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Scout Out Our Young Achievers - Recognising Good Citizenship

Taking a Minibus Abroad - Latest Advice

Make your Mark on 2007 - Bright Ideas Wanted

Charity Commission - Annual Returns (England & Wales)

The National Lottery - Charities Board

Going for Growth - More Scouting for More Young People

The Heritage Lottery Fund

Activities Resources - Revised Factsheets

The National Lottery Charities Board - Small Grants Programme

Free Money! - Volvo Value

Beaver Scout Sleepovers - Nocturnal News

Software for Scouting - Approved or Not?

Study Trip to Russia - October Revelation

Family Camps - Bring a Beaver Scout

Training at Gilwell Park - Dates for Diaries

Rapid Conservation - Symonds Yat

Scout Fellowship - Stand Up and Be Recognised!

POR 1995 Updates - Amendment 3 Arrives Shortly

CQ Radio Amateurs - The Scout Net

Explore Poland - Explorer Belt Expedition

Adult Recruitment - Moving Times

Poland Taster Visit - See For Yourself

Committee News

Membership Card:

Information Centre:

Co-education:

Communications & Image Strategy Working Group:

Scout Fellowship Review:

Service Decorations:

Staff Management Structures:

Co-location:

Jamboree:

This edition of Talking Points includes a leaflet about the Phillip Lawrence Award Scheme promoted by the Home Office.

The scheme seeks to identify and recognise achievements in good citizenship by young people aged 11-20. We should be able to nominate many candidates. Please look around your Group, District or County and make a nomination.

Forms are available from The Phillip Lawrence Awards, Room 938, Home Office, 50 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H 9AT. Tel 0171 273 2110. Details are also on the Internet at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/lawrence.htm

Members were advised in May SCOUTING Magazine (HQ Notices) and Talking Points No.53 of the conflicting advice given by various Government Agencies and the Department of Transport about taking a minibus (holding between 9 and 16 passengers in addition to the driver) to other European Union member states. These vehicles can be operated in the UK under the terms of a small bus (Section 19) permit by a driver with a D1 restricted (ie not for hire or reward) driving licence.

The Drivers Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) advise that you cannot use these vehicles in other EU states unless the driver has a category D1 unrestricted licence. This can only be obtained by taking a separate minibus driving test. This advice has been confirmed by the Department of Environment Transport and Regions (DETR). In addition, the operator of the minibus must obtain an 'own account' certificate from the Department of Transport's International Road Freight Office at Westgate House, Westgate Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 1TW Tel No: 0191 201 4038. If the minibus used is hired, a 'waybill' must be obtained from the Confederation of Passenger Transport at Imperial House, 15-19 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6UN Tel: 0171 240 3131.

If the passengers in the minibus make no contribution whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, towards the cost of travelling, a category D1 restricted licence is sufficient in addition to the above mentioned 'own account certificate' or 'waybill'. However, it is most unlikely that a Scout Group will be in the position of being able to operate a totally free minibus service to its members. Remember that even where the transport cost is included in the total camp fee, a contribution is therefore still being made towards the travel costs. This is why there is still the need for small bus (Section 19) permit when the vehicle is operated in the UK.

The above provisions apply to minibuses which hold between 9 and 16 passenger seats. If the minibus holds 8 or less passenger seats, in addition to the driver's seat, it is classed as a 'motor car' for which a category B driving licence is sufficient. However, if the insurance policy is restricted to social, domestic and pleasure purposes, you should check that it is not invalidated if the passengers contribute towards the cost of the journey. Normally this should be acceptable provided that:-

1. the total contributions received for the journey do not exceed the running costs (which may include an amount in respect of depreciation and general wear); and
2. the arrangement for payment of contributions is made before the journey begins.

In any event members must notify their insurers that they intend to take a vehicle abroad and should obtain a green card from their insurers. If vehicles with seats for more than 8 passengers, excluding the driver's seat, are modified ie the excess seats are taken out on a permanent basis then the vehicle can be classed as a 'motor car'. To prove that the vehicle has been so adapted, you should notify the DVLA and your insurers and place a notice on board advising that on no account can the vehicle be used for more than 8 passengers in addition to the driver.

