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The Founder of Scouting had a vision from which a Movement has grown, so that Scouting is found today in every corner of the land.

Scouting happens principally in Scout Groups, wherever boys and girls meet to enjoy the Scout programme. The function of all the other units in the Movement is to enhance the quality of provision of that programme at local level.

With approximately 9,000 Scout Groups in the United Kingdom and its dependent territories, a support structure is clearly necessary. The main purpose of Policy, Organisation and Rules is to explain as simply as possible how that structure is organised.

It is impossible to set out in detail rules to cover every eventuality, which means that much depends upon the judgement of responsible people at every level of the Movement.

It is important that everyone concerned strives to exercise that judgement in ways that encourage the development and growth of the Movement.

Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) lays down the structure of Scouting in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man and defines information about its training and management.

Each Rule is distinguished by a Rule number which references the Chapter in which it is located.

Matters of policy, information and advice on good practice are generally unnumbered.

Policies are authoritative statements of principle governing the work of the Scout Movement.

Rules provide directives which must be followed by all to whom the Rule is addressed.

There are many opportunities for local decisions to be made under a wide range of headings. The devolution of authority to Counties, Districts and Groups is clearly indicated where appropriate.

It is important that the exercise of that authority is not frustrated by the imposition of local rules. It must also be noted that the law of the land is paramount.

Information provides a statement of fact which does not require action on the part of the reader. For example, the chapter on the Association's Headquarters is provided for interest and understanding only.

It is recognised that some matters may be difficult to follow in certain circumstances. For example, in some very rural areas and in some inner cities, where numbers of supporters may be small, it may not be possible to constitute Group Councils and Group Executive Committees exactly as the Rules require.

However, many years of experience have dictated what is good practice and what works well, and wherever advice is given it should be followed if at all possible.