Section 5: Getting Support

Scout Network members are more independent than other sections but do still require support. DSNCs and Programme Coordinators can help to ensure that Scout Network members are appropriately supported when running their own programmes.

The purpose of a Programme Coordinator is to act as support for individual projects and events. Often Programme Coordinators will bring a specific skill or set of expertise to the project that the Scout Network members can learn from.

A balance needs to be struck when building an effective team and using flexible options to cover all the required roles.

The Programme Coordinator is an informal role and whilst it’s not necessary for a District Scout Network to have one, large District Scout Networks may find it beneficial having one or more Programme Coordinators in place especially if a large or complex project is running.

Scout Network members can also be Programme Coordinators and still participate in the programme as a member. They will likely have had experience participating in projects as a Scout Network member themselves and will be willing to share some of their knowledge.

How to designate Programme Coordinators

There is no requirement for Programme Coordinators to be registered or formally appointed at present. The exception to this is if someone over the age of 25 is in the role of Programme Coordinator and has no other role in Scouting; in this case their role will be a District Scouter appointment, where the normal rules apply. As the role is not an Adult Appointment, there are no official training requirements.

Programme Coordinator and managing projects

The Programme Coordinator is not a Project Manager. Members manage the projects and events but Programme Coordinators are there to support projects so that members get the most out of their time in the Scout Network and projects are successful.

Numbers of Programme Coordinators in a District

It will be up to the DSNC and District Commissioner to discuss the number of Coordinators needed, dependent on the local need.

In order to run effectively, a Scout Network must be effectively governed, appropriately financed and properly administered. It is the District Executive’s role to undertake the following functions in respect of the District Scout Network:

Governance

Responsibility for Scout Network

Scout Network is a District provision, and so the governance of the Scout Network is the responsibility of the District Trustee Board. The day-to-day organisation of the section is the responsibility of the DSNC and their team, and a number of the organisational and financial aspects of Scout Network in the District are managed by the District Trustee Board.

By taking on the role of DSNCs you are also automatically a member of the District Trustee Board. Your role on the committee is to represent the interests of Scout Network to the other members of the committee and to help them make decisions that will benefit the development of Scout Network and the District.

Role of the District Trustee Board

The primary responsibilities of the District Trustee Board are to help the DCs to fulfil the responsibilities of their role, and to act as Charity Trustees. In practice this means that the Trustee Board supports the governance, finance and administration of Scouting in the District. The Trustee Board has a number of specific responsibilities which impact on the provision of Scout Network in the District, including:

Protect and maintain property and equipment owned by and used by the District
Manage the District finances
Provide insurance for people, property and equipment
Provide sufficient resources for Scouting to operate. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting
recruitment, other adult support, and fundraising activities
Promote and support the development of Scouting in the local area
Manage and implement the safety policy locally
Ensure that a positive image of Scouting exists in the local community
Ensure that young people are meaningfully involved in decision-making at all levels within the District
Maintaining appropriate records of Scout Network members in the District to ensure effective administration and communication

The District Trustee Board carries out the majority of these responsibilities by holding meetings to discuss and make decisions on these matters.

In order to make the correct decisions and effectively support Scout Network in the District, the Trustee Board needs up to date and appropriately detailed information provided by you as DSNC. Getting feedback and information from the Scout Network members in your District will allow you to advocate for them at Trustee Board meetings, and gain the support for the projects that you know will develop Scout Network members.

Finance

Financing Scout Network

The District Trustee Board is responsible for managing the finances of Scout Network in the District. Scout Network members do not pay a national membership fee but may be charged for particular projects/events that they want to participate in.

For all projects and events it is up to the organisers to establish how much each participant will pay to ensure it is financially viable. The DSNC should offer support and advice to organisers to ensure they have covered all of their costs and thought about every aspect of the budget.

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

Scout Network accounts

The Scout Network is answerable to the District Trustee Board in respect of their finances. The annual accounts for the Scout Network Section may either be fully incorporated into the District accounts or produced as a separate appendix to them.

View POR rule 5.6 for more information on banking, funds and online banking.

Equipment

There are many issues surrounding equipment and before a decision is made to make a major purchase the District Trustee Board will need to discuss and approve the expenditure. Good practice would indicate that equipment should be purchased for as wide a use as possible but managed by one entity – eg the District Scout Network.

Insurance

The District Trustee Board has a responsibility to ensure that all persons, property and equipment are adequately insured. Details should be obtained from Unity10 (Scout Insurance Services).

Sub-Committees

The District Trustee Board may not want lengthy discussions concerning the Scout Network section at every meeting. The District Trustee Board could appoint a Scout Network sub-committee to deal with some of the more detailed work if it feels that this is necessary. It is essential that if a sub-committee is formed it should include the DSNC.

Dealing with differences of opinion

If there is a difference of opinion between the District Trustee Board and the DSNC ensure that the matter in hand is within the areas of 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. You can help the Trustee Board to ensure they understand how they can support and influence Scout Network through effective communication. If there is a legitimate difference of opinion between the Trustee Board and the DSNC it should be resolved by discussion between the DC, DSNC and District Chair. Subsequently, an agreed proposal may be put to the District Trustee Board with the full backing of these three individuals.

Section 5: Getting Support

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