Scout Network Roles

District Scout Network Commissioner

The District Scout Network Commissioner will be the lead volunteer responsible for the strategic development of the District Scout Network. The District Scout Network Commissioner will report to the District Commissioner and be a member of the District Team, working closely with the District Explorer Scout Commissioner.

The District Scout Network Commissioner will line manage one or more Programme Co-ordinators.

A District Scout Network Commissioner (DSNC) Essentials Guide is available to support District Commissioners (DCs) with DSNC inductions and to act as a source of reference to DSNCs in their role.

 Read the District Scout Network Commissioner Essentials guide.

Role description for a District Scout Network Commissioner

November 2018 Edition no 3

Title: District Scout Network Commissioner

Outline: The District Scout Network Commissioner is the Manager of the Scout Network Section and is responsible for proactively enabling Scout Network members to shape and participate in the Scout Network programme in accordance with the Purpose, Principles and Policies of The Scout Association.

Responsible to: District Commissioner

Responsible for: Programme Coordinator(s).

Main Contacts: Members of the District Scout Network, Programme Coordinator(s), District Explorer Scout Commissioner, District Explorer Scout Administrator, District Commissioner, Explorer Scout Leaders, Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network), District Chairperson, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Adviser, King's Scout Award Coordinator, Local Youth Commissioner.

Appointment Requirements: Must successfully complete the appointment process (including acceptable personal enquiries and acceptance of The Scout Association's policies). During the five months of Provisional Appointment the relevant Getting Started modules must be completed. A Wood Badge must be completed within three years of Full Appointment, and ongoing safeguarding and safety training.

Main Tasks

Delivering a quality programme in the District

• Actively support and encourage Scout Network members in shaping and participating in the programme, including forming project teams.
• Ensure that a safe, exciting and stimulating programme is available to Scout Network Members in the District, taking into account the needs, interests and abilities of members.
• Ensure the safe delivery of the programme in the District in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
• Encourage members of the Scout Network to gain activity permits and to undertake awards, particularly including the Diamond Chief Scout’s Award, the King's Scout Award, Explorer Belt, Scouts of the World Award and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Support members to access opportunities to complete these awards.
• Regularly review the District provision of Scout Network to ensure that the experience for Scout Network
  members is of the highest quality

Managing the operation of the District Scout Network

• Manage membership admission to the District Scout Network and support transfers of membership when required.
• Ensure that there is adequate support for Scout Network in the District so that all young adults can participate in the programme.
• Recruit, induct and support Programme Coordinators as needed.
• Maintain a good working relationship with the District Trustee Board, to ensure that the Scout
• Network is adequately and appropriately funded, and has access to buildings and equipment as needed.
• Ensure that the Link Agreement made with all Explorer Scout Units is regularly reviewed.
• Promote, encourage and support good relationships between the District Scout Network, the District
  Explorer Scout Commissioner, Explorer Scout Leaders and District Explorer Scout Administrator. In
  particular this is to enable and encourage the moving on process from Explorer Scouts, including Young
  Leaders, to the Scout Network.
• Act as a point of contact for all 18-25 year olds wishing to take on an adult appointment in the District, as
  well as those who are solely members of the District Scout Network.
• Engage and communicate with all 18-25 year olds in the District, encouraging them to participate in the
  programme.
• Ensure efficient administration of the District Scout Network records and finances, and enable regular
  communication of information to young people and adults in the District.
• Ensure that any Scout Network Members in the District who are undertaking tasks beyond participating
  in the programme for their own personal development (for example assisting with events run for younger
  members of other Sections) hold adult appointments as appropriate.
• Actively encourage young adults to consider the full range of adult appointments, including Scout Active
  Support membership, during their time as a Scout Network member, particularly as they approach the
  age of 25.

