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Explorer Scout Units are not autonomous organisations. They are part of a Scout District which acts as an Explorer Scout Unit's parent body.

Scout Districts delegate some authority to Explorer Scout Units to allow them to hold property and equipment and admit people to membership of the Explorer Scout Unit subject to the policy and rules of The Scout Association.

An Explorer Scout Unit is led by an Explorer Scout Leader and managed by a committee of its Members and Leaders acting together. The Committee is accountable to the District Scout Council for the satisfactory running of the Explorer Scout Unit.

The Explorer Scout Leader is assisted and supported by Assistant Explorer Scout Leaders in the delivery of the programme for young people in the Explorer Scout Unit.