stats.

Regular inspections are also essential to help prevent loss.

Always read the small printInsurers will assume you have a reasonable level of

security. Look for security conditions or security

warranties. These will show what the insurer expects, not

recommends, as the minimum level of protection. If you

do not adhere to these requirements you could find

yourself without cover in the event of a claim.

Remember, when you receive your policy always read it

thoroughly to ensure it covers everything you need.

If you are covered through another broker or insurer and

you are unsure of whether the cover they provide is

adequate, at Unity, we will gladly review it for you and

indicate where you might be exposed to potential losses.

We will also provide a quote for comparison when your

policy is due for renewal.

Case study: Left out in the rainUnity recently heard about a Group who took out a policy

with a local broker. The broker didn’t understand Scouting

requirements and didn’t ask the necessary questions. They

sold the Group an “off the shelf policy” usually intended

for small businesses. The Group’s camping equipment was

covered under the stock section of the policy and while at

camp some of the tents were damaged in a storm. The

insurers turned down the claim on the basis that the

“stock” had been left outside and damaged as a result

of undue care or diligence. Unity’s equipment policy

automatically provides cover while in use, in transit and

in storage. Even if you use your tents outdoors!

As well as the usual buildings and equipment policies, Unity also provides cover for personal effects, minibuses, marine vessels, money and much much more.

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 11 08/07/2010 16:28


Keeping children safe

Information about the new

safeguarding training was sent out in

April of this year. As a follow up, Steve

Reeves provides some answers to some

frequently asked questions…

1. Why has this change been made?The Scout Association constantly reviews its safeguarding

arrangements. Following a formal internal review and

external advice from the NSPCC, it was decided that

training in safeguarding matters should be an ongoing

requirement – as it is with first aid.

The issues facing adults in Scouting regarding keeping

young people safe are changing all the time. It is essential

that we provide maximum support by having updated

training.

2. Who is responsible for ensuring adults have completed the training?The appointee’s line manager will need to check that

those they review have completed the training. These

checks will happen in the same way that they would for

First Response (and the requirement for a Disclosure

check). Form AR is being amended to reflect this.

3. Who is responsible for ensuring that training is available?Counties/Areas and Regions (Scotland). Safeguarding

Awareness Co-ordinators can provide training sessions

meeting the objectives and offer advice about the NSPCC

Keeping Children Safe package.

4. Who manages the delivery of safeguarding training?County/Area Training Managers or Assistant Region

Commissioners (Adult Training) (Scotland), in conjunction

with Safeguarding Awareness Co-ordinators. Scout

Activity Centres have duties outlined in Policy, Organisation and Rules to monitor compliance with

safeguarding arrangements and provide the necessary

advice to commissioners.

5. Who can deliver training?Safeguarding Awareness Co-ordinators or other trainers

who have completed the Safeguarding Awareness

Co-ordinator training provided by Headquarters (further

details are available from [email protected]).

The NSPCC Keeping Children Safe package does not

require a trainer.

6. How should we record this safeguarding training?Initially, training should be recorded by those conducting

the review; however the Association is committed to

ensuring that such training is able to be entered on the

membership database at the earliest opportunity – at

which point Training Administrators will be able to amend

the necessary records.

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 12 08/07/2010 16:28


Safeguarding

7. Which appointments does this rule apply to? All those subject to an appointment review

– essentially anyone who holds an appointment

except for Occasional Helpers; Scout Active Support/Scout

Fellowship and those in elected roles.

8. What is the phase-in period for this rule? The rule should be implemented immediately. The NSPCC

Keeping Children Safe package is available to assist in

circumstances where face-to-face training is unavailable.

As an interim measure, while Counties/Areas/Regions

are establishing training opportunities, or in areas where

there is significant difficulty in undertaking training, an

appointment review may proceed, providing the individual

undertakes the approved training within the next six

months. From 31 December 2010 reviews should only take

place where the relevant training has been completed.

9. How is this training different to the safeguarding training delivered in Module 1?Module 1 provides basic knowledge and information for

adults in Scouting regarding their role and responsibilities

in respect of safeguarding young people.

The safeguarding training provides more specialist

content delivered by specialist trainers with a deeper

knowledge of the subject matter. It supplements and

builds on the training given in Module 1, so adults have

more confidence in their safeguarding roles and

responsibilities. A team of specialist trainers makes it easier

to provide targeted support and to ensure that the training

is of a good quality, being able to quickly adapt

to any changes in safeguarding accurately.

