A Guide for the Group Chair

Introduction

This resource is designed to help explain the role of the Group Chair. If you are reading this, you have probably taken on (or are considering taking on) this role and are looking for guidance and further information. The resource aims to provide you with advice and support for you in your role. Other members of the Group (such as the Group Scout Leader, or adults who wish to understand the role of the Group Chair) may also find it useful.

This resource should be treated as a guide and read in conjunction with other resources (including The Scout Association’s Policy, Organisation and Rules referred to as POR throughout this resource). If you are new to the Scouts or the role you may find it useful to read the ‘Understanding Scouting Language’ section at the end of this resource.

The Group Chair’s Role

The role description will vary but the following are the key duties of the Group Chair:

• Chair the Group Scout Council.
• Chair the Group Executive Committee.
• Work closely with and support the Group Scout Leader, maintaining effective communication.
• Work with the Group Scout Leader to encourage the development of Scouting within the Group and as part of the local community.
• Ensure all members of the Group Executive Committee are fully briefed on the requirements of their roles.
• Ensure that the Group Executive Committee acts within the legislation applicable to charity trustees.
• Ensure an Annual General Meeting takes place within six months of the end of the financial year.
• Maintain effective communication with the District Chair.
• Be a full and active member of the Group Executive Committee.
• Promote Scouting within the local community.

How did you become the Group Chair?

In functional terms:

• You were nominated as Group Chair by the Group Scout Leader.
• The nomination was then approved by the Group Scout Council at its Annual General Meeting.

What are you the Chair of?

You are the Chair of the Group Scout Council and the Group Executive Committee. The Group Scout Council is the electoral body which supports Scouting in the Scout Group. The Group Executive Committee are accountable to the Group Scout Council. Note: The diagram on page 22 shows the structure of the Scout Group, the Group Scout Council and the Group Executive Committee.

In reality the Group Scout Council meets just once year. In most Scout Groups this meeting, the Annual General Meeting, is usually held in May or June, but must be held within six months of the Group’s financial year end. It receives annual reports and sets up the Group Executive Committee for the following year. More detailed information about the Annual General Meeting is covered later in this resource.

Membership of the Group Scout Council is open to all adults with appointments in the Group, as well as the parents of youth members in the Group and Patrol Leaders. Other supporters, including former Scouts and their parents, may be admitted to the Group Scout Council. It's highly desirable, to include all of those who support the Group.

How does the Scout Group work?

The Group Scout Leader manages the Group and is responsible for its support and development and the programme of activities it offers to young people.

The Group Chair and the Group Executive Committee support the Group Scout Leader and ensure the effective administration of the Scout Group. The Group Scout Leader nominates the Group Chair and the relationship should be one of partnership and mutual support.

The Group Executive Committee aims to make sure that the Scout Group has the facilities and resources needed to deliver good scouting in the Group.

The leaders in the Group work with their team of adults (who perform a variety of roles) to deliver an exciting and attractive programme of activities for young people in the Group. Their work is co-ordinated through the Group Scouters’ meeting(chaired by the Group Scout Leader), which includes the Section Leaders and Assistants.

The Group Chair works closely with the Group Scout Leader and together they ensure the successful running of the Scout Group.