British Scouting Overseas - District Commissioner (Southern Europe)

British Scouting Overseas (BSO) allows members of UK Scouting to take part in the UK programme despite being outside of the United Kingdom. BSO is split in to four Scout Districts: Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Middle East and Rest of the World. According to the 2022 census we have a total membership of 3,200. Operating in 28 different countries, each with their own legislation, is a unique challenge to BSO. This requires strong working relationships with National Scout Organisations and local government in our host countries are encouraged to ensure our members have a rewarding and safe experience as part of BSO.

The Southern Europe District currently comprises of  nine Scout Groups throughout Spain (including the Canary Islands), France and Italy, with a total membership of 657 (2022 Census). In the last five years, the district has seen an overall 37% increase in membership (young people and adults). Although numbers declined during the Pandemic, our January 2022 membership figures demonstrate good recovery and the number of people involved throughout the District are at the highest they have been since 2002. Most of the Groups are separated by some considerable geographical distance. The District Leadership Team work collaboratively and in close co-operation with the Groups to bring everyone together to deliver the District Strategy and with a series of joint activities, events and camps.

The purpose of this role is to manage and support British Scouting Overseas Southern Europe District to ensure it runs effectively and develops in accordance with the rules and policies of The Scout Association so that that the District provides good quality Scouting for young people and proactively supports and manages adults in the District.

Area Commissioner

Area Commissioner & District Executive

Deputy District Commissioners, Group Scout Leaders, District Explorer Scout Commissioner, District Scout Network Leaders, Assistant District Commissioners, District Scout Active Support Managers, District Scouters, District Advisers, Nights Away Advisers, District Media Development Manager

Internal

Area Commissioner, Deputy & Assistant Area Commissioners, Other Area District Commissioners, Deputy District Commissioners, Group Scout Leaders, District Explorer Scout Commissioner, District Scout Network Leaders, Assistant District Commissioners, District Scout Active Support Managers, District Scouters, District Advisers, Nights Away Advisers, District Media Development Manager, District Executive Officers

External

Local Commissioner(s) for British Girlguiding Overseas, key contacts in National Scout Organisations in countries where BSO operates

• The appointment will be initially for a thee year period, with the potential for further extension following review.
• The appointed volunteer is required to be (or become) a member of The Scouts and complete relevant training (Wood Badge) within three years of appointment.
• The appointee must be eligible for charity trustee status and cleared to undertake regulated activity
• As travel to the different countries within BSO & Southern Europe District may be required, the appointed volunteer should have a valid passport & travel permission from the time of application

• Ensure the delivery of a balanced programme throughout the district
• Ensure the provision of safe Scouting across the District. This will include DBS compliance monitoring and those new adults attain the Getting Started modules within the first five months of their appointment.
• Review, develop and implement a Southern Europe District Strategy which aligns with The Scouts Skills for Life 2018-23 Strategy and BSO’s Area Plan on a Page.
• Provide line management and support to adults in the district that directly report to the District Commissioner.
• Ensure the District has an adequate team of supported and appropriate adults working effectively together to meet the needs of BSO.
• Ensure that issues within the district are resolved so that quality Scouting is provided to young people.
• Work in partnership with the District Executive to ensure objectives contained within the District Strategy are achieved.

• Ability to manage adults effectively. Essential
• Understanding of the challenges of working in the voluntary sector. Essential
• Experience of working with young people and/or community work with adult groups. Desirable
• Experience or working in the Scout or Guide movement as an adult. Desirable
• Experience of working with adults in different countries. Desirable.
• Understanding of the culture and context of working in Southern Europe. Desirable

• Excellent written and communication skills. Essential
• Provides advice and guidance effectively to others. Essential
• Provides inspirational leadership. Essential
• Provides strategic direction. Essential
• Ability to manage adults from a distance. Essential
• Motivates adults. Essential
• Can build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people. Essential
• Enables others to identify issues, clarify objectives, develop attainable objectives and gain the necessary skills and confidence to work as an effective team. Essential.
• Ability to negotiate compromises. Essential
• Plans, manages and monitors own tasks and time and is able to commit the necessary time to undertake the role effectively. Essential
• Can construct and implement long-term plans. Essential
• Digitally literate and very comfortable with the use of video calling, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Essential
• Experience of Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Forms, Microsoft Planner, Microsoft Teams and online automation or project management tools. Desirable

• An understanding of the needs of adult volunteers. Essential
• Flexible approach. Essential
• Self-motivated. Essential
• Able to work as part of a team and promote good teamwork. Essential
• Resourceful, energetic and enthusiastic about the work of BSO. Essential
• Acceptance of the fundamentals of the Scout Movement. Essential
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion for all members of the community. Essential
• Understand the impact that Scouting has on the community it serves. Essential

To apply, please complete the form at the end of the application pack below and return to jordan.mccullough@britishscoutingoverseas.org.uk

The search group consists of:

• Jordan McCullough – Assistant Area Commissioner (Diversity & Inclusion)/Assistant District Commissioner (Growth & Development) (Search Team Chair)
• Nathan Prince – British Scouting Overseas Area Commissioner
• Shelly Burrows – District Commissioner Middle East
• Mairi Claire Dunlin – Area Adult Appointment Committee Member/GSL 2nd Kuala Lumpur
• Alice Mintoff – District Youth Commissioner/Assistant WSJ Unit Leader
• John Broxis – GSL 1st Chantilly

To support the development of all our adult volunteers, unsuccessful candidates at interview will be offered feedback from a member of the search group. Their current line manager will be informed of the application, so specific future development needs can be identified for the volunteer. If you do not wish for your line manager to be informed, please inform the search group at interview.

The closing date for applications is 12pm (local UK time) Sunday 8 May 2022

Applications will be reviewed by the search group and shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview during the week commencing 23 May 2022.

These are likely to be held via video-conferencing.

To organise an informal discussion about the role, please email

Nathan Prince (Area Commissioner): nathan.prince@britishscoutingoverseas.org.uk or

Jordan McCullough (Chair of Search Team): jordan.mccullough@britishscoutingoverseas.org.uk

More information regarding BSO can be found at British Scouting Overseas and more about the Southern Europe District can be found at Southern Europe British Scouting Overseas.