Wider tasks

• Ensure links and interaction between the District Scout Network, the County and the UK Scout Network are maintained.
• Follow the District’s financial procedures, which must be in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules.
• Attend and contribute to relevant District and County meetings. These may include meetings of the District Trustee Board, District Scout Council, District Explorer Scout meetings, District team meetings, and other meetings at District and County level, including with the Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network) and other District Scout Network Commissioners.
• Encourage and promote participation of Young People in the work of the District Trustee Board and other District committees and teams.
• Develop relationships with external bodies in the District, in order to enhance the Scout Network programme.
• Other tasks agreed with the District Commissioner.

Some of the tasks for which the District Scout Network Commissioner is responsible may be delegated or shared with others in the District, including the District Explorer Scout Administrator and Programme Coordinator(s).

Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network)

Counties should have an Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network), who will provide support to the District Scout Network Commissioners, and ensure a quality Network provision operates with the County. In exceptional circumstances where a Scout Network is located in the County, the ACC (Scout Network) will line manage any Programme Coordinators that operate at County level.

Role description for an Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network)

November 2018 Edition no 3

Title: Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network).
Outline: To work in partnership with the County Commissioner to ensure effective operation of the Scout Network
section in their County, in accordance with the Purpose, Principles and Policies of The Scout Association.
Responsible to: County Commissioner
Responsible for: N/A
Main Contacts: County Commissioner, Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts), District Commissioners,
District Network Scout Commissioner, Programme Coordinator(s), District Explorer Scout Commissioners, District
Explorer Scout Administrator, Scout Network Members, Local Youth Commissioners, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Adviser, King's Scout Award Coordinator, Assistant County Commissioners (Scout Network) from other Counties.
Appointment Requirements: Must successfully complete the appointment process (including acceptable personal
enquiries and acceptance of The Scout Association's policies). During the five months of Provisional Appointment the
relevant Getting Started modules must be completed. A Wood Badge must be completed within three years of Full
Appointment, and ongoing safety and safeguarding training.

Main tasks

Developing a quality Scout Network provision across the County

• Maintain and grow the Scout Network across the County.
• Ensure that a quality Scout Network programme is carried out throughout the County.
• Ensure that Awards are robustly and consistently assessed, including signing certificate request forms for Scout Network Members (King's Scout Award, Explorer Belt, Scouts of the World Award).
• Maintain a working relationship with District Commissioners, District Scout Network Commissioners, Programme Coordinators, and other Commissioners in the County, particularly providing support in matters relating to the Scout Network Section.
• Collaborate with District Scout Networks to devise County projects, activities and programme experiences that can be made available to all Scout Network members across the County and, where applicable, beyond the County.
• Work in partnership with the County Commissioner and County Team in the management of the County Scout Network provision.
• Support the County Commissioner and County Training Manager with the learning needs of Leaders and Commissioners in the Scout Network section.
• Maintain contact with relevant local community groups linked to the Scout Network age group or programme themes, including promoting Scout Network to the local community.

Ensure that there is a District Scout Network in each District

• Ensure that there is a District Scout Network in each District.
• Support the recruitment and induction of District Scout Network Commissioners, including supporting their training.
• Support District Scout Network Commissioners in ensuring that a safe, exciting and stimulating programme is available to Scout Network Members in their District.
• Run regular meetings with District Scout Network Commissioners, and Programme Coordinators as appropriate.
• Encourage members of the Scout Network to gain activity permits and to undertake awards, particularly including the Diamond Chief Scout’s Award, the King's Scout Award, Explorer Belt, Scouts of the World Award and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Support members to access opportunities to complete these awards.
• Ensure positive links between District Scout Networks in the County are developed and maintained.
• Promote, encourage and support good relationships between District Scout Network Commissioners, District Explorer Scout Commissioners, Explorer Scout Leaders and District Explorer Scout Administrators. Maintain a good relationship with the Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts). In particular this is to enable and encourage the moving on process from Explorer Scouts, including Young Leaders, to the Scout Network.

Wider County Tasks

• Support the County Commissioner in the development of the County.
• Ensure that interaction between District Scout Networks and the UK Scout Network is maintained.
• Attend and contribute to relevant County meetings. These may include meetings of the County Team, meetings held by the Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts), other meetings at County, Region or National level as well as meetings with District Scout Network Commissioners.
• Develop relationships with external bodies in the County, in order to enhance the Scout Network programme.
• Other tasks agreed with the County Commissioner.

