Retired Member

From January 2022, line managers have the option to offer the role of Retired Member to those who are no longer able (for any reason) to continue their active service, but want to retain an attachment to the movement.

The purpose of this role is to recognise the value of those volunteers who have given the movement fantastic service over many years, and allow them to continue to attend events such as AGMs, leader gatherings and awards ceremonies.

Who can be offered the Retired Member role

Line managers can offer the Retired Member role to volunteers who follow ALL the conditions below:

• Have had a minimum of 10 years of service
• Wish to retire from all other Scouting roles - the Retired Member role must be the person’s ONLY role in the organisation
• Do not expect to be active at any point in the future

Role description

This role is a ‘non-Member’ role. It will not accrue service years. 

The role isn't a temporary alternative to suspending a volunteer with overdue training, and should not be used for any volunteer who will continue to have any responsibility for young people nor any trustee responsibilities. It only allows for supervised access to young people and with no involvement in residential/nights away activity.

The Retired Member can attend occasional events, for example a District or County/ Area/ Region (Scotland) AGMs (in a non-voting capacity), an Awards ceremony organised by District or County/ Area/ Region (Scotland), or as an (escorted) visitor to a District or County/ Area/ Region (Scotland) Camp.

The Retired Member would normally be dressed casually, though will be permitted to wear the then-current uniform when attending these occasional events.

The role is only available at District or County/ Area/ Region (Scotland) level, and its line manager is the District Commissioner or County/ Area/ Region (Scotland) Commissioner. Local arrangements could be made in this regard.

Training requirements

Retired Members have no training obligations. 

Retired Member appointment process

Appointment to the role is approved by the District Commissioner or County/ Area/ Region (Scotland) Commissioner, or their nominee, and the Appointment Advisory Committee (AAC) process applies. We expect that many AACs would choose not to ‘interview’ these Retired Members.

We also expect AAC Chairs to take steps to ensure that Retired Members are aware of, and have read, the yellow card – this could be by a phone call, for example.

As the role holder will be undertaking no regulated activity, the Retired Member role does not require a disclosure check.

The District or County/ Area/ Region (Scotland) Appointments Secretary must ensure Compass records are updated and maintained.

Retired Members are not expected to be active at any point in the future. If a role change is required in the future, the national vetting process will be initiated.

Insurance for Retired Members

Like other 'non-Member' roles, Retired Members will not be automatically covered by the Scouts’ Personal Accident and Medical Expenses insurance. Local Scouting can purchase additional cover for Retired Members in the same way as for occasional helpers. Please note that the benefits level differ for individuals over 70 years old. 

If Retired Members help run organised Scouting activities, they would be covered by The Scout Association’s Public Liability policy. Similarly, if they sustain an injury or their personal property is damaged due to the negligence of the Scout Group, they could make a claim against the Public Liability policy.