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UK Support Teams

UK Support Teams (UKSTs) were previously known as National Scout Active Support Units (NSASUs). This is a change that is in transition - at the time of publication of this edition of POR, the change has not yet been completed everywhere (including on scouts.org.uk). 

6.14.1.1 Structure
Some UKSTs are constituted as separate charities within the Federation. These UKSTs must also comply with the principles of POR Chapters 5a and 5b. 

Other UKSTs function as sub-teams within the UK Headquarters organisation. 

Regardless of their structure - whether as a separate charity or as a sub-team - each UKST must:

  • comply with POR 6.14 and POR Chapter 5e 
  • have a clearly defined service agreement (a statement of purpose). 

6.14.1.2 Creating UKSTs
The UK Lead Volunteer for Programme may form UKSTs. 

Applications to form a UKST are made to the UK Lead Volunteer for Programme. 

6.14.1.3 Purpose
The purpose of UKSTs is to provide active support to Scouts at a national level. 

All adult-only support groups linked to Scouts at a national level must be registered as UKSTs whether or not they are separate charities within the Scouts’ federation of charities. 

6.14.1.4 Leadership
The UK Lead Volunteer for Programme may delegate another national appointee to act as the responsible team leaders to support the activities and development of a UKST, to agree and review the service agreement, and to maintain effective liaison between UK Headquarters and the UKST. 

Each UKST is led by a UKST Manager who is responsible for ensuring that the UKST meets its service agreement. One or more UKST Coordinators may be appointed to assist in the running of the Unit. All appointments of UKST Managers and UKST Coordinators must take place through arrangements managed by the UK Lead Volunteer for Programme. 

6.14.1.5 Membership 
Subject in all cases to a satisfactory Personal Enquiry, membership of a UKST is open to any person aged 18 or over, including: 

  1. those holding other appointments in Scouts, who are expected to give priority to the duties of these local appointments 
  2. Scout Network Members, who are expected to give priority to their Scout Network. 

Each UKST Manager must be a member of Scouts. All Members of a UKST must also be members.  

6.14.1.6 Service agreement 
A UKST is responsible for providing active support in accordance with its service agreement, agreed every three years with the UK Lead Volunteer for Programme or their nominee. 

6.14.1.7 Minimum standards 
The following minimum standards are laid down for a UKST: 

  1. There must be an appointed UKST Manager.  In the event of a vacancy, the UK Lead Volunteer for Programme or their nominee assumes that role until a new UKST Manager is appointed  
  2. A UKST must provide active support to Scouts on a national level, as detailed in its service agreement 
  3. The annual census for a UKST must be completed and submitted under guidelines specified by the UK Lead Volunteer for Programme or their nominee 
  4. Banking arrangements:  
    • In the case of a UKST which is a separate charity in law, these arrangements should be defined in their constitution but must reflect the principles of Chapter 5e
    • For a UKST which is not a separate charity in law, bank accounts and banking processes must be agreed and managed under arrangements agreed by the Board of Trustees and must be in line with the principles of Chapter 5e  
  5. Accounting records: 
    • Annual accounts for a UKST that is a separate charity in law must be submitted to UK Headquarters at [email protected] as soon as possible after the UKST’s AGM at which they are presented. Prior to the UKST AGM, the accounts must have been independently examined or audited as required by Chapter 5a
    • For a UKST that is not a separate charity in law, the accounting records of The Scout Association must reflect the transactions undertaken, and supporting evidence made available as required, to The Scout Association’s auditors. To enable this, the UK Headquarters finance team will specify for each such UKST the nature and frequency of returns and supporting evidence to be made to them to meet these obligation
  6. A UKST must comply with any other operational procedures agreed with the UK Lead Volunteer for Programme or their nominee 

6.14.1.8 Compliance with minimum standards 

  1. If a UKST fails to reach the minimum standards for two non-consecutive years in a three-year rolling period, it may be closed by the UK Lead Volunteer for Programme with the approval of the Strategy and Delivery Committee. 
  2. If a UKST fails to reach the minimum standard for two consecutive years it must be closed. 

6.14.1.9 Merger 
If two or more UKSTs are to merge: 

  1. The person who is responsible for the Unit’s annual accounts must prepare the accounts for the date agreed for the merging of Units.   
  2. UK Headquarters must examine the accounts and receipts to ensure they are correct 
  3. Physical resources must be returned to UK Headquarters who must redistribute or dispose of as required in agreement by the UK Lead Volunteer for Programme.