The 2007 World Scout Task Force is appealing for ideas for a theme and a logo for 2007. The aim is to have an emblem which can be used worldwide on badges and publicity material. The theme and logo should be simple and signify youth, education and the future. 2007 is being seen, not so much as the end of an "old" century, but as the dawning of the second 100 years of Scouting. The logo needs to incorporate the World Scout Emblem and "2007" and/or "100". It should be usable in a wide variety of applications, languages, national emblems etc. This is not a competition but there will be recognition for the individual whose proposal is finally chosen. All ideas will be forwarded to the World Scout Bureau and the decision made by the World 2007 Task Force. Please forward your ideas by 28 August to: Lindsay Gilbert, 2007 Office, Gilwell Park.

The Charity Commission has agreed that the reminder which they asked us to include in issue No.52 of Talking Points should have said:- "Groups, Districts, Counties and Areas which are registered charities and have an income or expenditure of over £10,000 are required by law to complete the Annual Return AR6 within ten months of the registered Charities year end"

Some Scout charities with income or expenditure above the £10,000 threshold may not be registered with the Commission because they neither own property nor have a permanent endowment. Being unregistered, they are not required to complete an Annual Return.

The current round is "Community Involvement". Application Packs are available by phoning the Charities Board on 0345 919191. There are no closing dates for the request or submission of application forms. This round is expected to stay open for two years.

"Community Involvement" fact sheets are available by sending a S.A.E. to the Finance & Marketing Department at B-P House. For more details or advice please contact the Scout Lottery Line on 0171 590 5123.

The Committee of the Council has agreed a 50 percent refund of that element of the annual Membership Subscription payable to Headquarters in 1999 in respect of any increased numbers of Members in Scout Groups (including District Venture Scout Units) during 1998. New Scout Groups - registered between 1 February 1998 and 31 January 1999 - will also receive a 50 percent refund of the Membership Subscriptions payable for 1999. The precise administrative arrangements will be notified later.

The Committee wishes to encourage Counties/Areas and Districts to consider the same approach by offering an similar incentive on any locally charged subscription. Those which do not have a subscription are asked to consider another incentive.

County/Area Commissioners will receive a more detailed briefing of the total Going for Growth initiative at their regional meetings. The Committee is keen to see Scouting provision expanded throughout the United Kingdom and has made "More Scouting for More Young People" a priority.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is now able to fund a much wider range of heritage projects than before with Scout Groups, Districts and Counties now being eligible to apply. Application Packs are available from the Heritage Lottery Fund by phoning 0171 591 6000.

For more information or advice please send a letter detailing your heritage project along with a S.A.E. to the Finance & Marketing Department at B-P House or contact the Scout Lottery Line on 0171 590 5123.

The following revised Factsheets are now available in the Resource Centre at Gilwell Park.

Authorisation for Hillwalking and Mountain Biking (FS12041- free).

Authorisation for Climbing and Abseiling (FS120402 - free).

Authorisation for Activities in Caves and Mines (FS120403 - free).

Authorisation for Water Activities (FS120601 - free).

Home Contact (FS120078 - 73p).

The Small Grants Programme offers grants of £500 to £5,000 and currently covers Scotland, Wales, the North East and the South West of England. The provisional date for the Small Grants being available in the rest of the country was 13 July 1998.

Groups within the areas currently covered can obtain further details and an application form by phoning their respective regional office. For more information phone the Scout Lottery Line at B-P House on 0171 590 5123.

The Practical Environmental Project is an initiative sponsored by Volvo. Now into its second year, the programme is designed to involve young people in practical projects. The programme will award grants between £100 & £1,000. There will also be a National Award Scheme for completed projects with three annual awards of £2000, £3000 & £5000. For an activity pack or more details please contact: Practical Environmental Projects, PO Box 158, Marlow, SL7 1FS.