10. How long does this training take?Participants in the NSPCC Keeping Children Safe package

can complete the training at their own pace. Training

workshops would normally be expected to last about

two to three hours.

If you have any further questions about any of the changes then please contact us at [email protected]

more info

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 13 08/07/2010 16:28


Focus news A round up of the latest news

and information especially for managers in Scouting

Gilwell Reunion 2010

3-5 September 2010

Bookings are now open for this year’s Gilwell Reunion

event, held at Gilwell Park over the weekend of the

3-5 September. The event has changed over the last

few years and so we thought now would be a good

time to provide an update.

The event is now open to all adults within Scouting

and not just those who have gained their Wood Badge.

The event has a number of different elements:

• Entertainment – a great opportunity to socialise

and have fun.

• Saturday programme – this is all about supporting

the sections, with bases and stands full

of information and new ideas.

• Sunday programme – this is all about supporting

the individual. We are offering workshops, trainings,

activities and practical skills sessions, a real chance

for everyone to learn something new, try a new

activity or share ideas and skills.

As well as encouraging adults to attend, we are also

looking for people to help with the programme. If you

have any activity providers, Scout Active Support Units

with unique skills or just something interesting to share,

get in touch.

www.scouts.org.uk/reunion or

email [email protected]

Free DC Information Day 11 October 2010

The Regional Development Service invites all District

Commissioners to a free Information Day at Gilwell Park

on Monday 11 October 2010. If you would like an

insight into the support available for you then this event

is perfect. You will have the opportunity to meet the

teams at Headquarters who support you and your

Districts as well as being able to gather any information

you need.

In the morning there will be plenary sessions which

will include advice on safeguarding and other topics.

Over lunch you will have the opportunity to visit our

marketplace, where most teams will be represented

with the latest information and resources. Or you could

take a stroll around the grounds and network with

other District Commissioners from across the UK.

After lunch you can choose from a selection of

workshops so you get the information you need.

You will then be invited to pose any questions you still

have to the Senior Management Team. If you would like

to attend, please contact Teri Adams by email

on [email protected]

or telephone 0845 300 1818.

focus_8910_FINAL.indd 14 08/07/2010 16:28


Recruitment

Are you looking for a resource that will help you recruit new volunteers? Then the No-nonsense Parents’ Guide to Scouting should be your first port of call says Teena Antoniou

From parent to volunteer

Because parents are part of

scouting too.

scouts.org.uk/par

ents

The No-Nonsense Leaders’ Guide to Working with Parents.

7289_Leaders Guide AW.indd 1

23/1/09 14:29:57

are part of

couting too.The No-Nonsense Leaders’ Guide to Working with Parents.

We know it can sometimes be hard starting

a conversation with parents about

becoming volunteers. This is where this

very successful pack comes into its own.

Full of useful information about Scouting, it also includes

opportunities available to adults, making it the perfect

way to start the recruitment process. Some 300,000 packs

have been distributed around the UK in the last three years.

Timing is everything The resource was produced to help leaders with the

recruitment of parents either as occasional helpers or as

leaders. With Groups returning from the summer break

now is an ideal time to encourage leaders to use this

resource to engage with parents.

Jamie Macdonald, Regional Development Officer, South

West Region said: ‘The packs are used widely by Groups

around the UK encouraging parents to get involved. They

are particularly useful at Group open nights, District

recruitment events and workshops where parents

are open to hearing about how we work’.

Did you know that 38% of parents claim never to have been asked to get involved and more than 17% would like to get involved?

The Illogan Scout Group, in Cornwall was struggling with

just one leader and eight Cubs. We promoted the Group

at two local primary schools and promoted Scouting to

the parents. We distributed the packs and recruited three

adults to open a Beaver Colony. We also formed a parent

rota and recruited another adult leader for Cubs. In

addition we recruited two adults to open the Scout Troop.

‘I would definitely recommend the Parent Pack,’ says

Illogan’s Group Scout Leader. ‘The resource helped us get

three sections up and running within six months. The

future of the Group in the village is now really promising.’

A home for parents onlineAt www.scouts.org.uk/parents you’ll find information

about Scouting, an A-Z of Scouting terms and case studies

about volunteering. Many parents have also signed up to

Adventure News, the monthly e-mail for parents, enabling

us to communicate directly with parents about Scouting

and information about how they can get involved.

Order your copies now To order the parent packs and accompanying

leader’s resource, available free call the Scout

Information Centre on 0845 3001818 or visit

www.scouts.org.uk/involvingparents.

All you pay is postage and packing.

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focus

Documents

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