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Policy Organisation and Rules (POR)

Amendment to POR

Use Your Loaf

Scouts Go Green

Take Aim

Factsheet - Update

Summer Sailing

'The Pathfinder'

Funding for RN recognised

Renew your Promise

IT Badge Resources

New Resources

Special Needs Essentials

GAPP

What do you think of the Programme?

DCs and GSLs

Scout & Guide Stamps

BBC Television Centre

New Scout Clipart

Committee News

The Scout Association Strategy - Towards 2012:

Scouting Ireland:

Development Grants Board:

Chief Scout:

Chief Commissioner for England:

Chairman, Outdoors:

Director of Marketing & Communications:

Donor Recognition Programme:

Gilwell Park Campsite Redevelopment:

National Volunteers and Staff - criminal records checks:

Communications Strategy:

Budget 2004/5:

The Scout Association's Annual General Meetings:

Scouting 2007 - Business Plan:

Venture Scouting:

Future Meetings - 2004:

POR has undergone some major amendments to support the arrival of the new Adult Training Scheme. The new CD-ROM, containing the updated version and other items of support material, was mailed out in early December to GSLs/Group Contacts, District Commissioners, District Secretaries, County/Area Commissioners and County/Area Secretaries. POR is also on ScoutBase UK (http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/por/index.htm) and will be amended as further changes are made.

Additional copies of the CD-ROM can be purchased from the Scout Information Centre priced £2.50 plus p&p. Hard copies of POR are also available at £4.00 plus p&p. Please note that the Activities factsheets included on the CD-ROM have already been superseded and reference should be made to ScoutBase UK for the most recent version.

The Explorer Scout Uniform diagram has been amended to reflect the inclusion of the new Young Leaders Badge.

Following very recent discussions with our insurers, additional conditions have been set with regard to our contingent aviation liability policy. To meet these conditions the following amendment to POR has been made.

Rule 9.12 Air Activities - Public Liability Insurance and pilot and aircraft requirements general

1. The pilot must comply with the Air Navigation Order and Joint Aviation Requirements Ð Operations for licensing, medical and rating.

2. The aircraft must comply with the Air Navigation Order and Joint Aviation Requirements Ð Operations for registration and maintenance.

3. The aircraft operator is required to arrange for their Aviation Liability Insurance to be endorsed showing 'The Scout Association' as an additional assured. The policy, which must include liability to passengers, must be to a minimum limit of one million pounds (five million in respect of helicopters).

4. All Groups, Districts or Counties undertaking Air Activities including hovercrafting are required to notify the Scout Information Centre and County Air Activities Adviser or ACC (Activities) beforehand.

5. The number of Members of the Movement permitted to fly together in a light aircraft is limited to a maximum of four.

Air Activities Notification

For insurance purposes, it is still a requirement to notify Headquarters of any air activities that are taking place. Current records indicate that the Scout Information Centre was only notified of a small number of air activities in the last year.

Kingsmill the bakery group is operating a "Free Kit for Clubs" initiative. It wants to encourage as many Scout Groups as possible to get involved with the scheme by collecting tokens for free sports and activities equipment.

When you visit www.kingsmillkitforclubs.com or call 0870 60 60 090 and register your Group, you will automatically be credited with 50 bonus tokens to get you started. You will also receive a registration pack, containing a collection box, posters and leaflets to help communicate the scheme.

Ross Finnie, Scottish Minister for the Environment and Rural Development has given the thumbs up to the Association's National Programme Initiative 2004. At the recent Scottish Council of The Scout Association conference, he had this to say:

'Scouts Go Green is particularly apposite and (on a cause) that is dear to my heart. There are just so many ways in which we need to raise environmental awareness and so many ways in which each and every one of us can help bring about a better environment.

'I am enormously encouraged by the structure of the initiative, its promotion of environmental awareness and activities across all ages. It will have a positive influence on everyone taking part and long term benefits on sustainable development both locally and globally.'

Scouts Go Green is a full colour resource containing over 40 pages of project ideas to support teams of Leaders and young people working towards the Environment Group Award. To order a copy, contact the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 or order online.

Make sure that your County/Area is represented at the 4th Scout Inter-County Shooting Championships (Air Rifle & Air Pistol) at the National Indoor Shooting Centre, Aldersley, Nr Wolverhampton, West Midlands. The event is open to all Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Scout Network members and Leaders - in teams of eight and as individuals and takes place on 4 April 2004. Entry Packs from David Pennell by e-mail david.pennell@v21mail.co. uk or phone 01270 257069.

FS322101 Appropriate Medical Care

Please note that the wording has been changed to reflect that aspirin should never be given to a child under 16, unless prescribed by a doctor. This factsheet gives useful guidelines and specific advice on appropriate medical care of which all Leaders should be aware. (http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/facts/pdfs/fs322101.pdf)

The LSP offers Scouts aged 14--25 the opportunity to experience offshore sailing from its base in the Solent. You need no sailing experience just a sense of adventure. Expect to take a full active role in running the boat!

