focus by The Scout Association

s u Foc

ine for The magaLzeaders, ut Group Scou nty/Area/ o C d District anl Commissioners Regiona April/May 2009

Recognition at last

New ways to thank your teams

Inside knowledge

A District Commissioner reveals all!

P U T I MIXING

ng? i t u o c S n i s l olve gir v n i o t h g u ng eno i o d u o y e r A

k/focus

scouts.org.u

focus_4509.indd

18/3/09

14:47:41

Adventure Beyond is a family run centre based in West Wales. We have venues and camping or bunk house accommodation in St Davids, Cardigan Bay, Brecon Beacons. Jethro Moore Adventure Beyond

G • CLIMBING • COASTEERING ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: CANOEIN RAFTING ING • CAVING • WHITE WATER RF SU • G KIN YA KA • ING LK WA GORGE ILLS URSE/ LOW ROPES • FIELD SK TEAM BUILDING • ASSAULT CO Nant Y Pobty Farm Coed Y Bryn, Llandysul Ceradigion, SA44 5LQ Phone: 07787123761 fun@adventurebeyond.co.uk www.adventurebeyond.co.uk

IFC_FOCUS_Scouting_AprilMay09.indd 6

16/3/09 14:47:57

Your Adult Support Team Mark Flexman, UK Adviser for Adults in Scouting, Ben Storrar, Programme and Development Adviser (Adult Support) Contact them at: focus@scout.org.uk adult.support@scout.org.uk appointment.process@scout.org.uk

Welcome

Green shoots?

Adult Support Team The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Chingford; London E4 7QW; Tel: 0845 300 1818 ADVERTISING Senior Sales Executive: Tom Fountain tom@thinkpublishing.co.uk 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.

BE PART OF IT!

Now spring has sprung, all of us in Scouting have the chance to shake off the winter blues and get out and about. Ben Storrar returns to Focus with some fresh ideas to help Scouting grow It’s great to be back on Focus and like you, I’m committed to sharing some of the best ways to help support local Scouting. So what’s in store? With this issue of Scouting magazine, you should have received a shiny new appointment card with information about your Scouting role. Take this opportunity to encourage everyone to use the number on the card to sign up to the member admin area at www.scouts.org.uk As well as a host of other benefits, it’s a great way to stay in touch with everyone in Groups, Districts and Counties. More information can be found at www.scouts.org.uk/mycard

The voice of experience

Don’t forget – it’s not too late to make your summer camp part of The Big Adventure 2009. Just register at www.scouts.org.uk/ thebigadventure and invite parents to be part of the leadership teams. Packs of invites and leaflets were sent to Group Scout Leaders and Group contacts in March.

This issue we meet a District Commissioner who, after a decade in the role, is moving on to other things. See what Mark Flexman has to say about 10 years as District Commissioner. We also want your suggestions to make your roles simpler. We look at support for Executive Committees as well as some easy ways to keep people interested by letting them know you appreciate their efforts.

Keep me up to date As always, I want to hear about your experiences at focus@scout.org.uk For news, links and other useful information for managers in Scouting, drop into www.scouts.org.uk/focus

In Focus 4 Growing the District Mark Flexman has just completed 10 years as a District Commissioner; he gives up some trade secrets

6 Two little words The tools and resources available to help you say thank you

8 Juggling act Just how does a County Training Manager juggle all of the jobs that need doing? Planning, support and delegation says Pam

10 Flexible Fellowships We meet a Fellowship providing first aid, plus Martin Platts DC explains why

he couldn’t do without his local active support

12 Scouting for all Are we working hard enough to encourage more girls to join?

14 Network success Why local managers in Scouting hold the key

scouts.org.uk/focus

uting.

focus_4509.indd

18/3/09

14:49:15

Growing the (or Older and After 10 years as District Commissioner Mark Flexman looks back at the changes, successes and lessons learnt. ‘Be patient,’ he says, ‘and don’t get downhearted if at first things don’t go your way . . .’

hristchurch District is on the south coast of Dorset. It’s where I grew up and started my Scouting as a 10 year old. Although small geographically, when I took over as District Commissioner in 1999 it had eight Groups and 633 members. Thanks to my predecessors, I was very fortunate to take over a strong District with a solid base of dedicated leaders, Executive members and Group Scout Leaders as well as a number of established District events and activities.

