Help our young people achieve their potential as the new ACC Youth Awards
We are looking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic about promoting the top youth awards in Scouting and understands how they develop young people to achieve their full potential.
The role is about promoting the range of Scouting awards in the various sections and linking these, where appropriate, to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme as a recognised national standard. The aim is to encourage and support the young people, and their leaders, to ultimately achieve the Queen’s Scout Award.
The responsibilities will include to:
1. Promote the range of Scouting awards in partnership with the ACC 6-14 and the ACC 14-25 and in particular:
- the Chief Scout Award (Bronze – Diamond)
- the Queen’s Scout Award
- the Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze – Gold)
2. Ensure we celebrate the achievement of award recipients in an appropriate way
3. Ensure that the Duke of Edinburgh Award administration and authorisation process is effectively managed
4. Implement a process for registering and supporting those working towards the Queen’s Scout Award
The person appointed will have the freedom to appoint appropriate advisors or administrators to support this role.
Anyone interested in learning more about this opportunity should contact the County Commissioner, Roger Colebrook, to discuss further
email: cc@gln-scouts.org.uk
Could you be the new ACC Activities and International?
We are looking to appoint someone who has enthusiasm for helping young people experience the ‘adventurous’ part of Scouting and is able to co-ordinate a team of activity specialists who share that enthusiasm.
The role is about developing a suitable team to make available as wide a range of activities to as many young people as possible including international experiences. The responsibilities will include to:
- Recruit and develop specialist teams to provide the opportunities for young people to experience a range of activities and, in particular, new activities their leaders are unable to offer.
- Promote:
- adventurous activities
- the international element within programme
- opportunities to participate in international events/activities
- Work with the District Commissioners and the County team providing advice and identifying any needs.
- Maintain up to date information on activity initiatives and circulate them widely
- Ensure that the Activity Permits scheme is effectively managed including to:
- share information on current permit holders
- ensure opportunities are available for adults to obtain adventurous activity permits
- ensure awareness of the activity rules
- Ensure that the “Visits Abroad” process is effectively managed and administered
Anyone interested in learning more about this opportunity should contact the County Commissioner, Roger Colebrook to discuss further
email: cc@gln-scouts.org.uk
County Team Structure
Following from the County Conference in February I have been considering how best to structure the County team based on the useful input of the District teams. The key elements identified were:
Programme
- proper support for District teams
- facilitating:
- inter-District discussion
- activities which supplement section/District programmes
- Promote:
- the use of top awards
- transition between sections and into adult membership
- Scouting as open to all
- details of teams/individuals available to support local Scouting with qualifications/experience
- adults learning new skills to improve their own programme and offer support to others
Adults
- ensure it is clear how the County can support Districts and Groups and how to access support
- County represented at District meetings – in agreement with District Commissioners
- good internal communication:
- between Group/District/County teams
- flow of information within the County
- promote:
- quality of programme
- growth in membership
- compliance with the rules
In order to respond to this I met with DCs and the existing County team recently and presented a structure which I believe responds to the above needs. The structure was accepted as the best way forward to meet the needs of the County.
A key feature of this structure is that it is ‘flat’ with all ACCs etc. directly reporting to the County Commissioner and not though a ‘layer’ of Deputy CCs as is common in some other Counties. I feel this is important to ensure that the direction the County is moving in is kept in focus.
The other important thing about the structure is that those who are appointed to ACC etc., posts will have flexibility in the way they manage the role. I would, however, expect that they would wish to build a small team around them to take on specific tasks or responsibilities.
Summary of Roles and Responsibilities
County Commissioner
- Provides leadership and agrees objectives with:
- District Commissioners
- County Team
- County Executive
- Ensures the appropriate interaction between these teams takes place
Deputy County Commissioner
- Deputises for CC in his absence
- Leads specific “task-and-finish” projects
- Acts as an escalation point for disputes
County Development Manager
- Support specific development projects at Group, District and County level
- Co-ordinate and maintain the County Team action plan
- Meet regularly with DCs to agree support for development projects
- Delivery of Module 4 to new Group Scout Leaders
- Promote a culture of development at all levels within the County
ACC 6-14
- Facilitating:
- inter-District discussion
- activities which supplement District/Group programmes
- Promote:
- progression between sections
- a balanced programme in section (culminating in the achievement of top awards)
- Represent the County as appropriate within Districts
ACC 14-25
- Support the provision of Explorer Scouting and Scout Network within Districts
- Facilitating:
- inter-District discussion
- activities which supplement District/Unit programmes
- Promote:
- progression between sections
- a balanced programme in section (culminating in the achievement of top awards)
- Represent the County as appropriate within Districts
- Ensure Young Leader training is provided to a consistent standard across the County
ACC Activities & International
- Recruit and manage specialist teams to provide opportunities for young people to experience new activities their leaders cannot offer
- Promote:
- adventurous activities (land, sea and air)
- the international element within programme
- opportunities to participate in international events/activities
- Manage the Activity Permits scheme
- share information on current permit holders effectively
- ensure opportunities are available for adults to obtain adventurous activity permits
- Manage the “Visits Abroad” process
ACC Youth Awards
- Promote the following awards (in partnership with the ACC 6-14 and 14-25):
- Chief Scout Award (Bronze – Diamond)
- Queen’s Scout Award<
- Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze – Gold)
- Ensure we celebrate the achievement of award recipients in an appropriate way (age, timing etc)
- Manage the Duke of Edinburgh Award process
- Manage a process for registering and supporting those working towards the Queen’s Scout Award
County Training Manager
- Develop a co-ordinated County-wide training provision to ensure all adults have timely access to:
- wood badge training
- safeguarding awareness courses
- ongoing learning (skills, inclusion, effective recruiters etc)
- Ensure adults are aware of training opportunities well in advance and provide a facility for leaders in any District to book onto training held anywhere in the County
- Maintain a team of trainers with the necessary skills to adequately deliver the range of training modules
- Work with Districts to ensure a consistently high standard of training and validation
ACC Inclusion
- Offer a clear point of contact for adults to approach with questions
- Identify individuals within the County who can offer experience and advice on a range of inclusion issues
- Run/arrange appropriate training for adults in response to specifically identified need
- Provide direct support for projects which provide Scouting specifically for young people with special needs
ACC Communications
- Manage internal communications:
- North Circular etc
- Brand awareness
- County website
- Manage relations with external media
- press liaison
- management and support of MDMs
- Act as the first point of contact with the relevant teams at Gilwell Park
- Provide support to Districts to ensure effective communications
Appointments
I am please to be able announce the following appointments:
Deputy County Commissioner – Nick Dewdney
ACC 6-14 – Barry Manley
ACC 14-25 – Chris Foster
County Training Manager – Martin How
ACC Inclusion – Matt Todd
ACC Communications – Steve Way
I am still seeking suitable candidate to appoint to the posts of ACC Activities and International and ACC Youth Awards. I hope to be able to do this as soon as possible.
