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New version of POR now available

14/01/2011

A new version of Policy, Organisation and Rules – the guidance document by which Scouting in the UK is managed and operated – is available now. Dated January 2011, the updated document contains 27 substantive amendments. One of the main changes relate to the residential experiences of Beaver Scouts.

Changes to rules for Beaver Scouts

The Operations Sub-Committee agreed to changes to the rules for Beaver Scout residential, which include a relaxation of the time restriction of residential experiences so that they are to be for one night only, rather than the more restrictive 24 hours. Beaver Scouts will also be allowed to camp, and the minimum standards for the Colony are updated to reflect the expectation that each Beaver Scout should now be offered the opportunity to go on a residential experience each year (3.7).

International trips

The other change for Beaver Scouts is that they are now included in the rules for visits abroad. Beaver Scouts are now allowed to go overseas, but only with a nominated adult (9.64).

In other updates, rules have been updated for caving and mine exploration, snowsports, the appointment of adults, length of service awards, and the appointment process.

If you have any questions about the rule changes for Beaver Scouts, please contact The Programme Team by email or by phone at 020 8433 7151.

Further information

POR homepage
Summary of amendments
Summary of Beaver Scout rule changes
Briefing and FAQs for Beaver Scout rule changes
Colony visits and holidays abroad
Guidelines for Beaver Scout residential experiences

 

 

Comments

By Ray Tucker (14/01/2011 18:02) On list of amendments you show a lot of these changes not happening until Nov.2011 (typo)?

By Vicky Miller (17/01/2011 21:52) I'm really pleased to see that the '24 hour rule' has been relaxed. I still think that 24 hours is probably the right amount of time for 6-7 year olds, but it does allow some flexibility with older Beavers who are ready to make the transition to Cubs. It also helps with travelling times!

By David Edington (11/02/2011 15:40) Come out of your Ivory Tower and come and see the real world. With the difficulty in getting leaders to commit to running a Beaver Colony on one evening a week I think you'll be closing alot down after three years if you implement your rules on forcing us to offer an overnight reidential experiance.

By Tony Morwood-Leyland (14/02/2011 23:39) Just stumbled across these. Glad to see that those responsible for finances need to be vetted now but has anyone told Groups? Most GT's are not even Associate Members. Interesting to see the requirement for Module 1 training now - nowhere to be found by search on this site apparently. And as it is a fairly general requirement for non-finance posts I suspect it does not include the elements of trusteeship, POR and Charity Commission rules. So still no requirement for Treasurers to know what they are doing! You wouldn't let a non-mountaineer lead an expedition up Snowdon - what makes you think Scout Accounts are that simple?

By David Edington 2nd Ickenham (15/02/2011 08:32) You've caused alot of bad feeling here with your publication of updated rules. I quote; ""Minimum expected� The opportunity for each Beaver Scout to attend a nights away experience every year"" "" the punishment if not provided; If a Colony fails to reach the minimum standard for 2 consecutive years, the District Commissioner, with the approval of the District Executive Committee, may close it. If it fails to reach the minimum standard for 3 consecutive years, it must be closed."" Having run a successful Beaver colony for 8 plus years with my wife we do not consider overnights away to be appropriate for us or our Beavers. Your rules now say that we must be closed down, although when this is pointed out to our "District" they tell me this will never happen. Maybe not, but I may hand in my Scout Hut keys if Gilwell prove to be so detached from those at the coal face.

By Aggie Bennett (20/02/2011 11:53) We used to cover this with the chance to go on family camp, but now that all parents must be CRB checked if they want to go this is no longer an option (I will not insult them, nor spend time I don't have chasing up paperwork, and as for the cost......) I can't believe Bear Grylls is aware of this piling on of the paperwork and requirements (don't get me started on risk assessments for sneezing), this is surely not what he would endorse for the committed and fantastic volunteers who want to offer fun and adventure for children, and who keep scouting going. Wake up Gilwell - the government has stated that there should be a common sense approach to such matters, why aren't you listening?

By Stephen O'Neill (23/02/2011 14:03) And we call ourselves a 'movement'. "We've never done it so we're not doing it so there". Beaver Scout Leaders who have held Sleepovers seldom have any issues, provided the correct planning takes place. It's an ideal opportunity to involve your Cub colleagues who I'm sure would be only too willing o help. Or, alternatively, to partner other Colonies in a joint Sleepover. Young people are maturing ever earlier. When Beaver Scouting started, and for many years after, it would not have been appropriate for Beaver Scouts to sleep over. But if the young people are changing, we have to change with them or else the programme will not be sufficiently challenging or rewarding. If that happens, we won't need DCs to close Colonies, lack of interest will do that. From my own experience, Beaver Sleepovers are much less traumatic than Cub Camps or PAck Holidays. I have seen many more Cubs being homesick, even experienced Sixers and Seconders, than I ever have Beavers. We constantly encourage our young people, in all Sections, to try new things. Perhaps it's time we tried new things, too. Finally, I find it an odd attitude to think that anyone with nothing to hide would be 'insulted' at having CRB checks done. Would they not expect that of adults with whom their own children would be in contact?