Notes
If, in exceptional circumstances, Scout Network provision is located at the County (rather than District), a County Scout Network Commissioner should be appointed in place of the Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network), to manage the tasks outlined in the District Scout Network Commissioner role description and any other duties associated with that of an Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network).

Some of the tasks for which the Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network) is responsible may be delegated to others in the County, including the County Administrator.

Programme Coordinator

The Programme Coordinator is an informal role and whilst it’s not necessary for a District Scout Network to have one or more Programme Coordinators in place, large District Scout Networks may find it beneficial. It's anticipated that older Scout Network members, still under the age of 25, could fulfil the role. They'll likely have had experience of participating in projects as a Scout Network member themselves and will be willing to share some of their knowledge. This means that there is no formal appointment process. However, if a District Scout Network Commissioner wants to have a Programme Coordinator over the age of 25 years, this can be done via the appointment of a District Scouter, following the rules that apply for such appointments.

Review the FAQs for the Programme Coordinator  and encourage people to volunteer to assist. Remember, an older Scout Network member acting as Programme Coordinator can participate in the programme too.

FAQ’s about Programme Coordinators

• Do we need to tell anybody about our Programme Coordinators?
  No. As it is anticipated that most Programme Coordinators will be older Members of the District Scout Network, there is no requirement for them to be registered or appointed at present. The exception to this is if someone over the age of 25 is appointed, via a District Scouter appointment, where the normal rules apply.
• Is the role of a Programme Coordinator a formal role?
  This is primarily an informal role to assist District Scout Network Commissioners in ensuring participation in the programme, particularly with regard to Projects. It's anticipated that older Members of the District Scout Network will be able to fulfil the role, although provision is made for people over the age of 25 to take on this role, but as a District Scouter.
• Are there training requirements for the role?
  As it is not an Adult Appointment, there are no official training requirements.
• Does the Programme Coordinator have to manage every project?
  The Programme Coordinator is not a Project Coordinator. They are there to support Members of the District Scout Network in shaping their projects and participation in the programme so that they get the most out of their time in the Scout Network.
• Does this role have to be filled by someone aged 18-25 and an active Network Member? It's anticipated that older Scout Network members, still under the age of 25, could fulfil the role. They will likely have had experience of participating in projects as a Scout Network member themselves and will be willing to share some of their knowledge. This means that there is no formal appointment process. However, if a District Scout Network Commissioner wants to have a Programme Coordinator over the age of 25 years, this can be done via the appointment of a District Scouter, following the rules that apply for such appointments.
• How many Programme Coordinators can/should a District have?
  The Programme Coordinator is an informal role and whilst it’s not necessary for a District Scout Network to have one or more Programme Coordinators in place, large District Scout Networks may find it beneficial. The number of Programme Coordinators will depend on the functions that are needed to successfully support the District Network section. It will therefore be up to the District Scout Network Commissioner and District Commissioner to discuss the number of Coordinators needed.

UK Scout Network Commissioner

The UK Scout Network Commissioner will be the lead volunteer responsible for the strategic development of the UK Scout Network. The UK Scout Network Commissioner will be line managed and supported by the Deputy UK Lead Volunteer for Programme (14-25) and will be a member of the UK Scout Network Team.

The UK Scout Network Commissioner will line manage one or more UK Programme Co-ordinators.

The UK Programme Coordinators will support the UK Scout Network Team, which will be composed of Members aged 18-25.

The UK Scout Network Team will initiate, implement and evaluate projects that are geared towards participation in the three programme areas and/or attainment of awards and will make these projects available to all Members of the Scout Network, including those in Districts.

To find out more follow them on Twitter @ukscoutnetwork

The Role of the District Trustee Board in Supporting the Explorer Scout Section

FS452012 (October 2013) Edition no 4 (103561)

Explorer Scouting is a District provision, and so the governance of Explorer Scout Units is the responsibility of the District Trustee Board, in much the same way as the governance of a Beaver Scout or Cub Scout Unit is the responsibility of the Group Trustee Board. This means that a number of the organisation and financial aspects of Explorer Scouting in the District are managed by the District Trustee Board.

