;

National Commissioner - Key Role for Development

UK Contingent Leader - European Jamboree 2005

76th Gilwell Reunion - Commonwealth Capers

Special Adviser - Dinghy Sailing

New Programme Material - Amendments

Archery Course - On Target at Gilwell

Joint Units - New Factsheet

Duke of Edinburgh's Award - Information Available

National Scout Air Rifle Championship - On Target at Walton Firs

English Heritage - Free Visits

Network Russia - Study Visit

Name Badges - New Style Lower Cost

A Legacy for Scouting - Where there is a will there is ...

Scoutlink - Workshop

Activities - New / Amended Activities Factsheets

Keeping Children Safe - Child Protection

District Explorer Scout - Commissioner Courses

New Programme - Posters and Postcards

Anaphylaxis - Allergies

Make A Difference Day - Challenges for Youth

Kensington & Chelsea - Community Transport

Exploration Opportunities - Expeditions in 2003

Field Development Officer - Essex and Suffolk

ScoutsReunited - Coming Shortly

Cub Scout and Beaver Scout Annuals 2003 - Last chance!

Committee News

Royal Duties:

National Honours:

Census 2002:

Better Scouting for more young people:

The Scout Association Pension Fund:

Leader of the UK contingent to Roverway:

Non-Executive Directors of Subsidiary Companies:

Fund Raising Policy:

Scouting Magazine:

Committee of the Council Meetings:

Future Meetings of the Committee of the Council:

Developing Scouting is the priority facing the Movement today. The Committee of the Council has recently agreed a strategy for growth: 'Better Scouting for more young people'. An energetic person is sought to implement and review this strategy as National Commissioner for Development. It needs vision, charisma and time to co-ordinate development work at Headquarters and across the UK. This is a challenging role at a very exciting time for Scouting. If you are interested or would like to nominate someone please write to National Commissioner (Development) Search Group at Gilwell Park or email info.centre@scout.org.uk for full details. Closing date 12 September 2002.

The Scout Association is seeking a Leader for the UK Contingent to the 2005 European Jamboree on the site of the World Jamboree in 2007 - Chelmsford in Essex. A highly organised person is sought to recruit and provide leadership for the Headquarters team planning the UK's participation. If you are interested or would like to nominate someone, please write to Contingent Leader Search Group at Gilwell Park or email info.centre@scout.org.uk for full details. Closing date 12 September 2002.

2000 Leaders are expected to attend this year's event over the weekend of 6-8 September. It will bring together elements of celebrating the Queen's Golden Jubilee, the Commonwealth family and promoting Scouting in the community with the new youth Programme. At a cost of only £22 per person for the weekend, come along with your friends and colleagues in Scouting. For more details, contact the Reunion Organiser at Gilwell Park on 020 8433 7100.

The National Water Activities Team has a vacancy for a National Specialist Adviser for Dinghy Sailing. This is a voluntary post ideally suited to a person with experience of sailing, connections with its management and a clear sense of how it can be developed within Scouting.

Whilst a passion for sailing is essential, the post requires an individual who can take on a broader perspective of activities. This should include an understanding of the needs of young people being introduced to water experiences and progressing through to adventure/ leadership opportunities.

Technical Level: Minimum of RYA Senior Instructor. Applications are particularly welcome from RYA Principals of recognised teaching establishments.

An information pack is available from the Scout Information Centre. Closing date 1 September 2002.

Attention has been drawn to discrepancies between Pack Essentials and The Cub Scout Powerpack. While there is no incorrect information in either resource, some information has been omitted and some appears in the wrong order. The pages concerned will be corrected when the resources are reprinted and The Scout Association apologises for the inconvenience caused.

The corrections have been collected on a factsheet and can be downloaded from http://www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php?cat=224 The factsheet reference is FS200201.

This year on the 5/6, 12/13 October, Gilwell Park Camp Site will be running GNAS Archery courses. The cost is £185 per person including all meals and camping. For more information, please contact Sam (Campsite) on 020 8498 5411.

