focus
DESCRIPTION
A change for the better Diversity matters Fellowship becomes Scout Active Support Help Scouting be more inclusive sc ou ts .o rg .u k/ fo cu s Th e m ag az in e fo r vo lu nt ee r m an ag er s in Sc ou tin g Oc to be r/N ov em be r 20 09TRANSCRIPT
A change for the betterFellowship becomes Scout Active Support
A YOUTH-LED MOVEMENT MOVEMENT MOVEMENT MOVEMENT
Helping Young Leaders into adult training
scouts.org.uk/focus
Diversity mattersHelp Scouting
be more inclusive
The magazine for volunteer
managers in Scouting
October/November 2009Focus
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 1 10/09/2009 17:35
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 2 10/09/2009 17:35
Welcome
3scouts.org.uk/focus
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
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.
In Focus
There’s plenty going on this issue, says Ben Storrar, not least the launch of Scout Active Support – but
let’s not keep our eye off the priority: flexible volunteering for all adults who want to join
In this issue of Focus there’s a real emphasis on creating opportunities in
Scouting for as many people as possible. Recruiting new adults (while still
appreciating those who currently support Scouting) has never been more
important, or more likely. As managers in Scouting, keeping the focus on new
opportunities for adults can make a real difference.
In the newsOctober marks the end of the switch to the new appointment process, making
the initial part of the Scouting journey easier and more welcoming for everyone.
The re-launch of the Scout Fellowship as Scout Active Support marks the
beginning of exciting times for thousands of adults in Scouting.
Elsewhere, we welcome Sheridan Allman as the UK Adviser for Diversity and
the training team looks at maintaining the interest of that other vital source of
support: Young Leaders. Natalie Tomlinson also takes us through the different
ways in which adults can contribute time to Scouting.
Keep me up to dateAs always, I want to hear about your experiences at [email protected]
For news, and information for managers in Scouting, please visit
www.scouts.org.uk
A fl exible future
4 Scout Active Support is here!Fellowship is changing; we provide the essential informa-tion to help you manage the transition
6 Diversity: it’s more than just a word
Claire Welch meets Sheridan Allman, the new UK Adviser for Diversity
8 Taking the next stepAs more Young Leaders graduate into leadership roles, how does this affect their training?
10 Balancing talent and time Natalie Tomlinson highlights ways we can convert an extra 21 per cent of our want to join enquiries
13 Youth driven UK Chief Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt explains why youth and experience is a winning combination
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 3 10/09/2009 17:35
4 Focus October/November 2009
The waiting is over – the new name and
structure for Scout Fellowship can now be
revealed. But this is not just a cosmetic change;
for managers, it’s a real opportunity to improve
the level of support you give to local Scouting. Also - this is
not a moment for washing our hands of the past - as a
concept, active support is not something new, and it is
essential we keep the elements that are working well
from Fellowship.
Ho w is Scout Active Support different from Scout Fellowship?Scout Active Support has an appointed manager to
support members and the provision rather than an elected
committee. This mirrors the structure of the leadership for
the youth sections and will consequently make Scout
Active Support feel a more integral part of The Scout
Association.
What do these changes to Scout Fellowship mean for me? The removal of the management committee means that
the responsible Commissioner can work closely with the
Scout Active Support Manager. This enables them both
to write a Service Agreement that effectively supports
local Scouting.
How long will it take to make the transition?This will depend on local circumstances, such as the
current Scout Fellowship provision. The Scout Active
Support launch team will be providing advice and
information over the coming months, including at the next
round of Development, Advice and Support Days in your
Region. Changes do not need to be in place until 31
December 2010 by which time Scout Fellowships, in their
current format, will cease to exist.
My Scout Fellowship is working fine at the moment. Why do I need to change?The structural changes shouldn’t affect a well run Scout
Fellowship. We realise that Commissioners have a lot
of work to do, so there is plenty of time for the transition
process. If you do not make the structural changes by
31 December 2010 however, the current Scout Fellowship
appointments will be removed from the Membership
Scout Active Support is here!
It’s a bi g moment for Scouting: the re-launch of Scout
Fellowship. Glenn Walker, UK Adviser for Scout Active Support
explains how you can make the most of this significant
opportunity and provides tips for a stress free transition
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 4 10/09/2009 17:36
5scouts.org.uk/focus
For resources and further details, please see www.scouts.org.uk/activesupport
more info
Database and volunteers with the Fellowship roles will
no longer have an active appointment.
How do I tell key people in the Scout Fellowship that their roles are redundant after many years’ service?This is not an easy thing to do, and in some cases may be
one of the biggest challenges in the transition process.
Scout Fellowship members have many
skills to offer with everything from
archery skills to zorbing. By taking
a wider view across their Group,
District or County, and reviewing
their current Scout Fellowship
activities, Members will be able to
identify areas where they can help
best.