The Trustee Board is responsible for:

• Protecting and maintaining property and equipment owned by and used by the District
• Managing the District finances
• Providing insurance for people, property and equipment
• Providing sufficient resources for Scouting to operate. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting recruitment, other adult support, and fundraising activities
• Promoting and supporting the development of Scouting in the local area
• Managing and implementing the safety policy locally
• Ensuring that a positive image of Scouting exists in the local community
• The opening, closure and amalgamation of Explorer Scout Units as required
• Ensuring that young people are meaningfully involved in decision-making at all levels within the District
• Maintaining appropriate records of Explorer Scouts in the District to ensure effective administration and communication.

District Explorer Scout Commissioner

The District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC) is responsible to the District Commissioner (DC) for the operation of the section within the District. The role of a DESC is to ensure the effective operation of the Explorer Scout Section and the development of Explorer Scouting within the District in accordance with the purpose, principles and policies of The Scout Association.

The DESC is a member of the District Trustee Board and should ensure that the Trustee Board is fully informed as to the nature of Explorer Scouting within the District.

One of the key functions of the DESC is to advise the DC and District Trustee Board on the setting up or closure of Explorer Scout Units within the District.

Finance

The DESC is responsible for the implementation of the programme throughout the District and will need sufficient funds to be able to discharge this responsibility. As there is no one specific model for the set-up of Explorer Scout Units within the District, it is not possible to detail how these finances will be spent.

When setting an annual budget it is suggested that the following are taken into consideration:

• Activities
• Headquarter subscriptions
• County/Area/Region (Scotland)
• Printing and stationery
• Postage and telephone
• DESA costs
• Travel costs
• General DESC expenses
• Young Leaders’ Scheme
• Badges and awards
• Publications
• Leader training
• Requirements of all individual partnership agreements

As you will appreciate, the above items may constitute a considerable sum. The District Trustee Board must decide whether these costs (and others that it may decide on) are passed to Explorer Scouts only, by way of their Unit membership fee or whether these costs are incorporated in the general District membership fee paid by every member of the District. It may be that a split between the two payment methods is appropriate

Additionally, the District Trustee Board may decide that the Explorer Scout Section needs to undertake fundraising activities to assist in its finances. Care needs to be taken when deciding on this option as it's important that the burden of fundraising is borne by all members of the section, which this may prove difficult in some Districts. There are many grants available locally for this age group and these should be investigated wherever possible. A combination of all or some of the above options for providing finance is appropriate.

It should be recognised that setting a budget for a section is not an exact science and that there should be sufficient leeway in the budget process to allow for contingencies.

Explorer Scout Accounts

POR Rule 5.5 cover the opening and operation of Unit bank accounts. The District Trustee Board may authorise the opening of bank accounts for individual Units subject to the restrictions outlined above. Each Unit must submit its accounts and bank account statements to the District Treasurer for scrutiny at least every three monthly. All Explorer Scout Units are answerable to the District Trustee Board in respect of their finances. The annual accounts for the Explorer Scout Section may either be fully incorporated into the District accounts or produced as a separate appendix to them.

More information about Finance in the Explorer Scout Section.

Equipment

There are many issues surrounding equipment and before a decision is made to purchase equipment the District Trustee Board will need to address the following:

• Should the equipment be purchased for the section only or for the District generally?
• Who is able to use the equipment?
• Where will it be stored?
• Who is responsible for the upkeep?
• Who is responsible for replacement?
• Good practice would indicate that equipment should be purchased for as wide a use as possible. Additional consideration should be given to Units borrowing existing equipment from Scout Groups.

