National Commissioner for Scout Network


Programme and activities

The main target for all of us is to make sure that there is a strong programme on offer for Network members in their County or Area through a Local Network, a County/Area Network, or through a Specialist Network. In many Counties and Areas we are seeing the first full Network provision becoming established. In our pages in Scouting magazine, Troll continues to provide some excellent ideas so everyone between 18-25 can have the opportunity to follow a Balanced Programme of activities and complete the awards that they want to work for.

We know it is the outdoor activities and the chance to go on trips that are some of key reasons why people are in Network. Over the next few months Counties and Areas will be introducing the new Rules for adventurous activities for over 18's and the new Nights Away Scheme for residential experiences. Getting ready for these changes will take a little time -- so now is the best time to talk to ACC/AACs (Activities) and others on the County/Area Team to make the transition smooth. The aim of the new Scheme is to make these activities and trips simple to organise and appropriate for operation by adult members. We hope it helps provide enjoyable activities both for Network people themselves and for the Movement's younger members.


Finding our Members!

If we are to offer an effective programme to all our 18-25 year olds, we need to find them -- and we know this is not always an easy task. At the moment, many Network programmes are mainly made available to former Venture or Explorer Scouts, rather than people with leadership roles in other Sections. Successfully finding potential members will rely on Network Commissioners, Administrators and Co-ordinators building up strong relationships with DCs and District Secretaries so the benefits of Network membership are available to this group. A first step is to make sure that Districts are aware of the full Network programme, and know where the nearest meetings are held. This will help to involve their Leaders in Network.


Electronic update

The monthly e-mail update was a popular communication route between the Support Team and Counties/Areas. This led last year to our development of the Network on-line community but this has not been as popular as we had hoped. In response to requests, we are returning to the monthly e-update as our main communication tool with County/Area Scout Network Commissioners.

The need for the e-update to be current and efficient to produce and distribute means that it will now be available only as a PDF file. Please do share it widely within your County/Area -- this is what it is designed for. If you have not received the January or February editions, send an email to the Scout Network Office at scout.network@scout.org.uk stating your name and role and ask to be added to the list.

Adrian Wray is compiling and editing the e-mail update on behalf of the Support Team. Part will contain information, part will include answers to questions raised at Region meetings. Where space allows, Adrian is also keen that Counties/Areas publicise the events they wish to open up to other Networks, and share good ideas for programme. Please continue to let him know of the events you wish to open UK wide by sending him an email to the scout.network@scout.org.uk address.


Region Meetings and support opportunities

Members of the Support Team continue to attend the programme of Regional Consultation and Communication meetings. These events enable us to pick up key issues that are affecting the Section as it develops. Usefully, some meetings involve Network members, along with Network Commissioners and other key support leaders. We would welcome an opportunity to have space on your Team or Panel agenda so we can share solutions and bring you up to date on HQ initiatives and developments.

We are offering two induction days for new County/ Area Network Commissioners looking for help to get going -- one in the South of England on Saturday 1st May 2004 and in the North of England on Saturday 17th October 2004. Let the Scout Network Office know if you are interested in either opportunity. Experience shows that these days are very useful to participants. For existing Network Commissioners, the Accelerator Project continues and hopefully your allocated Accelerator will have been in touch with you in the first quarter of the year.

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