When Scouting is at its most successful, it is often because of the skill, commitment and ability of the adults involved.
That is why the appointment of adults into appropriate roles is one of the most important responsibilities in Scouting. To help us do this we have a simple appointments process which is made up of three stages, these are:
Stage 1: Application
During the application stage new volunteers will have a discussion with their lead volunteer, eg: Section Leader, Group Scout Leader (GSL) or District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC) as to what tasks/ role they would like to do, what skills they would like to use, and how much time they are able to commit.
The Manager will talk them through the training for the role they have agreed and how the appointments process works. They should also receive information on Safeguarding and a copy of the Yellow Card.
Once they have completed an Adult information form and a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service), their details should be put onto our volunteer database (Compass) and move to the next stage.
Stage 2: Approval
Route A: for all roles (except Trustees, Administrators & Scout Active Support members).
Once a cleared DBS check and references have been received we will invite the new volunteer to a short meeting with our Appointments Advisory Committee. The purpose of this is for the panel members to ensure that all adults applying for a role in Scouting are suitable for the appointment and understand the role/ tasks and training for which they are agreeing. What will happen at the meeting? Firstly, it’s nothing to worry about! The meeting will be with three experienced volunteer members of Scouting from the area and will last around 30 minutes. They will ask the volunteer questions to find out if they are aware of the values and policies of The Scout Association and that they understand the requirements of the role to which they have agreed. The committee make a recommendation on their appointment to the District Commissioner. As soon as possible thereafter, they will receive notification of the decision.
Route B: for Trustees, Administrators and Scout Active Support members
For elected and nominated Trustees:
Your Scout Council (normally at the Annual General Meeting), will approve their election or nomination.
For co-opted Trustees or Administrators: Your Executive committee will approve their appointment.
For members of Scout Active Support:
The relevant Scout Active Support Manager will approve their appointment.
A list of the adult roles that do or do not need to attend a meeting with the appropriate Appointments Advisory Committee can be found in the appointments process section of the current edition of The Policy, Organisation and Rules (PO&R) of The Scout Association. This can be found at: www.scouts.org.uk/por
Stage 3: Appointment
Once the role has been approved (using route A or B), they will then move to the appointment stage of the process. At this point, their induction will start, they will meet your induction mentor, complete their Getting Started induction training and learn more about training opportunities and ongoing learning. At the end of this stage (within 5 months) they should have completed the process and be ready to fully take on their role with support and guidance from your Group/Unit.