A new Factsheet Guidelines for a Beaver Scout Sleepover is available from the Resource Centre at Gilwell Park. The Factsheet ( FS155053) costs 55p from the Resource Centre.

Before organising a Beaver Scout Sleepover, the Leader will need to have completed Leadership One (or local equivalent), so that they are familiar with the principles and programme of Beaver Scouting, and a Beaver Scout Sleepover Training Module. The Training Module is flexible and designed to be held over one day or two/three evenings. It can be run in a headquarters, training centre or even a front room.

For details of the Beaver Scout Sleepover Training Module in your County/Area or District contact your ACC/AAC(Adult Training) or ACC/AAC(Beaver Scouts). For further information on Beaver Scout Sleepovers, please contact the Beaver Scout Office at Gilwell Park.

There are several computer programmes being promoted on the Internet and through other sources which assist the programme management for a Section through database support keeping records of Members. The Scout Association has a procedure for endorsing computer software. To date, only one programme has been officially endorsed by the Association. This is the PAGS software for the Scout Section. All other software being offered has not been endorsed by the Association. Indeed any of these other programmes which include material produced by the Association would be infringing on the Association's copyright position. Advice on obtaining the Association's endorsement for programmes is available initially from the Activities Section of the Programme & Training Department at Gilwell Park.

Members of Network Russia are planning a third study visit to Russia from 3-18 October 1998. The cost will be in the region of 550. Aimed at Leaders who would like to establish direct contacts with Scouts in Russia, those interested should apply to the International Department at Baden-Powell House.

Beaver Scouts may attend Family Camps under the supervision and control of their parent/guardian or a responsible adult specifically nominated by the Beaver Scout's parent/guardian. The form to enable parents/guardians to nominate another adult is now freely available and has been produced as a photocopiable master. Copies have been sent to District Commissioners, District Secretaries and ACC/AAC(Beaver Scouts). Should you require a copy of the nomination form, it is available free-of-charge from the Beaver Scout Office at Gilwell Park.

Training Courses planned at Gilwell Park for 1999 include the following.

Please note the L1 and L2 Courses are planned to enable Leaders to complete both within one year. Further details of all training opportunities are available from Director of Programme & Development, Gilwell Park.

Attention Canoeists! Have you paddled the River Wye? Do you know the Symonds Yat Rapids?

A group of local canoe clubs and other canoeing interests, including local Scouting contacts, have formed The Symonds Yat Preservation Group with the hope of raising the money needed to purchase the rapids for the continued benefit of canoeists.

Further information from Symonds Yat Preservation Group, c/o John Westlake, 33 Golden Vale, Churchdown, Gloucester. GL3 2LU.

Half the Scout Fellowships in the UK have people in them in the 'Youth' age range (i.e. under 26). Just one of the interesting facts emerging from a national survey of Fellowships started early in 1998. If your Fellowship has not received a Survey Form late in 1997, please contact John Haseler on 01242 224874.

Your 1995 Edition of POR will not be up to date unless you have a copy of of Amendment No.1 (February 1996), Amendment No.2 (January 1997) and the two supporting documents Appendix A and Appendix B issued at the same time. Amendment No.3 will be published soon. Shortly after the paper versions are circulated, a consolidated version of the 1995 POR will be available on CD-ROM. At that time POR will also be on the Association's official web site.

Anyone who has an amateur radio transmitting licence or enjoys short wave listening might like to join the Scout Amateur Radio Net which takes place on or around 3.740 MHz Saturday morning at 0900 hours local time.

The Poland Network is running an Explorer Belt expedition to Poland next summer. The organisers will arrange transport to and from Poland, insurance cover, support and guidance. The cost per head is 300 for two weeks.

For further information or to register an interest, please contact Craig Turpie on 0131 229 5937 or Maggie Brady at the International Department, Baden-Powell House.