Change for the better Over the past decade, Scouting has undergone some of the most radical changes in its history: a new Programme, new uniform, the introduction of new sections, changes to the age ranges, girls in all sections, the list goes on. However, one thing has remained constant – the loyalty, commitment and enthusiasm from the leaders and members of the District. It’s these individuals who do the real hard work and make Scouting happen week in and week out. 4

focus_4509.indd

Focus April/May 2009

18/3/09

14:49:40

Development

he District nd wiser) Christchurch, Dorset

Although leaders have come and gone, the core of the District hasn’t changed much. I have tried to keep the momentum going, providing opportunities to try new ideas and refresh where needed. Now, as I leave the District I am delighted to say that we have grown to a membership of over 700 and the 118 adults in 1999 grew to nearly 200 during my tenure.

Recruitment and retention As a District Commissioner, I found that building a culture of recruitment, development and change takes time. Group Scout Leaders are in a similar position: they want to make changes but sometimes seem to hit barriers. There is no easy answer to getting new blood into Scouting. The important thing is to ensure the existing leaders and supporters of all ages feel valued and appreciated. Once you have that then the rest comes naturally. Others will want to be part of what’s going on. Holding regular District development days (three over my time as DC) is also a great way of empowering leaders and supporters to trying new ideas and moving their respective sections or Groups forward. In Christchurch we also have a number of other District events – from our long-running District Gang Show to our annual competitions and camps. This helps to keep the District together and provides that extra level of support across sections. Take every opportunity to ensure the adults in your District continue to feel appreciated.

be amazed at what can be achieved by working as a team! You can’t solve all Group recruitment issues on your own. Hold regular meetings and events with your Group Scout Leaders and Chairmen. Use these teams to communicate with the parents, local community and as many people as you can to spread the word. Positive news and success stories will attract people. Scouting is a fantastic Movement to be part of: make sure everyone knows it! more info More information and support for DCs can be found in the resource Keys to Success for District Commissioners available from the Scout Information Centre.

A word of advice To a new District Commissioner who has recruitment or retention issues I would say you must be patient. Don’t get downhearted if things don’t go your way. Encourage sectional activities and social events to get your Beaver, Cub, Scout, Explorer or Executive support people together. Talk to your colleagues, especially the other District Commissioners in your County. All of them (whether they admit it or not) will have gone through the same problems as you. Share your ideas, thoughts and concerns – you’ll scouts.org.uk/focus

focus_4509.indd

18/3/09

14:49:56

Two little words

eone said thank you for your time Do you remember the last time som mber goal in Scouting? Sam Morris, a me a ing iev ach for you d ate tul gra or con p adults Group, gives his tips on how to kee of the Adults in Scouting Steering can play its part in Scouting – and how technology

eople often forget that our leaders, supporters and line managers are all volunteers. Some parents even assume we are paid for organising Scout meetings and managing our Districts. Moreover, it is fair to say that some adults leave the Movement because they feel unsupported or undervalued in their role. As managers in Scouting, one of the top priorities is to retain your volunteers. And we can only succeed in this if we recognise their efforts and thank them for their volunteering.

Years of service At a national level, awards are automatically issued to all adult volunteers recognising their length of service to the Movement. These awards can be given to all adult volunteers (including those on Executive Committees) who have completed an AA Form and are registered on the Member Admin area at www.scouts.org.uk. As a line manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that all of your Executive members and regular supporters have completed an AA Form and are registered on the system. As registered Members your volunteers in these sorts of roles will receive appointment cards and issues of Scouting magazine. We have seen that this makes those volunteers feel more involved in the wider world of Scouting, especially if their role doesn’t involve regular contact with the youth sections.

Public recognition Many people, including those involved in Scouting, are simply not aware of the time and effort that volunteers have to put in to organising weekly meetings, camps,

focus_4509.indd

District competitions and fundays. Recognising these accomplishments in a public way values people’s efforts. Achievements that could be recognised include running a successful camp, opening a new section, gaining a Wood Badge or an adult changing roles. Public recognition can be achieved: • at Group/District/County events, AGMs and family camps • in newsletters • on websites • on noticeboards in Scout Headquarters • by writing about inspiring people to Scouting magazine or web.team@scout.org.uk • in local press (by using Media Development Managers).