The voyages sail to various destinations including France, Channel Islands, and the West Country. There is also the opportunity to be selected for the Tall Ships Race - a unique and unforgettable experience. A week's voyage with the Trust can qualify as a residential project for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

There are three ketches offering six day voyages from April to October at only £60 per person. This includes all food, safety equipment and wet weather gear. For more information please contact The Rona Trust (London Sailing Project) or check the website: www.lsp.org.uk Email: office@ronatrust.com Phone: 01489 885098. Fax: 01489 579098. Post: Universal Shipyard, Crableck Lane, Sarisbury Green, Southampton, SO31 7ZN

The Scout Association has just produced a limited print run of 2,000 prints of this famous Scouting painting by Ernest Carlos (as seen on the wall of Ken Barlow's house in 'Coronation Street'!)

In 2007 the UK will host the 21st World Scout Jamboree and celebrate 100 years of Scouting. By purchasing this print you will be making a direct contribution to 'Operation One World', helping Scouts from around the world participate in the historic event.

Individually numbered fine art prints are available at £35.00 (incl p&p) with all profits going to 'Operation One World'. You can purchase in three ways:

• By clicking on www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php and using the code PATHF to place your order
• By phoning 0845 300 1818 - 08.00 to 20.00 Monday to Fridays and quoting your credit card details
• By sending a cheque for £35.00 to The Scout Information Centre, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW.

The Admiralty Fund assists Royal Navy recognised Sea Scout Groups in obtaining boats, equipment and training. This fund requires the Group to contribute 50% of the cost of the project. The maximum usually given is £2,500 with priority for Groups who have not previously received funding or who last applied more than a year ago.

For an application form (including guidance notes) please contact natasha.belenkin@scout.org.uk or telephone 020 8433 7232. Alternatively download from http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/fundraising/funds/hq_funds.htm

Legacies make up a significant proportion of The Scout Association's yearly income. This money is vital both to the individual Groups to which it is left, as well as to The Scout Association as a whole. Information about leaving a legacy to Scouting including the importance of making a Will, is now available online on ScoutBase. Go to www.scoutbase.org.uk and click on the 'renew your promise' banner on the front page or go to http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/legacies/ For further enquiries please telephone 020 8433 7232 or contact natasha.belenkin@scout.org.uk or.

On-line resources to support young people completing the Staged IT Activity Badge are now available, thanks to sponsorship from the British Computer Society. They can be found at http://www.scouts.org.uk/wps/portal/_s.155/2356

Enabling young people to keep pace with technological advancements, the BCS's initiative will raise the profile and competency levels of IT amongst young people aged 6-25. It is hoped the skills learned will help them in both their Scouting activities and future careers.

To encourage Members to complete the first of five stages, BCS is asking them to send in the computer-art posters they need to produce as part of the badge requirements. Posters which show 'How IT is used in Scouting' will be looked on more favourably and £50 PC World gift vouchers will be awarded for the best Beaver Scout, Cub Scout and Scout entry. The deadline is 30 January 2004.

Entries should be sent to: Teena Antoniou, Fundraising and Sponsorship Department at Gilwell Park. Email teena.antoniou@scout.org.uk and remember to state your name, age and address.

Resources for the first two stages of the badge are available online. Plans for the remaining three stages of this exciting IT venture will be unveiled early next year.

Resources are now available for three sponsored Activity Badges:

Cub Scout Home Help Badge, sponsored by Orange Glo

Orange Glo is providing resource packs containing posters, task sheets and certificates to help Cubs achieve their Home Help badges. These are available online at www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/sponsorship/badges/index.htm and have been sent to every Cub Scout Leader in the UK. For additional packs contact the Information Centre on 0845 300 1818.

Scout Photographer Badge, sponsored by Jessops

Jessops has produced a 'making a start in photography' guide to aid Scouts tackling the badge. The booklet covers all the main subject areas and also includes a special discount card which offers Scouts 10% off a range of products and services at Jessops. The booklet is available from Scout HQ as part of the Photographer Badge Pack, which also includes special Jessops certificates and baseball caps. Call 0845 300 1818 for your pack. Alternatively, you can download it from http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/sponsorship/badges/jessops.htm#resource.

Cub Scout and Scout Navigator Badges, sponsored by Ordnance Survey

Interactive Map Explorer Packs containing a land navigation CD ROM, a national mapping index and an explorer map, are now available from the Information Centre. Go to http://www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php?cat=55 and select OSMAPACK to place your

Other resources for Cub Scouts, Scouts and Leaders will be available shortly. Resources are also expected soon from two new sponsors -- Chubb Fire is sponsoring the Scout Fire Safety Badge and National Maritime Museum the Beaver Scout Explorer Badge.

Don't miss the opportunity to purchase Special Needs Essentials - which provides information on all aspects of Special Needs in Scouting. The resource includes a full set of updated Special Needs factsheets and is available from The Information Centre 0845 300 1818 at £5 plus £3 p&p.

The Global Awareness Partnership Project (GAPP) is running a Training Course at Woodhouse Park Campsite, Avon on 20- 22 February 2004. The cost will be £25. Further details can be obtained by emailing weekend@gapp.me.uk or by writing to GAPP Weekend, 44 Manor Walk, Thornbury, Bristol, BS35 1SP.

