Constitution
1st Goring Scout Group
The Purpose of Scouting
Scouting in the UK is organised through The Scout Association. The Scout Association has a clear purpose: ‘Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.’
The aim of 1st Goring is to follow this purpose for local young people who are Group members.
The Scout Association’s method of meeting the purpose of Scouting is through the balanced programme.
The Scout Method
Scouting uses a Method, which is young people, in partnership with adults:
- enjoying what they are doing;
- learning by doing;
- participating in varied and progressive activities;
- making choices for themselves;
- taking responsibility for their own actions;
- working in groups;
- taking increasing responsibility for others;
- taking part in activities outdoors;
- sharing in prayer and worship;
- making and living out their Promise.
The Balanced Programme
The balanced programme provides a framework for the progression of training, activities and awards that covers everything that young people do in Scouting from the ages of 6 to 25. It involves helping young people to grow through six tailored programme zones: Community, Global, Beliefs and Attitudes, Outdoor and Adventure, Creative Expression and Fit for life.
The Programme is everything we do as Scouts – it includes the activities and the badges, the challenges and awards.
Key Policies
The Scout Association has adopted key policies relating to:
- Vetting
- Child Protection
- Anti-Bullying
- Safety
- Equal Opportunities
- Religion
- Development.
These can be found in the latest edition of the Policy, Organisation & Rules of The Scout Association.
Make-up of 1st Goring Scout Group
The Group can include Beaver Scout Colonies, Cub Scout Packs, Scout Troops and an associated Explorer Scout Unit. It has the capability to include Squirrels. All sections can contain a mixture of sexes. The Group owns the Marriott Scout Hall, supported by The Scout Association.
Registration of Scout Groups
1st Goring is registered with the Scout Association. An annual census will be completed, as directed by the Association.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions will be paid monthly, the level being set by the Group’s Trustee Board, which will include the capitation payment required for each young member.
Management of the Group
Trustee Board (Formally the Group Executive Committee)
The Trustee Board is a team of volunteers who work together to make sure Scouts is run safely and legally. Together, Trustees make sure the charity is well managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR). The make-up of the Board, which will meet termly, will follow the guidance set out in POR.
Annual General Meeting
The 1st Goring Trustee Board will hold an Annual General Meeting within six months of the end of the charity’s financial year. (31 March)
The Annual General Meeting must:
- Undertake governance oversight
· adopt (or re-adopt) the constitution of the Group.
· agree the number of members that may be elected to the Trustee Board
· agree the quorum for The Board of Trustees.
- Review the previous year
· receive and consider the Trustees’ Annual Report and the annual statement of accounts prepared by the Trustee Board. The accounts must have completed their examination by an appropriate auditor, independent examiner, or scrutineer. The Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts presented to the Board of Trustees must include the formal report prepared by the auditor, independent examiner, or scrutineer.
- Make appointments, as required in POR guidance, including the election of Board members.
Following each Annual General Meeting, the Secretary will ensure that all nominated or elected Trustees are recorded on the membership system and that the Trustee Annual Report and Accounts are filed as described in POR Rule 5.5