Other ways of saying thank you Our volunteers will only want to carry on volunteering if they feel happy in their role. You can make your volunteers feel valued by: • highlighting success: a quick phone call or a short email to say well done for that camp or completing a training module can go a long way

Focus April/May 2009

18/3/09

14:50:11

Recognising volunteers

• sending your volunteers a Christmas card or birthday card to celebrate, but also to thank them for their contribution over the last year • organising a team social. Take all your adults out for a meal or a few drinks once a year: it’s a great way to get all your adults together as a way of thanking them all for the past year. Some Scout Groups even organise leader’s camps, which can double up as team building events.

Try badges! Just as our young people earn activity badges, a fun way of recognising achievement might be to have special Group thank you badges to give to adults which they could then put on their campfire blankets.

These are just a few things you could try; we’d love to hear about the other successful ways that you recognise the work of your volunteers. Get in touch at adult. support@scout.org.uk

more info For information on Volunteers’ Week (1 -7 June 2009), a nationwide drive to thank volunteers, see www.scouts.org.uk/thankyou Thank you cards are available from the Scout Information Centre at £1.45 for 5 cards (Plus £1 P&P). www.scouts.org.uk/infocentre

scouts.org.uk/focus

focus_4509.indd

18/3/09

14:50:28

Juggling act â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;There is a continual demand for more modules run locally and in different waysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; says Pam, a County Training Manager. This issue Mike Kerrigan finds out how she copes with this and the other challenges of this important role

focus_4509.indd

Focus April/May 2009

18/3/09

14:50:41

Adult training

Mike: So Pam, what does a County Training Manager (CTM) do? Pam: Good question! I guess ultimately the role is about ensuring the County provides good quality and effective training to its leaders to help them deliver the best possible Scouting to our young people. After all, that is the purpose of training in Scouting. Mike: So is that about ensuring we run good courses? Pam: Partly. A lot of people still think that the CTM is about producing a good training calendar. However, there is a lot more to it. I am a manager of a number of teams. For example, I manage a team of trainers and ensure they provide good learning experiences for the learners who come to the modules and courses. I also manage the teams of Training Advisers to ensure the quality of validation of the learning. Like most CTMs, I do this with a team of Local Training Managers who I also manage. Then there is the team of administrators who look after records and applications. Mike: Surely, managing the trainers is just about allocating them to courses? Pam: I wish it was that simple. As with all management, it is about developing and growing the team. Most County Training Managers, I speak to are like me and do not have enough trainers. With the modular scheme and the need for flexibility, there is a continual demand for more modules run locally and in different ways. I am always looking for new people to deliver training, especially at a local level. Then the training team needs continual development so that we adopt best practice and deliver good quality learning experiences. Remember that if a new leader comes to a module and has a bad experience, it will be very difficult to get them to want to go to another module. However, if they have a good experience and learn things that help their Scouting, their new enthusiasm carries back to their sections and persuades others to do their training.

Mike: We hear a lot about a lack of Training Advisers. Is this a problem for you? Pam: Of course, but not as much as at the beginning. We have found flexible ways of doing validations, but I would love to have more Training Advisers, even if they only look after one or two learners at a time. This is where working closely with District Commissioners is key. I have tried to allocate a Local Training Manager for each District or pair of Districts. Where Districts are supportive, it has been easy to find someone and they have been accepted as part of the team helping develop Scouting locally. Not surprisingly, in those Districts, we have more Training Advisers and training and validations are going well. My challenge is with Districts who do not engage with my team. Mike: So what do you see as your biggest challenge? Pam: I suppose growing the team so that each District is effectively supported and that we are meeting the learning needs locally and as a County. That way we are giving all new adults what they need to provide good Scouting to young people.

more info To help provide further information about the role of County Training Manager, a new publication, Keys to Success for County Training Managers, is being produced by the Adult Support Team. It will be available from May 2009.

scouts.org.uk/focus

focus_4509.indd

18/3/09

14:50:51

ps provide We all know that Scout Fellowshi But why does ‘active support’ to local Scouting. ? this work so often go unrecognised Quite simply, we couldn’t do without them. Scout Fellowships are made up of men and women over the age of 18 with a variety of interests and backgrounds. There is no need for them to have been involved with Scouting or Guiding before. Many Scout Fellowships are specialist groups; campsite service crews, activity teams, first aid teams or radio operators. Other Fellowships offer a more general form of support by providing skills and activities for Group and District events. Because Scout Fellowships operate at Group, District, County or national level they provide a real opportunity for adults to volunteer flexibly. They make use of the skills they have to make a real difference to Scouting.

