There are a number of National Active Support Units which support various activities in Scouts across the UK and overseas.
Many provide support and resources available to Section Leaders and local Groups, while a few undertake specific specialised activities in partnership with UK Headquarter teams.
Here is a list of the current National Active Support Units with a brief description of the active support each Unit provides to Scouts.
The Unit provides support to the Sea Scout community with a primary focus on running the ‘big four’ annual events for the RN Recognised Sea Scouts.
Website
The Amateur Radio Scout Active Support Unit exists to support Groups, Districts, Counties/Areas/Regions and events of all sizes with running amateur radio and electronics based activities, with special focus on helping with JOTA stations across the country.
Email
Supporting members of Scouts and Girlguiding in the Methodist Church and more widely, the Active Support Unit aims to provide practical help for Leaders; including ideas for faith and beliefs for use within the Programme.
The support team organise and run the Trading Post shop on Brownsea Island and provide any support for visiting Scout Groups, as requested. Members also assist the National Trust Outdoor Centre staff in the maintenance and development of the campsite.
The International Scout Active Support Unit provides advice and support to leaders at all levels of UK Scouting in the running of international events and the delivery of the international & global programme, to maximise the opportunities available for youth members to experience all aspects of international Scouting safely.
The King's Scout Working Party (KSWP), formerly known as the Queen's Scout Working Party, helps promote the Top Awards, assists with the running of major national Scouts events such as the annual ‘Day of Celebration and Achievement’ at Windsor Castle, and represents the Scouts at events such as the Festival of Remembrance.
Website
The national caving SASU is available to support all your scout caving needs, and will be able to provide a contact for a team near you that can introduce your young people to world beneath our feet. We will also assist with help with advice for running trips underground and supporting those that are permit holders or assist with running caving or mine exploration as an adventurous activity. If you are involved with scout caving then please get in touch and join us.
Supporting members of Scouts in the Jewish community and more widely, the Active Support Unit aims to provide practical help for Leaders; including ideas for faith and beliefs for use within the Programme.
The Performing Arts Scout Active Support Unit aims to help those in Marching Bands, Gang Shows, The National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band and other musical ensembles and creative groups to share best practice and learn from each other.
Scout Content provides assistance with content production and digital communications both nationally to the Scouts, as well as locally to Districts and Counties. We regularly attend large scale events and produce content in the form of photos, videos, online and print. Our aim is to support members with content production across the country.
Website
For all things broadcast radio in Scouts across the UK. The Unit often run FM radio stations at large Jamborees as well as supporting local Community radio stations with content about the Scouts. Scout Radio can also provide Groups with activities suitable for gaining the Media Relations Scout Activity badge.
ScoutLink aims to connect Scouts and Girlguides across the world through our online services. We provide online services all year round through IRC, Webchat, TeamSpeak, Minecraft and Discourse. Our volunteers help to ensure that this service runs smoothly and safely for the enjoyment of members around the globe.
Supporting training needs across National Scout Active Support Units.
SSAGO enables you to continue or begin your Scouting or Guiding journey in Higher Education and connect with other students in the UK and internationally. The Unit provides members a way to support local Scouting and Guiding opportunities and build skills and experiences while at University.
TikTok: @ssago_uk
The Supporting Assessors Active Support Unit is made up of members from across the UK who provide support to Activity Assessors and Nights Away Advisers within the Scouts through both regional and local workshops.
Interested in starting a unit?
Read the basics