How will the Scout Active Support Unit run without a management committee?With the appointment of managers
and co-ordinators, rather than a
committee, Scout Active Support Units now have a
structure more in keeping with other areas of Scouting.
This brings a real opportunity for both increased flexibility,
and a greater understanding of what Scout Active Support
does. More importantly, it places Scout Active Support
Managers at the core of Groups, Districts and Counties.
I don’t have a Scout Fellowship in my County/District but I would like a Scout Active Support Unit. So how do I go about it?As a Group Scout Leader, District Commissioner or
County Commissioner, the first thing you need to do is
identity a need for a Scout Active Support Unit such as
coordinating an event, developing Scouting, or leadership
support. When you have done this, you need to attract and
appoint a Scout Active Support Manager. From here you can
write a Service Agreement, and start to recruit members.
Fellowship re-launch
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 5 10/09/2009 17:36
6 Focus October/November 2009
Diversity: it’s more than just a word
As line managers you need to ensure your Groups, Districts and Counties are inclusive. It’s key to ensuring we stay a growing, vibrant and representative Movement. Claire Welch meets Sheridan Allman the new UK Adviser for Diversity to find out more
Diversity is a key part of the work of The Scout
Association. It is all our responsibilities to
ensure that Scouting is inclusive, relevant,
covers all ages, faiths, genders, skills, abilities
and needs. To get a better idea of the support
available, I spoke to Sheridan about her new
role and the support available.
Q. What is the role of the UK Adviser? My role is to support the development and
growth of Scouting. This is done primarily by
managing teams of volunteers who undertake
projects and provide direct support to local
Scouting. As UK Adviser for Diversity I will provide
information to Tim Kidd, the UK Commissioner (Adult
Support) and Headquarters generally on diversity and its
overall development and integration into the organisation.
Q. How long have you been involved in Scouting?I haven’t really, other than the time I experienced a
Jamboree during 2007 in Hampshire when I was part of
the catering team for the Denmead Scout Group. So I am
pretty much completely new to it and I already feel part of
the team. This is an exciting time to be joining the
Movement and I am looking forward to making
a difference and having fun!
Q. What experience do you have in the area of diversity?I am an independent consultant specialising in diversity
and inclusion. I have spent the majority of my career in
education and training and have worked in diversity for
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 6 10/09/2009 17:36
7scouts.org.uk/focus
Diversity
To contact the UK Adviser or for more information on diversity, please see www.scouts.org.uk/diversity or email [email protected] or contact the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818.
more info
The ‘other’ Diversity
the last ten years. Over that time I
have been involved in many different
projects including working with
executive teams defining vision,
strategy and communications,
facilitating seminars and workshops,
running train trainer programmes and
working in the public sector on impact
assessments. My experience and knowledge
encompasses all the strands of diversity and I
have worked in the United States and mainland
Europe as well as the UK.
Q. What relevance does the UK Adviser for Diversity have to managers in Scouting?Volunteer managers play a key role helping Scouting
become inclusive and accessible to all. The principles of
inclusion and valuing diversity should underpin all aspects
of an adult’s journey in Scouting. This is from the early
stages of the recruitment process through to the support
and training given once an adult is in the role. The Scout
Association puts a high priority on the recruitment and
retention of adults and I believe effective inclusion
practices are vital to sustainability and long term success.
Q. What are you hoping to achieve in your role as UK Adviser for Diversity?I plan to spend the first few months scanning the
landscape, gathering information and talking with people
to get a good idea of the work already in hand. I would
like to develop a broad based strategy that encompasses
all strands of diversity and help the Movement integrate
the principles and actions of inclusion into everything we
do.
There are many good things already happening in diversity
but they now need to be pulled together into a coherent
framework that will help us all communicate and take
action to continue Scouting as a warm, welcoming and
open Movement. I know I am going to enjoy working with
volunteers across Scouting and having my own big
adventure.
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 7 10/09/2009 17:36
8 Focus October/November 2009
As more Young Leaders progress into leadership appointments, Kay Hill advises how we can help those who have been Young Leaders into adult training
Taking the next step
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 8 10/09/2009 17:36
Adult training
9scouts.org.uk/focus
I n Greater Manchester East we have noticed more
younger adults attending our leader training
courses. This is good news of course, and seems to
be because a large proportion of our trained
Young Leaders are moving on into adult leadership as they
turn 18.
To ensure we do not repeat information or prescribe
unnecessary learning, a carefully chosen Training Adviser
needs to have a good understanding of the Young
Leaders’ Scheme. They should be able to get the Young
Leader to talk about what opportunities they have had as
a Young Leader, to put any training into practice and to
match this up with the learning required in adult leader
training.
