AMENDMENT: amended July 2004 to reflect the changes of age limits..
No individual aged 18 or over may be permitted to undertake any responsibilities or involvement within Scouting until the appropriate enquiries have been made.
There are two types of membership - Members and Associate Members.
British Subjects who are prepared to follow the Association's principles by making the Promise may become Members or Associate Members of the Scout Movement (subject to the Rules contained within Policy, Organisation and Rules).
Foreign residents in the United Kingdom, with the approval of an appropriate Commissioner, may become Members or Associate Members.
When an individual becomes a Member that person becomes a member of a Group, District and County (as appropriate). They also become a Member of The Scout Association and of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement.
When an individual becomes an Associate Member that person becomes a member of a Group, District and County (as appropriate). They also become a Member of The Scout Association.
Membership of Beaver Scout Colonies, Cub Scout Packs and Scout Troops is open to males and females unless otherwise stipulated.
Adult membership whether by appointment or otherwise, is open equally to men and women.
The minimum age limit for membership is 5¾ years.
There is no maximum age limit for membership but all adult appointments are subject to a minimum age limit of 18.
Rule deleted
There are membership options for adults not holding appointments to become Members or Associate Members on ceasing to hold an appointment.
Members or Associate Members do not have any rights, actual or implied, to take part in the national management of The Scout Association or the World Organisation of the Scout Movement.
Members
The following are required to be Members and pay the Headquarters Membership Subscription annually:
Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts;
those adults with Warranted Appointments;
Associate Members and other adults who opt to be Members.
Members must also pay any County, District and Group Membership Subscription determined locally.
Young people become Members of the Scout Movement by making the Promise appropriate to their Section.
Adults become Members by making the Promise and completing a Members' Declaration.
Members of the Movement may:
wear the approved uniform (see Chapter 10);
wear the World Membership badge;
receive benefits provided by any Group, District, and County to which the Member belongs and of The Scout Association and the World Organisation of the Scout Movement;
wear the World Membership lapel badge.
Associate Members
The following are required to be Associate Members and pay the Headquarters Membership Subscription annually:
Members of the Scout Fellowship;
Section Assistants;
Group Skills Instructors holding Certificates of Appointment;
Group Advisers;
Other adults who opt to be Associate Members.
Associate Members must also pay any County, District and Group Membership Subscription determined locally.
Adults become Associate Members of the Scout Movement by completing an Associate Members' Declaration.
Associate Members are not required to make the Promise.
Associate Members of the Movement may:
wear the approved uniform (see Chapter 10);
receive benefits provided by any Group, District, and County to which the Member belongs;
wear the Associate's lapel badge.
Note: Group Chairmen, Secretaries, Treasurers and other Group trustees are not required to be Associate Members but are encouraged to become Members or Associate Members.
