Trustee Board

Our trustees are a team of volunteers responsible for the governance and safe, legal operation of our Scout group, ensuring that the group is well-managed and provides a high-quality programme for young people. Their role is focused on strategy, performance, and assurance. 

Key Responsibilities of Scout Trustees

• Legal & Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the group complies with all legal requirements (such as charity law, data protection legislation, and employment law if applicable) and the Scout Association's own rules and policies known as "Policy, Organisation and Rules" (POR).

• Financial Management: Managing the group's resources responsibly. This includes ensuring sufficient funds for current and future needs, having a budget and reserves policy in place, preparing annual accounts and reports, and ensuring proper financial controls to prevent fraud or error.

• Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and managing risks to the group's assets, reputation, and beneficiaries. This involves creating and maintaining a risk register and ensuring appropriate mitigations are in place.

• Safety & Safeguarding: Making sure that all activities are conducted safely, that all volunteers have the required safety and safeguarding training, and that relevant policies are in place and followed effectively.

• Property & Equipment: Overseeing the maintenance of any buildings and equipment and ensuring that there is appropriate insurance coverage for people, property, and equipment.

• Strategic Planning: Working with the Lead Volunteer to meet the group's aims and championing the "Skills for Life" plan to help young people gain valuable skills.

• Accountability & Transparency: Ensuring the group is accountable to its members and the public. This includes holding Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and filing necessary reports with the relevant charity regulator.

• Volunteering Culture: Championing and supporting a positive volunteering culture, including recruiting new trustees through an open selection process and ensuring existing volunteers have the support and training they need. 

In essence, trustees provide the governance framework that allows other volunteers to focus on delivering exciting and safe programmes for young people. They do not manage day-to-day operations but are ultimately responsible and accountable for the group's overall well-being and compliance.