Recognising learning and experience The skill is in really drawing out what the Young Leader
has done, not what they have seen others do. The areas
that could be validated from prior learning will be based
on the opportunities the Young Leaders have been
provided with as part of the leadership team they have
worked in.
Despite best efforts to reinforce the nurturing role that
leadership teams should take towards Young Leaders,
some do not get the same opportunities as others. Some
will needs lots of learning at the adult stage, whereas
others will have had opportunities to complete the
missions and will find it easy to meet the needs. Each case
really needs to be judged on its own merits.
People have tried to produce matrices to link the two
training programmes, but I steer well clear of these.
Attending a training course does not necessarily mean
learning has happened. It’s proving that you know it and
can do it that matters.
Getting involved The key is for Local Training Managers and Training
Advisers to work closely with the Explorer Scout Leader
(Young Leaders). Getting involved and being seen at
Young Leader events really helps. The Young Leaders
recognise the people they are working with as they move
into adult leadership, and those involved in adult training
experience the enthusiasm and needs of this age group.
We are building much more activity based learning into
our delivered sessions.
It’s also important to ensure Young Leaders moving into
adult leadership are aware of the opportunities that
Network and the award schemes (including the Queen’s
Scout Award and Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award) have to
offer them. Not only will they enjoy leading sections, they will
have a great time doing activities with friends the same age.
A positive contribution During Young Leader training we should avoid making
rash claims that what is being done will validate aspects of
adult training. Young Leaders should not meet with a
Training Adviser with false expectations of having covered
much of the required learning already.
As both an Explorer Leader and adult trainer, it has been
really rewarding to see Young Leaders moving onto adult
leadership. We regularly draw on them to support delivery
of Young Leader training – particularly as group tutors.
They understand the trials and tribulations of being a
Young Leader far better than us older folk!
TOP TIPS The learning and experience an individual has gained from the Young Leaders’ Scheme should be recognised under the Adult Training Scheme in the same way as any other prior learning. If an adult has previously been a Young Leader, or indeed a youth member of the Association, it is likely that they already have a good level of knowledge of Scouting and how it works.
DO• Treat former Young Leaders as individuals• Talk to them – find out what experiences
they have and what they have done• Get involved in Young Leader and Explorer
events
DON’T• Assume they know things because they
have been Young Leaders – experiences are different
• For more information talk with your Training Manager
Or See factsheet 330094 Adult Training and the Young Leaders’ Scheme.
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 9 10/09/2009 17:37
10 Focus October/November 2009
Balancing talent and timetalent and timetalent and time
Some 21 per cent of adult enquirers who ultimately do not join Scouting give
the reason that an appropriate role could not be found for them. That adds up to
nearly 500 adults a year. So, asks Natalie Tomlinson, how can we be more flexible
in our approach?
By now we are used to the idea of offering
adults flexible ways to volunteer. Most of us
would agree that there is a role for almost
everyone in Scouting regardless of when,
where and for how long they are able to volunteer.
However, this startling statistic suggests that we are not
being as flexible as we could be when responding to
enquiries.
Looking at it in a positive light, with the current adult
enquiry conversion rate standing at only 53 per cent, it is
good to see that we can increase this by up to 21 per
cent - just by being more flexible in our approach
to recruitment.
Highly motivated; short on time With more pressures on our time, shift work and the rise
of single parent households, many people are no longer
able to commit to volunteering at a specific time each
week. These people are still dedicated to improving the
lives of young people but have been honest enough to say
that they will need to work around other commitments to
do this.
With a bit of preparation, recruiting a number of people
in the same position could work for you and your Group.
Indeed, there are many Groups already practising this
successfully. For example, the 26th Dundee Group in East
Scotland has successfully re-modelled itself by opening up
a Group Fellowship (soon to be a Scout Active Support
Unit) which includes members who can only commit to
limited times.
‘It’s all very basic’, says Drummond Cox, District
Commissioner (Dundee)/Acting Group Scout Leader 26th
Dundee. ‘We are just being as flexible as we can to gain
the support we need. Through the Fellowship programme
we have encouraged back former leaders who could no
longer make a weekly commitment. This arrangement has
also worked well with students, who love the fact they
can have nights off when it comes to exam time. As
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 10 10/09/2009 17:37
11scouts.org.uk/focus
Flexible volunteering
a result of these additional resources, we have targeted all
the local schools and now have a vast increase in our
youth membership.’
‘Recruiting a number of people in the same position could work for you and your Group, District or County.’
Help is at handWe have developed several initiatives to help you make
flexible volunteering work for your Group and Unit.
We will be keeping District Commissioners and the
designated Membership Enquiries person in your area up
to date with extra information on ScoutingPlus.
