Service Agreement (2020)

This is a previous version of the service agreement, and is no longer active. For the latest version, please see current Service Agreement.

Introduction

The Queen's Scout Working Party (QSWP) is a National Scout Active Support Unit (the unit) that supports the Scouts at national Scouting events, and acts as ambassadors for the Top Awards (with a particular focus on those for Explorers and Scout Network).

This service agreement is a living document, subject to change / review (at least every 3 years) by the NSASU manager and the Volunteer Head of Active Support.

It outlines the purpose of and active support provided by the unit to the Scouts at a national level.

Unit Requirements

The following are applicable to all NSASU's:

Management Requirements

The following are applicable to all NSASU's:

  • The unit will be led by a National Scout Active Support Unit Manager (POR 6.1.f)
    • The NSASU manager is responsible for ensuring that the unit meets the requirements of this service agreement (POR 6.1.f)
    • The NSASU manager will be appointed by the HQ appointments committee after selection in a manner to be agreed with the Volunteer Head of Active Support
    • The manager must have completed or be working towards completion of the relevant management training wood badge
  • The NSASU manager may appoint a deputy manager to assist with the running of the unit, this appointment must be ratified by the HQ appointments committee
  • One or more National Scout Active Support Co-ordinators may be appointed to assist in the running of the Unit (POR 4.11.h)
    • The role of co-ordinators should be identified by the NSASU Manager
    • The selection and appointment of NSASU co-ordinators can be made at a unit level
  • The annual census for a NSASU must be completed and submitted each year (POR 6.1.j.iii)
  • The unit will be responsible for its own funding and accounts, which will run 1st April - 31st March each year
  • Annual accounts for a NSASU must be submitted to UK Headquarters no later than 1st June each year (POR 6.1.j.iv)

The following are specific to the unit:

  • The QSWP Manager has overall control of the QSWP operation, with the assistance of 3 Scout Active Support coordinators (covering Membership, Finance and Events respectively)
  • The coordinator roles last for 3 years, and are appointed by the QSWP members at the AGM of the QSWP
  • Additional non-committee roles may be appointed by the QSWP manager or at the QSWP AGM as required, for instance a social media coordinator

Membership Requirements

The following are applicable to all NSASU's:

  • All members of the unit must be registered as members of the Scouts and recorded on Compass as District Scout Active Support Members in the unit
  • Members may (where appropriate) be members of Girlguiding UK, relevant membership criteria must be applied
  • All members must have satisfactorily completed a Personal Enquiry (POR 3.26)
  • All members must have completed or be working towards completing the following minimum training requirements:
    • Essential Information (Module 1)
    • General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
    • Safeguarding
    • Safety

The following are specific to the unit:

  • Members must hold the UK Queen's Scout Award, and must have joined the QSWP within 5 years of the maximum age of attainment of the Queen's Scout Award
  • An annual fee, currently set at £5, is payable to retain active membership
  • Members may lapse their membership and become 'friends'. As a friend, they are not part of the NSASU (e.g. cannot attend events (except socials), are not required to hold a DBS), but may rejoin the QSWP as an active member at a future date and are kept informed of what is happening with the QSWP.

Service Provision

  • The QSWP will endeavour to support all major national Scouting events, and make itself available where possible to support any other events as requested by The Scouts
  • The QSWP will act as ambassadors for the Top Awards, in particular at events at a County, Regional or National level (for example, celebration events or top award conferences). In addition, members are encouraged to support their County, District and group(s) in achieving the Top Awards and resources will be produced by the QSWP to aid with this.
  • The QSWP will make its members available to act as mentors as part of the Scouts of the World Award

Support Provided (to the unit)

  • The Volunteer Head of Active Support will agree and review the service agreement on a regular basis (maximum 3 years)
  • The Volunteer Head of Active Support will maintain effective liaison between Headquarters and the unit
  • The Scouts will provide resources to support the QSWP in the promotion of the Top Awards; for example, banners and leaflets
  • The Scouts will keep members of the QSWP up to date with any changes to the Top Awards through the QSWP Manager, who will disseminate the information to members. This will ensure that the QSWP has the latest information available when supporting the awards.
  • The Scouts will keep the QSWP informed of new opportunities and events which it would be appropriate for the QSWP to support

Ongoing Development

The QSWP will look to expand the events it supports, particularly in under represented regions, with support of The Scouts.

Agreement

Signed on behalf of the QSWP by James Baker (QSWP Manager)
Date:

Signed on behalf of The Scouts by David Thompson MBE (Volunteer Head of Active Support and National Scout Active Support Commissioner)
Date:

Review Date: , or before if there is a change of Unit Manager, changes to The Scouts POR relevant to operating practises or major changes to the unit as a whole