Rules and guidance relating to Joint Units have been revised in light of the Programme changes. A new factsheet is available (FS452006) from www.scoutbase.org.uk or the Scout Information Centre. There are also transitional guidelines (FS452007) for current Joint Venture Scout / Ranger Guide Units that will be disbanding as part of the change in structures.

Want to find out more about The Duke of Edinburgh's Award to support your preparation for operating the new Sections? Visit www.theaward.org for a wealth of information on the Programme. The Award also publishes a wide range of leaflets and posters, available free of charge (postage and packing charges apply), plus books, audio visual materials and Programme management/support software. For a price list, please visit the Library zone on the website or send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The Award Scheme Ltd: Unit 18/19 Stewartfield Industrial Estate, off Newhaven Road, EDINBURGH EH6 5RQ.

Tel: 0131 553 5280. Fax: 0131 553 5776. E-mail: asl@theaward.org

The 26th National Scout Air Rifle Championship will take place at Walton Firs Campsite, Surrey on18-20 October 2002. While the championships are open to all Scouts and are not reserved for expert marksmen, competitors must have some experience and be able to handle both air rifles and pistols safely. The general format is that of a Scout weekend camp. The entry fee of £10.50 includes main event entry, camp fees and activities.

Full details and entry forms from John Dohoo, 43 Heather Grove, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Hants, RG27 8SE. E-mail: dohoo@clara.net, downloadable from Scoutbase at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/activity/events/airrifle.htm or contact the Information Centre.

English Heritage has a Visits Scheme, which allows free admission for educational establishments to their sites. Each year, English Heritage sites are visited by over half a million school pupils, a scheme that Scout Groups can also benefit from! You can get guidance notes, as well as a booking form, by calling 020 7973 3442, or email education@english-heritage.org.uk.

Members of Network Russia have considerable experience in facilitating expeditions to Russia - ideal for the Leader unsure about taking young people somewhere so far. In addition to the Study Visit to Moscow and Niznij Novgorod on the 1 - 10 November 2002, the Network is organising a Study Visit to Omsk, Siberia from Friday 9 May to Sunday 25 May 2003. Please contact the Information Centre (info.centre@scout.org.uk) for more details.

Name badges can now be ordered in an updated design in the style suggested in the Design Guide published last year. We have been able to reduce the price per badge from to £4.75 (£5.25 for a non-standard order). Contact the Information Centre or download an order form from: www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/infocentre/idbadges.htm

In the UK more than 60% of Voluntary Sector income is from legacies, so it is a very important source of revenue for Scout Groups. However, only one in three people in Britain have written a Will and a huge proportion of people in Britain die intestate. This means that their money is distributed by the State. It is important to encourage people to write a Will so that their money goes where they would wish. To increase awareness the Fundraising Department has produced a Legacy Leaflet with information about how to include a bequest to a Scout Group, District, County or The Scout Association, when writing a Will. It is available from the Fundraising Department and is also available in PDF form. Please email natasha.belenkin@scout.org.uk or ring 0208 433 7232.

If you are involved with either a Scoutlink Group or one running the Scoutlink Programme and your Group has not received a recent letter from Jackie Martin, then you may not know about the forthcoming Scoutlink Workshop at Gilwell Park on Saturday 21 September. If you would like to know more, Contact Jackie on 020 8433 7153 or Jackie.Martin@scout.org.uk.

A resounding 'thumbs up' is the feedback from those participating in the 'Keeping Children Safe' short programme on child protection. As one Leader put it, 'Attractive layout, user friendly and very enlightening, this learning programme is a MUST for all adults in Scouting, whatever their role or involvement.'

'Keeping Children Safe' comprises three short learning modules which you receive at home. It couldn't be easier to use. Why not register today?

