Produced by the Wimbledon & Wandle District Training Manager and Appointments Advisory Committee.

Revised May 2010 incorporating changes to forms consequent upon the introduction of electronic CRB applications and the Vetting & Barring Scheme. New forms will be available from 14th June 2010.

 

When recruiting help for your Group.........

Are you recruiting help for your Group/Unit?  Are you confused by Appointments?  Not sure whether you want a Supporter or a Leader?

Then let the Local Training Manager and the Appointments Advisory Committee provide the remedy to this apparent confusion.

Basically when you are asking people to get involved in your Group/Unit there are three types of Appointment.

1. Group Supporters

These are adults (i.e.18 or over) who provide general assistance to the Group/Unit, either on an occasional basis with Sections, or as part of a Group Executive.  They are usually non-uniformed and generally support the activities of the Group/Unit on an irregular basis, perhaps not more than once a month.  They do not have to do training as a Leader, but they do have to have a valid Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance and fill in an Occasional Helper (OH) Form to register as a Group/Unit Supporter.  Scout Active Support members are also Group Supporters. The OH form includes the necessary CRB information so only the OH form is required.

2. Section Assistants

Again adults.  These people help with Sections on a more regular basis.  Gilwell guidelines say twice a month or more.  This would cover a person who is unable to commit to a frequent and regular role, or undertake the whole training programme.  They need to be cleared with the CRB and complete an Adult Application (AA) form. They must understand and accept the Scout Association’s policies.  They need to do some of the training that a Leader would do in terms of understanding their role, the key policies of equality, diversity, and the fundamentals of the Scout Movement.  An example of this would be someone who works shifts, or possibly is unable to attend meetings on a regular basis because of family, work, or educational commitments. The AA form includes the necessary CRB information so only the AA form is required.

3. Leaders

Either Section Leaders or Assistant Leaders of a Section .  These people must again be 18 or over, and have a valid CRB clearance.  They must make and understand the Scout Promise and Law and adhere to the policies and values of the Scout Association.  They must also undertake the necessary training for the award of a Wood Badge.  They fill in an Adult Application Form (AA) to be a Section Leader or Assistant Leader of a Section.   They wear uniform. The AA form includes the necessary CRB information so only the AA form is needed.                    

All the forms mentioned above can be obtained from the Appointments Secretary, Mrs. Joan Burgess, 10,Victory Road,       SW19 1HN , e-mail scouts@joanburgess.me.uk,

If you are not sure which type of appointment the person should apply for, then our advice is go for a Section Assistant or Group Supporter, and that person could consider a leadership role later on.  We would rather ‘trade up’ than ‘trade down’.

In all cases it is essential for the appropriate OH or AA form to be sent to the Appointments Secretary without any delay so CRB clearance can be obtained.

Under18’s are none of the above.  They should be registered as youth members of the Scout Association.  If they are working as Young Leaders they register with a Section in that capacity.

 

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