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In tr o d u ci n g W a y n e B u lp it t, o u r fi rs t U K C h ie f C o m m is si o n e r Get away! How diverse is your team? In tr o d u ci n g W a y n e B u lp it t, In tr o d u ci n g W a y n e B u lp it t, o u r fi rs t U K C h ie f C o m m is si o n e r How International Fellowships can help you Time to bring in fresh ideas Th e m ag az in e fo r sc ou ts .o rg .u k/ fo cu s vo lu nt ee r m an ag er s in Sc ou tin g Ju ne /Ju ly 20 09
Citation preview
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
focus_6709.indd 1 15/5/09 13:05:30
Take action on your Scout insurance.
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Unity is owned by The Scout Association Registered Charity no. 306101 (England and Wales) and SCO38437 (Scotland). Unity is just one of a number of insurance providers available to members of Scouting.
focus_6709.indd 2 15/5/09 13:06:28
Welcome
3scouts.org.uk/focus
Take action on your Scout insurance.
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
3scouts.org.uk/focus
Take action on your Scout insurance.
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
6 Focus June/July 2009
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
7scouts.org.uk/focus
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
8 Focus June/July 2009
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
8 Focus June/July 2009
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
10 Focus June/July 2009
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
11scouts.org.uk/focus
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
12 Focus June/July 2009
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
13scouts.org.uk/focus
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
focus_6709.indd 13 15/5/09 13:09:04
14 Focus June/July 2009
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
focus_6709.indd 14 15/5/09 13:09:16
15scouts.org.uk/focus
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
15scouts.org.uk/focus
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.
focus_6709.indd 15 18/5/09 17:31:29