For further information refer to the insert in this edition of 'Talking Points' or contact the Scout Information Centre, tel: 0845 300 1818, email: info.centre@scout.org.uk, website: http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/

Places are now available on Course DESC 4, will run from 4 - 6 April 2003. A further course will take place later in 2003. Scouters wishing to apply should state if they prefer indoor or camping places. The fees will be increased for 2003 with the likely charge being £110 for indoor; £80 for camping. Some Counties and Regions are also organising DESC courses, so please watch out for more news of these in local newsletters.

To support the implementation of the New Programme a range of promotional posters and postcards has been produced. The posters are available in packs of five at a cost of £2.00 and the postcards are available in packs of 100 for £3.00. Contact the Information Centre for further details.

The Scout Association has a policy of helping all young people access Scouting. Allergies are an area that leaders need to be aware of should a member under their supervision have a reaction.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction - the extreme end of the spectrum. The whole body is affected, usually within minutes of exposure to the allergen but sometimes after hours.

Leaders should identify any members who may have allergies or could have potential anaphylactic shock. Parents are usually an adequate source of information, but may not be able to advise on the latest information available in some cases.

There are still hidden ways in which an allergic reaction food may be consumed. This needs consideration when feeding on mass; it is a particular risk, because some foods are not necessarily labeled. This may seem unusual in an over representational society and EU regulations, but some ingredients such as 'Lupin flour' have caused anaphylactic shock and can be fatal when eaten by nut allergy sufferers but are not required to be shown on labels. 'Lupin Flour' is regularly used in cakes served at Scout camps.

Leader's dealing with a food allergy sufferer should take advice from the 'Anaphylaxis Campaign' (www.anaphylaxis.org.uk) who are specialists and for example can advise on coping with catering in a large group situation.

This should not worry Leaders, but hopefully in conjunction with parental discussion will lead to some confidence and awareness that there is a lot of support available and all parties understand their role if a member has an anaphylactic shock.

Over 13,000 young people took the challenge in 2001 - why not join them?

Make A Difference Day - the UK's biggest, single day of community action - invites young people and organisations that involve young people to create and complete their own exciting volunteering activities. What you decide to do is entirely up to you - think about what interests you and what would really make a positive difference. Ideally the activity should be worked on prior to, or reach completion on, Make A Difference Day Saturday 26 October - it will depend on how big your activity is. Every activity organiser will receive a free Action pack containing thank you certificates, a t-shirt and other fun and useful items and information. There is also the opportunity to enter the activity for a prestigious MADD 2002 Award! For more information call free phone 0800 284 533 or visit www.csv.org.uk

Scout visitors to Baden-Powell House can now benefit from the use of Kensington & Chelsea Community Transport, who offer the hire of vehicles designed with disabled passengers in mind. Drivers can also be 'hired' for a fixed rate of £8 per hour. Alternatively, if you wish to use your own driver they must be registered with KCCT and hold a MiDAS certificate. Scouts should first contact KCCT for a quotation. For your quotation, and further information please contact KCCT on: 020 8964 4928, or email at: kcct@btclick.com

BSES Expeditions (formerly the British Schools Exploring Society) is a non profit making UK based charity founded in 1932 by the late Surgeon Commander G. Murray Levick, a member of Scott's Antarctic Expedition of 1910. As such, it is one of the longest running organisations of its type. For over 70 years BSES has provided opportunities for young people (aged 16 - 20) of all abilities to take part in science and adventure projects in wilderness areas. For more information please contact: BSES Expeditions, 1 Kensington Gore,London SW7 2AR

The Association is looking to recruit a Field Development Officer for the Scout Counties of Essex and Suffolk. If you are interested in the post further details are available from ScoutBase UK or the Personnel Department at Headquarters. Closing date 29 August 2002.

For the last few months the ScoutBase UK team has been working with the Scout Information Centre on a new service. This will enable current and ex Scouters to link up with their old Scouting friends.

Called ScoutsReunited, it will be launched later in the year. Access will be via a special website and from www.scoutbase.org.uk.