A District based Fellowship Eastbourne District Scout (Fellowship) First Aid Team has provided first aid cover for Scouting events and training courses for more than 15 years. They provide active support by offering a first aid service that leaders in the District, County or even further afield can use. The Scout Fellowship also provides first aid courses to Young Leaders, Explorer Scouts and members of the 10

focus_4509.indd 10

Scout Network. ‘Forging strong links with Explorers and Young Leaders has been vital,’ says John Clark, Chairman of the Fellowship. Last year the Fellowship provided first aid training courses and evenings to a number of Scout Groups and Explorer Scout Units in the County and in 2009 they are planning a number of major events for the Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts. These activity days will help leaders to develop young people’s skills while involving parents and helpers. This will support Fellowship recruitment and more importantly Scouting in the Districts.

A proactive approach By establishing proactive and strong links with Groups in their area the Scout Fellowship is encouraging young people to stay actively involved in Scouting after they reach 18. This is partly achieved by encouraging Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members to attend training and get involved with Fellowship activities.

Focus April/May 2009

19/3/09 16:35:28

Fellowship

Why does a District Commissioner need a Scout Fellowship?

‘

By Martin Platts, DC, Chesterfield Scout District Our Scout Fellowship is very active. Not only does it help out at District Events, but it offers its services to the 13 Groups and three Explorer Scout Units in Chesterfield. Fellowship members run a huge variety of games and activities, including pyrography, encaustic art (ironing with wax crayons) hot foiling, along with old favourites like Connect 4, draughts and dominos. They visit the Groups at their normal meeting places and the young people usually have something to take home at the end of the evening.

3#/54 3(/03

%15)00%$ &/2 !$6%.452%

scouts.org.uk/shop 01903 766 921

Column Clock

The Fellowship also helps out at the District campsite and runs a District funday open to all the Groups and sections. It also helps organise the District Cub and Scout competitions, staffing bases while also providing the catering for County presentations and our annual general meeting. I, for one, would recommend that every District starts a District Scout Fellowship and make use of this group of willing people ranging in age from 18 to 80+.

’

more info Visit the Eastbourne Fellowship’s website: www.edsfat.org.uk

Item code: 1025812

Oval Barrel Vase

7.5cm branded paperweight

£29.36

£44.04

£37.50

A presentation silver plated carriage clock bearing the ofﬁcial Scouts logo. Measures 100 x 38 x 38mm.

An engraved 15cm barrel vase with the ofﬁcial Scouts logo.

This angular, triangular cut paperweight reﬂect different colours and arrives in a satin lined presentation box – making another ideal presentation gift.

Item code: 1023488

Item code: 1024070

25cm Tay Glass Plate Item code: 1025571

£34.26

£30

Save £4.26

This presentation cut glass plate with the ofﬁcial Scouts logo makes a perfect presentation gift. There is room to put a further engraving below the logo.

focus_4509.indd

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

18/3/09

14:51:29

a r o f g n i t u o Sc Our Movement is changing, reflecting the UK’s dynamic society; Claire Welch looks at the ways more diverse Scouting can improve all Groups, Districts and Counties

ou might not think it, but you have a key role in developing the Movement. As a manager in Scouting you can enthuse, support and challenge other adults to think more about diversity. Remember, The Scout Association’s membership aims to reflect the UK’s local communities and Scouting has a broad appeal to all young people regardless of their faith, race or gender. We only need to recall the 21st World Scout Jamboree to be reminded of how Scouting brings together people from different backgrounds.

One Movement working together In this issue of Scouting magazine, I speak to Assistant Beaver Scout Leader, Kate Uings about her experience of mixed Scouting. Like many leaders, Kate has been involved in a Group that has made the transition to offering Scouting to both boys and girls. The Scout Association made it policy that from 1 January 2007 all Groups should make provision for all young people. But how successful has this transition been? Over the last few years, as expected, we have seen an increase in female membership. Yet, girls still only make up 14% (2008) of all young people in Scouting. We therefore have some way to go before we can claim to be truly representative of our communities.

