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Minimum standards

4b.11.1.1 Minimum standards for Squirrel, Beaver, Cub, Scout, and Explorer sections
Each section must meet the following minimum standards:  

  1. Management: operation must be overseen by a Section Team  
  2. Adult Leadership: 
    • Squirrel Dreys: a minimum of three adults in the Section Team 
    • all other sections: a minimum of two adults in the Section Team 
  3. Programme delivery: a safe, high quality and balanced programme must be delivered 
  4. Youth participation: members must be given opportunities to take part in the decision-making process. Any forum or committee should have young persons and adults working together 
  5. Nights Away opportunities:  
    • Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers: the opportunity for every young person to attend at least one nights away activity every year 
    • Squirrels: may attend a nights away event, but nights away for Squirrels is not part of the minimum standard for Squirrels. 

4b.11.1.2 Minimum standards for Scout Network sections
Each Scout Network section must meet the following minimum standards:  

  1. Leadership: every District with a Scout Network must appoint a District 14-24 Team Leader in line with POR Chapter 16 
  2. Nights Away: every Scout Network member must have the opportunity to attend a camp every year 

4b.11.1.3 District support
The District Programme Team is responsible for supporting all sections to meet the minimum standards outlined above.  

4b.11.1.4 Failure to meet minimum standards
If a section fails to reach the minimum standard for two consecutive years, the District Lead Volunteer should consider closing it.   

A section which fails to reach the minimum standard for three consecutive years must be closed by the District Lead Volunteer, following consultation with: 

  1. the Group Trustee Board (for Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts) 
  2. the District Trustee Board (for Explorers, Scout Network).