During the launch of the Programme, it was agreed that we would monitor the implementation and make any necessary amendments in 2005. To give you an opportunity to tell us what you think there will be an online questionnaire at www.surveyshack.com/scouts until 31 January 2004. It is aimed at Leaders, Young Leaders and members of the Scout Network working directly with the Programme and should take 10 minutes to complete. Have your say!

As the new Adult Training Scheme is being implemented during 2004, DCs and GSLs are reminded that Module 25 Assessing Learning is compulsory ongoing learning for the next twelve months. All DCs and GSLs who have not completed this module should have done so by the end of 2004.

The learning can be accessed by either training course or workbook. It may be that you just need to complete the validation, particularly if you hold qualifications such as D32/33 or Assessing Competence. In the first instance, please contact your County/Area/Regional Training Manager.

The Scout and Guide Stamps Club is holding its Annual Exhibition at Baden-Powell House, Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5JS on Saturday 21 February 2004 from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Entry is free of charge and all are welcome. A wide range of Scout/Guide stamps, covers, postcards and other philatelic material will be available.

For further information please see www.sgsc.org.uk or contact: G S Osborne, Secretary, 3 Camberry Close, Basingstoke, Hants RG21 3AG. Tel: 01256 328831.

The BBC has launched a new initiative designed to encourage charities to visit the BBC Television Centre and experience some of the fascinating activities that take place there. During your tour, groups are likely to see into Studios, visit BBC News, the Top of the Pops Studio and the chance to play in the interactive studio. A team of well-informed, entertaining guides will take the group round the centre ensuring that they get to see the most interesting areas available on the day.

Tours last for approximately 1 hours and generally run every Thursday at 11am and 1pm. A maximum of 22 visitors will be allowed on each tour.

In order to benefit from these free tours, you must show confirmation of your charity status in the form of a letterhead, to be presented at the time of your booking.

To make a booking, or for further information, please call 0870 6030304 or text phone 0870 9030304.

16 cartoon images from the Scout Matrix are now available on-line at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/clipart/mascots/index.htm. Use them in presentations or to brighten up newsletters etc.

The Committee of the Council met at Gilwell Park on 29/30 November 2003

The Committee considered and agreed Key Performance Indicators to be measured at regular intervals to check progress on the effectiveness of the implementation of the long term strategy which is taking Scouting towards the year 2012. It was agreed that a document outlining the strategy should be distributed for use by the Movement at all levels after further work has been completed.

Scouting Ireland is the new Association in the Republic of Ireland. It brings together the Catholic Scouts of Ireland and The Scout Association of Ireland from 1 January 2004. The significance of this commendable initiative has already been warmly welcomed by the Committee of the Council. Committee approved a Memorandum of Agreement between The Scout Association and Scouting Ireland which covers activities of 'units' of the new Association based in Northern Ireland.

The Committee approved short-term additional interim funding of up to £100,000 for development projects supporting the growth of the Movement.

The Search Group looking for a new Chief Scout to take over from George Purdy CBE when he retires in April 2004 reported progress.

The appointment of Professor Jane Lewis from 1 December 2003 in succession to Paul Brenham was recorded.

The appointment of Jonathan Katz as Chairman of the Scout Shops Board in succession to John Hickman was noted. The Committee recorded its appreciation of the outstanding service Mr Hickman had rendered to both the company and the Movement for many years.

The appointment of John Palmer was noted. Mr. Palmer, currently Head of Corporate Marketing at Oxfam, will be joining Headquarters in January 2004.

The Committee agreed proposals for a donor recognition scheme for all donations to Scouting nationally including donations to the Association, the Gilwell Park Development and the Centenary Celebrations.

The Committee received a progress report and noted the appointment of Rodney Galpin as the Chairman of the Campaign Fundraising Group. Rodney is a Board-level Director with several leading companies in the City of London.

The Committee clarified arrangements for criminal records checks on national volunteers and staff to ensure that these are carried out comprehensively.

A presentation was received and the Committee provided comments to the working group and asked it to undertake further work.

The Director of Finance provided the Committee with some indications of aspects of the Association's finances that will have to be taken into account in the preparation of the next year's budget.

The Committee considered aspects of the arrangements and format of the national Annual General Meeting and invited the Committee of the Council Governance Working Group to consider its comments.

The Chairman and the Managing Director presented the currentScouting 2007 , Business Plan to the Committee. The Committee provided commentary and guidance to the Board and requested an update at its next meeting. The Directors of Scouting 2007 have been reappointed for the ensuing year.

At the meeting it was acknowledged that the Venture Scout Section would be closing on 31 December. The Committee formally recognised the successful contribution of the Venture Scout Section to the lives of thousands of young people from 1967 to 2003. The Section has led the way in the role of young people in decision-making; in co-education; in community development; and in international development. The Committee recorded its appreciation and thanks to all the National Commissioners, Chairs of Teams and Boards, staff, and especially Unit Leaders who have helped and led the Section over the years.

20/21 March; 19/20 June; 11 September (Warwick University); 25/26 September; 20/21 November.