Your local situation As a manager in Scouting it is always good to ask the question, ‘does the Scouting in my Group, District or County reflect our local diversity?’ Does further work need to be done to ensure girls are given an equal 12

focus_4509.indd

Focus April/May 2009

18/3/09

14:51:55

Mixed Scouting

opportunity to join the fun and adventure of Scouting? If yes, then consider the following options: • Organise one-to-one meetings with the people you manage; use this as an opportunity to discuss actively promote Scouting to all young people. For further support read One Movement Working Together available at www.scouts.org.uk/onemovement • Organise training on mixed Scouting. An ongoing learning module has been written and can be provided locally through your local training teams or contact adult.support@scout.org.uk to gain support from the Adult Support Team. Training materials are available to download for free from www.scouts.org.uk/training

• Share good practice. Build up links with other Groups and Districts that have successfully attracted many girls into Scouting and share the experience.

Take action Clearly as a manager in Scouting you play a vital role in developing the Movement. Scouting is at its best when all young people join together in the fun and adventure we provide. So why not use your role to make a real difference in the development of Scouting?

r all Promoting mixed Scouting in Dorset

A weekend event for the County team was held in autumn 2008. Sessions held included adult recruitment, managing waiting lists, adult training, Young Leaders, and mixed Scouting. What was covered in the mixed Scouting session? The session lasted 90 minutes and took elements from the ongoing learning module. The County looked at its membership census figures, breaking it down further by District. By examining the data they were able to consider the extent to which girls were involved in Scouting and the areas where they were under-represented. What was the outcome of the session? It was an opportunity to discuss mixed Scouting and to look at ways to further promote Scouting to all young people. A number of the Districts have asked that the same session be run for their leaders. ‘The weekend enabled us to put together a Development Plan,’ said Mike Parkes, the County Commissioner. ‘It is clear that we still have a way to go, particularly in the area of mixed Scouting, but we look forward to the challenge and to the time we are truly reflective of the community in Dorset.’

scouts.org.uk/focus

focus_4509.indd

18/3/09

14:52:13

Your part in

s s e c c u s k r o w t e N d local oss the UK – thanks mainly to goo The Scout Network is growing acr Scout Leader, up Gro ts more ideas on how you as support. Now Adrian Wray presen n better Commissioner can help make it eve District Commissioner or County

he Executive Committee, whether at County or District level, has an important role to play in the continued development of the Scout Network. We have found that many Executive Committees do not realise their importance when it comes to the development and growth of the section. As line managers, you can encourage your Executives to fulfil this role.

The Executive’s Network responsibilities include: • managing finance • helping with fundraising • looking after property/equipment belonging to the Scout Network • making sure everything is insured • helping recruit leaders • helping promote the Scout Network.

Who’s in charge? The responsibility to represent the Scout Network at the Executive is the County Scout Network Commissioner or at a District level, the District Scout Network Leader. However, there is also an opportunity for a Network member to be included as the young person on the Executive. You could also arrange to co-elect the Scout Network Chairperson. 14

focus_4509.indd

What does this support really mean? Just a few examples include: • helping promote links with the Explorer Scout section • ensuring every 18 year old knows about Scout Network • helping to find meeting places. For all of these things to work, the Executive Committee needs to communicate with and have a good working relationship with the County Scout Network Commissioner. more info For more information about Scout Network visit www.scouts.org.uk/network or email programme@scout.org.uk

NETWORK – THE FACTS • 17.5% increase in membership in 2007 • 10% increase in membership in 2008 • Large % of leaders/instructors are current Network members • Greater awareness of Scout Network across the UK • There are now 1,200 Network activities on Programmes Online • Increase in Queen’s Scout Awards

Focus April/May 2009

18/3/09

14:52:43

n o i t c a e k a T r u o y on . e c n a r u s n i t u o Sc Unity Insurance Services

ent and equipm y t r e p o r P d minibus r insurance e n b a l m e e v M ra t t , u e Sco Marin our existing experience! y n o n io t a Inform couting r 80 years’ S e v O nce.co.uk a r u s n i t u o www.sc 5 703 0845 094 ‘Focus’ Please quote one place? n i l l a e c n a Scout insur Now it can be.

scouts.org.u

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_4509.indd

18/3/09

14:57:17

OBC_FOCUS_Scouting_AprilMay09.indd 6

13/3/09 15:58:46