You can register the time you spent with a Scout Group. Others will be able to check out who was also in that Group and the site will help you link up with old Scouting pals.

Later the site will enable you to register the Jamborees you attended and training courses undertaken. There will be a small administrative fee to use the site, which will enable us to make sure we keep the site up to date.

Watch SCOUTING Magazine and Talking Points for more information?..

Don't miss out on the great offer on this year's Cub Scout and Beaver Scout Annuals. Many Scout Groups have already taken the opportunity of ordering a case of annuals for their Pack or Colony, in so doing, earning two pounds per copy for local funds. But there's still plenty of you that we haven't heard from!

To give you a little more time, we have now extended the deadline for ordering copies to 16 August. If you haven't already seen it, please ask your Group Scout Leader or Group contact for a copy of the order form or download a copy from ScoutBaseUK. Alternatively, you call the Pedigree Books order hotline on 01392 427799.

Ordering is simple. A case of 10 Beaver Scout Annuals is £39.90 plus one free copy; a case of 15 Cub Scout Annuals comes to £59.85 plus two free copies. They can then be sold to parents and carers at cover price of £5.99, with all of the profit going straight back into local Scouting. Remember these are your annuals: help make them a success!

The Committee of the Council meet at Gilwell Park on 15 June 2002

The Chief Executive reported to the Committee the appreciation which had been expressed by HM The Queen for the practical support given by Members of The Scout Association. This was in connection with both the Lying in State of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and also at the Jubilee Parade events in London on 4 June.

The Committee of the Council was pleased to note that the following members of the Movement had been honoured by Her Majesty The Queen in Her Birthday Honours List for services to Scouting and/or the community: MBE Thomas Ayres, supporter, Farnham, Surrey; Phil Brisley, former GSL, 1st Amman Scout Group, Jordan; Ernest Dunkley, Vice President, 12th Northolt Scout Group, GLMW; Margaret Pegge, former Group Secretary, Trull Scout Group, Somerset; Peter Russell, Secretary, Jewish Scout Advisory Council.

There has been a slowing in the decline in membership to 4.7 percent. This is made up of a loss of 4.5% (approx. 18,000) in youth membership and a 5.4% (approx. 5,500) decline in adult membership.

The Committee confirmed a strategy for three campaigns to support development and growth and for their promotion at the County Commissioners' Conference. The approach proposed deliberately avoids the creation of new initiatives recognising that Scouting's core products provide the key to success. It also agreed an appointment process for a National Commissioner for Development. Until an appointment is made the P&D sub-Committee will move the strategy forward.

Mr. Wayne Bulpitt, Chairman of the Finance sub-Committee has been appointed a Trustee of the Fund subsequent to the resignation of Mr. K. Thomson.

Craig Turpie has been appointed as Contingent Leader/Co-ordinator. The event will be held in Portugal in Summer 2003 for 'Scouts' aged 16?22.

The Committee agreed that at least one Trustee, in addition to the Chief Executive, will be appointed to the Board of each direct subsidiary (Outdoors, Scouting 2007 and Scout Insurance (Guernsey). In addition the Board of each trading subsidiary may offer appropriate remuneration to non-executive Board Directors who are not Members at the time of their appointment, if the Board believes this option would help recruitment of suitable candidates.

Approval was given to proposals clarifying criteria covering acceptance of sponsorship from individuals, organisations or industries directly associated with a specified range of services and products.

The Committee received a progress report from the Scouting Magazine Working Group. This included achieving savings by re-negotiating the print contract and adopting new production methods. A direct mail marketing experiment trialled in Norfolk had resulted in 118 new subscriptions and similar work involving contacting lapsed subscribers had also resulted in 313 renewals from 330 people contacted.

The Committee agreed to embark on a revised schedule of meetings commencing in the Autumn 2002 and to commission the wider review of membership of the Committee after the 2002 AGM

14 Sep [Regents College, Regents Park, London]; 28/29 Sep [Gilwell Park]; 23/24 Nov [Gilwell Park]