;

12th April 2000

At its meeting on 29 March, the Executive Committee reviewed the progress to-date on the uniform consultation. First, there had been some valuable background views expressed through the early consultations by MORI in connection with the Programme Review. Then the initial focus groups had given food for thought, with helpful responses to some first rough sketches coming from young people and from some Leaders. More recently, supply and production issues had been added into the considerations, alongside the views on design.

The Executive Committee looked at the timetable for the proposed wider consultation, for making decisions, and for making supplies of the eventual new uniform available. It was agreed that this timetable should be shared widely with County/Area Commissioners, and should be published on ScoutBase.

May 2000 - Committee of the Council agrees the detailed principles for consultation

June 2000 - Committee of the Council agrees consultation material

July-November 2000- Movement-wide consultation (meetings, magazine, ScoutBaseUK, mailings, etc)

September 2000 - Interim progress report and presentation to the Association's AGM

December 2000 - Committee of the Council receives the results of the consultation and makes decisions; initial production commences

February 2001 - Publicity launch of new uniform items (first showing of range)

By summer 2001 - New uniform available from Scout Shops Ltd and from licensed suppliers (exact date t.b.a.).

It is hoped that by starting the wide consultation in early July, advantage can be taken to obtain the views of our young people who will be attending major events during the summer. This can supplement the local discussions and feedback from Groups and Districts which will take place during the autumn. This also should give time for those local discussions to be prepared and planned for.

Throughout the consultation period, stocks of current uniform items will be closely monitored at Scout Shops Ltd and County/Area and District shops are advised to do likewise. It is recognised that difficult service and commercial decisions will need to be made in order to maintain the supply of the present uniform for as long as possible whilst minimising the write-off of surplus old stock when the new uniform becomes available.

Sensible advice also needs to be given to members (young people and adults) who join the Movement as the date of the introduction of the new uniform approaches. No decisions about the new uniform have yet been made, and that includes there being no decision about the period of overlap when the new uniform and the present uniform may be worn. However, even at this early stage it is hoped that this clarification of the process and timetable will be helpful, and will assist local planning. The text of this letter is also being placed on ScoutBaseUK, and feel free to share the information more widely.

For further information contact: Derek Twine (derek.twine@scout.org.uk)