Insurance

The District Trustee Board has a responsibility to ensure that all persons and property are adequately insured. If the District includes the DESA on the annual census (which means paying membership subscription) it ensures that the insurance issue cannot be overlooked. However, if the DESA is not included on the census and is not a 'member of the Association' they can take out personal injury cover in one of two ways:

1. The District could include them on an Occasional Helper policy (basically an extension to the main Personal Accident Policy) covering up to 25 persons working with the District.
2. The District could take out a specific policy for the DESA under the Personal Injury Plan (PIP). In both cases, details should be obtained from Unity (Scout Insurance Services) on 0845 0945 703)

Registration of Units and Charity Numbers

Every Scout Group, District, and County/Area/Region is an autonomous organisation (individual charity) operating under the policies and rules of The Scout Association. Scout Groups, Districts in England and Wales are considered charities by law, and some may be registered with the appropriate charity regulator. Explorer Scout Units must not be individually registered with the regulator as charities; as the
section is registered to the District on completion of the census form. However, they may be registered as a charity for tax purposes, separately from the District, if the unit holds its own bank account. For more information on the status of Explorer Scouts with charity regulators please contact Headquarters.

Recruitment

The District Trustee Board has responsibilities for recruitment of adults and young people. Recruitment should be undertaken in conjunction with any partner included in a partnership agreement. The District Trustee Board should ensure that:

• there are sufficient and appropriate leaders for all Units within the District
• there is a DESA in place or sufficient administrative support if one is not available
• there is an opportunity for Young Leaders to receive the appropriate training The Trustee Board should also assist in the recruitment of young people ensuring that adequate provision is made for 14 - 18 year olds to participate in Scouting within the District
  wherever possible.

Use of young people on the District Trustee Board

A young person under the age of 18 is unable to be a trustee and full voting member of the District Trustee Board. However, Explorer Scouts can be coopted onto sub-committees and they may be invited along to District Trustee Board meetings when appropriate.

If they're invited to participate at this level it's imperative that:

• they're involved in discussion
• they're listened to
• they're fully included in the decision-making process
• they're used in an appropriate way

To ensure that this participation functions effectively it may require some change to the
normal workings of the District Trustee Board. For example, using small working groups to think through the reasons for a decision, rather than have the normal round-the-table discussion may be more appropriate for the age group. 

Dealing with differences of opinion

There are always going to be occasions when there are differences of opinion. It's important that when these issues arise that they are dealt with promptly and are not allowed to turn into a major dispute. If there is a difference of opinion between the  District Trustee Board and the DESC ensure that the matter in hand is the responsibility of the District Trustee Board. As an example, matters of programme are not the responsibility of the Trustee Board, however providing funding for them is. If there is a legitimate difference of opinion between the Trustee Board and the DESC it should be resolved by discussion between the DC, DESC and District Chair. Subsequently, an agreed proposal may be put to the District Trustee Board with the full backing of these three individuals. If the difference of opinion is between a partner in a partnership agreement and a Unit then the matter should be resolved with discussion between the DESC and the appropriate member of the partner organisation (e.g. Group Scout Leader). If necessary the DC should also be involved. If the matter cannot be resolved at a District level it can be referred to the County/Area/Region Commissioner whose decision will be final.

Sub-Committees

Trustee Board can appoint Sub-Committees to deal with specific areas of the Trustee Board’s responsibilities such as finance or property, to make the Trustee Board workload more manageable. The majority of members of these sub-Committees are not trustees, (unless they also hold an appointment as a Trustee). The District Commissioner and District Chair will be ex-officio members of any Sub-Committees formed. The District Trustee Board may establish subcommittees as deemed necessary, with members nominated by the Trustee Board. The purpose, structure, powers and limitation, and reporting responsibilities of the subcommittee should be clearly defined by the Trustee Board that forms it. The District Trustee Board may not want lengthy discussions concerning the Explorer Scout section at every meeting. The District Trustee Board may appoint a sub-committee to discharge as much of their responsibility as the Trustee Board feels fit and then report to the District Trustee Board as requested. Best practice would indicate that if a Sub-Committee is formed it should include the DESC and DESA. When considering whether to set up a Sub-Committee to oversee this section you may wish to review the demographics of your District Trustee Board and decide whether you wish a different demographic profile for the sub-committee, perhaps including Explorer Scouts.