The Regional Development Service is collecting case
studies of flexible volunteering which will be included in
later issues of the magazine and on www .scouts.org.uk
A training package aimed at making the most of joining
enquiries will be piloted over the next few months
and rolled out throughout 2010.
Parental helpThe best way to reduce the number of young people on
joining lists (currently 33,000) is by offering flexible
practices to work around the lives of busy adults. Why not
start by asking the parents of your members how they
would feel about helping out once a fortnight or once
a month? When you have this in place start adopting
the same practice for new enquirers.
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 11 10/09/2009 17:37
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 12 10/09/2009 17:44
13scouts.org.uk/focus
Opinion
Youth driven‘Beavers build Groups’ is the slogan of Greenock & District,
Scotland which has seen its membership grow to 1,303, an
increase of 40 per cent, over the past three years alone. What can
we learn from this? asks UK Chief Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt
I caught up with District Commissioner, David
McCallum, while he was in Guernsey with one of
his Explorer Scout Units.
I asked him about the secrets behind the District’s
success. ‘On taking up the post, I appointed a team made
up of both experience and youth,’ says David. ‘We put
together a development and re-structuring plan which
was both practical and achievable and an air of
enthusiasm swept through the District.
David made Beaver Scouting his top priority. This led to
five new Colonies and was a key to successfully recruiting
many mums and dads, using the six step plan (available at
www.scouts.org .uk/recruitment)
Opening new Groups In opening three new Groups, including five Packs and
three Troops, the District was able to take advantage of
an abatement scheme operated by Scottish HQ. This is
designed to help the neediest Groups across Scotland
which rebates to 50 per cent of the membership fees
(other schemes operate in other parts of the UK: ask
the Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 if one applies
to your area).
Support in all areas Also key to their success has been revamping the activity
programme and the appointment of two Assistant District
Commissioners to keep it dynamic and active. They
recently added a zorb ball to their central equipment store!
Active support has also been provided by a doubling in
the Fellowship membership. Former leaders are
encouraged to get back on board to boost their skills base
and support less experienced leaders.
David describes Explorer Scouts and Young Leaders
as the life blood of the Movement. ‘We are very successful
here with 106 young people in four Units. More than half
of the Explorers are registered as Young Leaders and
75 per cent are registered with the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Opportunities were increased as part of the plan, with a
link being formed with Network, and international activity
becoming a reality. Certainly if the leaders and Explorer
Scouts of the 32nd Northface ESU I met are anything to
go by, then this is a model worth looking closely at.
To comment on this story and to share your own experiences, good and not so successful, join me on my blog at www.scouts.org.uk/ccblog
Follow my blog
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 13 11/09/2009 11:35
14 Focus October/November 2009
14scouts.org.uk/focus
scouts.org.uk/shop01903 766 921
All profi ts go back into Scouting. The Scout Association Registered Charity number 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland).
Scout Active Support Scarf
Item code: 1027248
£5.25
Scout Active Support T-Shirt Item code: 1027243R
£10
Scout Active Support Cloth BadgeItem code: 1027249
£1
Just Ask Pin BadgeItem code: 1027250
£1
Free parent packs still available
Scout Active Support Polo Shirt
Item code: 1027238R
£13.50
The new magenta Scout Active Support scarf with a white border
and the offi cial Scout logo on a label sewn into the seam.
This badge can be worn on your uniform, and features the Scout Active Support logo.
Size 16 x 13.5 mm
The new Just Ask pin badge for Scout
Active Support, featuring the new
slogan!Size 22 x 9mm
The Scout Active Support combed cotton polo shirt is
available in the kiwi colour. It has a three pearlised button placket, twin needle stitching
and side vents.Sizes: S-XXL
(Chest sizes: 34”-48” /86-122cm).
This Scout Active Support branded cotton T-shirt is also available in the kiwi colour. With printing on the front, sleeve and back, it incorporates the i.SCOUT branding. Taped neck and shoulders, and twin needle fi nish on sleeves, hem and collar.
The new, updated edition of the parent pack launched this year is a fantastic resource to engage with parents. Act now to ensure you get your copies
With the Groups in your District returning after their summer
break, this is an excellent time to let the parents know how
important their help can be.
You can do this with the The No-Nonsense Parents’ Guide to Scouting. Help de-mystify all those Scouting myths and help
parents get more involved with Scouting. Who knows, you
may recruit new adults too!
To order the guide now available free while stocks last, just
call the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 or log on
to www.scouts.org.uk/inv olvingparents. All you have to pay is
post and packing.
Focus_OctNov_NEW.indd 14 10/09/2009 17:44
IBC_FOCUS_OctNov09.indd 6 14/09/2009 15:11
OBC_FOCUS_OctNov09.indd 6 11/09/2009 12:35