Adult Support 18+
FAQ on getting involved
Do I get paid?
No!! The Scout Group, like all others, is run entirely by a team of volunteers. No payment is made to anyone for their time etc. Obviously expenses are paid for anything you may purchase for the section you are working with.
What is my commitment?
Exactly how much time you commit to Scouting will be down to you, your family circumstances and your job. Only you can decide that commitment level – but the more you involve yourself, the greater enjoyment and satisfaction you will get!
Do I have to wear a Uniform?
There are different types of ‘Adults’ within a Scout Group, so the answer really depends on how you want to be involved.
Each ‘Section’ has a Leader in charge (the Section Leader, or SL) who must be uniformed. They are then supported by other leaders who are also in uniform and are Assistant Section Leaders (ASL’s).
In addition to the uniformed leaders, there can be non-uniformed adults who are formally ‘appointed’ and attend meetings each week, just like the uniformed leaders – These volunteers are known as Section Assistants.
Then there are ‘Occasional Helpers’ – these are normally parents or supporters who occasionally (typically once or twice a month) help out at Section meetings or events. There is no actual fixed commitment here – other than what you agree with the Section Leader.
What are the advantages of becoming ‘uniformed’?
As a Uniformed member, you are covered by Scout Insurance against personal accident, medical insurance and public liability whilst you are participating in a Scout event or activity.
You will receive recognition for your service, which will count towards long-service awards.
You will also receive training in a wide range of skills to help you in your role. All training is free to you, and you can go on to include optional ‘specialist training’, such as climbing, kayaking, air-rifle or archery instructor. There are numerous Instructor courses for all ranges of sports and activities.
What are the differences between a Uniformed leader and a Section Assistant?
Fundamentally, apart from the uniform, the amount of training (and recognition) is considerably less. You will still go through all the safety checks, and some mandatory ‘basic training’.
You will be covered for Personal Accident and Medical Expenses Insurance whilst on Scouting ‘duties’.
You will receive training to support you in your role
You will receive recognition for your service, which will count towards long-service awards.
What precautions do the Scout Association take to ensure that I am suitable?
All Adults must be DBS Checked by the Scout Association. This is a simple process where we check your identity against documents you hold, and then your identity is checked against the Police national computers for Convictions, Cautions, Reprimands and Warnings and can also include intelligence held by the police about anything which may be regarded as ‘unsuitable when caring for children’.
The process is free and is completely confidential. The Group Scout Leader only hears that the check has been completed and is, or is not, OK. No details are released. All things being equal, you will get a certificate to confirm that you have ‘passed’ an ‘Enhanced Disclosure Barring Check’ (DBS) which is valid for 5 years and then must be renewed. These checks are normally instigated ‘on line’ directly from the GSL’s home computer and it is easiest for everyone if you can visit the GSL at his/her home to complete these checks.
So, what is the process for becoming a leader?
There is a formal process which starts by the Group Scout Leader entering your personal details (name, date of birth, address, phone etc) onto the COMPASS system – the national Scout Association database. You will then be allocated your desired role, and you will be introduced to your Section Leader (if you don’t know them already!)
You will be given a Membership number and access to your record on COMPASS so you can see what is recorded. COMPASS also holds your training record so, as you progress, you will be able to monitor your progress there.
A DBS check will be started (this needs some co-operation from you providing documentary evidence).
You can then start attending your Section meetings, where you will begin to learn many skills and you will develop through ‘on the job’ training. The Section Leader will look after you and help you throughout.
If you have decided to become a Uniformed leader
We provide you with the 'formal' uniform. Some people also like to get T-shirts or Polo Shirts but these are at your own expense.
After a short while (normally 3-4 weeks) we will ‘invest’ you into the Worldwide Scout Movement in a short ceremony.
You will start to work on your training, which is largely self-learning either online or at short meetings.
If you have decided to become a Section Assistant
You do not need a uniform.
You will be expected to attend all meetings and participate in Group events and activities as much as your time allows.
As a Leader, do I have to attend things like camps etc?
We would hope that you will be able to attend camps etc. but appreciate that this will not always be possible. So the answer is ‘NO’.
Any activity – and especially overnight activities such as camps – must have a correct ‘Adult -Child’ ratio. In other words, depending on the Section (Beavers, Cubs etc) there must be a minimum number of adults for a certain number of children or the camp/event cannot go ahead. Obviously, if you are willing to attend, then that helps with the ‘Adult to child ratio’.
Any overnight activity (a sleep-over, for example) requires that at least one adult holds an appropriate ‘permit’ to allow that activity. The permit holder is often the ‘leader in charge’ of the event. You can gain a permit for different types of overnight camps through your training if you wish.
How am I kept informed about things when I am a leader?
Through communication with your Section Leader. He or she should keep you abreast of what is happening in the Group.
By attending Leader\Committee Meetings where matters are discussed
You will be invited to be a member of the ‘closed’ Facebook Group. Lots of general information is posted and commented on there.