When someone moves away from your District do you only remember to fill in the cancellation form when it gets to census time? Do you put their new address on the form when they are moving to another area? When forms are received at Lancing containing a new address a letter is sent to the District Commissioner at the new location who can then welcome the newcomers to the area with open arms!

The Poland Network is running a taster visit to Poland from 29 October to 1 November 1998. The weekend is designed for Leaders considering a summer camp or expedition in Poland. The cost for the weekend is to be confirmed but will include return travel and insurance.

For further information or to register an interest, please contact Craig Turpie (0131 229 5937) or Sally Malcolm (01384 562429).

The Committee of the Council met at Gilwell Park on 27/28 June, 1998.

The Committee agreed that all youth and adult members registered at the time of the 1999 Census will receive a personal membership card. The number of cards provided will equal the numbers returned in the census, and there will be space on the card for the holder's name to be entered locally. Arrangements to provide membership cards to those joining during the year will be announced. Headquarters Membership Subscription: The Committee reconfirmed its July 1996 decision that, with the exception of Honorary Scouters, there will be no exemptions from the payment of the Headquarters Membership Subscription.

The Committee agreed the arrangements for the establishment of the Information Centre from April 1999. The Centre will incorporate the existing services of the Resource Centre and will provide a one-stop-shop for all the Association's printed resources contactable by fax, email, post and by a local call number.

In 1991 the Committee of the Council enabled all Sections to recruit girls. The leaflet Guidelines for Girls in Scouting was issued to assist Groups make the decision. At its June meeting the Committee agreed to require in principle that all new Groups be co-educational; that every District must make provision for mixed membership; that the requirement for male and female leadership be changed to a recommendation that it is good practice to have a mixed leadership team; and that the decision for existing Groups to become co-educational should in future be made by the Group alone. Further guidance is being drafted.

The Committee has agreed a 'principal image' for the Association. This is a 'picture' of what the Association aspires to be. The 'picture' is of a co-educational organisation for young adolescents who reflect the excitement of being Scouts and are always looking for new challenges. The Scouts work together as a team and enjoy activities in outdoor environments. They lead themselves but are supported by Leaders 'in the background'. Over the coming months the Working Group will be refining this image as it finalises a communications and image strategy for the Committee to consider.

The Committee has established a group to review the role of the Scout Fellowship. The Committee clarified the membership status of members of the Scout Fellowship: they must be at least Associate Members, but are encouraged to become Members.

At its April meeting the Committee agreed the introduction of the Chief Scout's Long Service Decoration for 40 years service. The Committee has now agreed the introduction of certificates to recognise service of five and 10 years. The certificates will be introduced in January 1999. Certificates for adults whose service is recorded on the national database will be sent automatically to Districts for presentation. Arrangements for those not on the database will be notified in due course.

The Committee agreed new management structures to be implemented immediately.

1. the current Programme & Training, Community Development and International Departments will be grouped under a new Programme & Development Director
2. the Field Commissioner Service will report to The Secretary under a Field Commissioner Operations Manager. Two additional staff will be recruited to assist with legal issues and matters referred to The Secretary
3. A new communications team has been established which will include the new Information Centre, SCOUTING Magazine, publications and public relations. The Association will be seeking a Director of Communications in the near future.

It was agreed to co-locate the Headquarters Staff from Baden-Powell House (office staff) and Lancing (not including Scout Shops Ltd) to Gilwell Park. The co-location is targeted to be completed during 2000 subject to minimising the disruption of certain areas of the Association's work. The Finance sub-Committee has been asked to look at options and advise on the most appropriate way to finance the project. Going for Growth: County and District Commissioners have now been advised of details of the incentive scheme offering a cash refund in respect of increased Membership in Groups.

The Committee was informed that HRH The Duke of Kent had hosted a briefing meeting at Baden-Powell House for the Ambassadors of the South American countries that will be visited by the UK Contingent to the World Jamboree in Chile.

The next meeting of the Committee of the Council will follow the Annual General Meeting of The Council on 26 September. The main business will be the appointment of sub-Committee Chairmen.