Roger Colebrook
County Commissioner
May 2012
Inclusion Appointment for GLN
My name is Matt Todd and I’m the newly appointed ACC (Inclusion) for GLN.
Got a burning question about issues such as:
- How can I support a young person with Special Needs?
- What adjustments do I need to make in order to cater for a young person with a physical disability?
- How do we adapt the Promise to suit our new child from a different faith?
- How do I support an Explorer Scout who says he is gay?
Training on ‘Scouting for all: Inclusive Scouting’ can be given to groups of people. Please contact me for information.
About me:
I have held various sectional appointments in both Cubs and Scouts in Groups around the Midlands and Bristol. I have also delivered a Scouting programme for children with complex Autism for a UK children’s charity. I am currently on a working group on Diversity and Inclusion at The Scout Association.
Professionally, I have been a support worker for children with complex physical and health needs, a Learning Support Assistant in a mainstream Secondary School and I recently took up a teaching post in London as a Teacher in an Autism Resource Provision
Contact me:
If you have any queries or requests about any of the issues I can offer support in via inclusion@gln-scouts.org.uk
County Training Manager
From the County Commissioner:
Due to pressure of work and the large amount of travel this entails, Sergio Laurenti has sadly decided to stand down from the role of County Training Manager.
However, I am happy to announce that Martin How has agreed to take on the role, bringing to it his huge experience as a trainer, LTM and past DC. Martin takes up the role immediately and will be looking to meet with LTMs, DCs and others involved in training as soon as possible.
I would like to thank Sergio for his work as CTM under difficult circumstances and hopefully he will keep in touch with the County.
Roger
ROGER COLEBROOK| COUNTY COMMISSIONER | GREATER LONDON NORTH
Urgent Request from the Jack Petchey Foundation
Please help us express young people’s views on the current unrest……
Youth services are a vital part of helping young people to have an opportunity to be engaged and contribute positively to the community.
Collectively youth workers engage with thousands of young people; those who weren’t involved in the vandalism, waste of property and injury to people happening across our towns and cities. We encourage you to harness the positive power of our youth….
“Why do they think this violence has occurred, do they think young people have been unfairly scapegoated by the media, are all young people bad”?
Young people and youth workers have worked hard for a positive voice in society and in the media – we don’t want to let a minority throw it away.
Please can you circulate this survey link amongst your members and ask them to comment NOW
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/
The survey will be open for 4 days only, will take 5 minutes and will enable us to get some balance back into the media. Also if you think your project can promote a positive voice for youth and would like to be interviewed by the media please advise us so that we can put you forward on a list of media contacts:
WELL DONE and keep up the great work you do….
All at Jack Petchey Foundation
County AGM
GREATER LONDON NORTH COUNTY AGM
WEDNESDAY 8 JUNE 2011 at 7.30pm for 8.00
ASHMOLE ACADEMY
CECIL ROAD, SOUTHGATE N14 5RJ
You may not think this event should be a priority in your diary but it’s your chance to:
- Catch up on County achievements in the last year, its financial status and its plans for the future.
- Influence the movers and shakers in putting together the County s strategies and programme of events.
- Elect Honorary Officers and 4 members of the County Executive Committee.
- Listen to a presentation from Mike Perham, a former Explorer Scout from Potters Bar, who at aged 17 became the youngest person to sail round the world solo.
- Renew old friendships and make new ones during post-meeting refreshments.
The County Team look forward to seeing you there: no need to book.
An Agenda and other supporting papers are available on the County website
Regional Adult Appreciation Awards
Congratulations to the following on receiving a Regional Adult Achievement Award for outstanding and dedicated service to Scouting in London.
Stuart Austin – DCSL Barnet Borough
Aileen Barry - CCI
Colin Batsford – Scout Leader 23rd Southgate
John Hall – Chairman of the Southern 50 committee
Mike Thurston – DESC Enfield
John Walker – DESC Haringey
The awards were presented at a reception at the Institution of Engineering and Technology in London overlooking the River Thames on the Embankment on Friday 8th April.
New County Commissioner Appointed
From your new County Commissioner
I am privileged to be selected as your new County Commissioner and I am looking forward to working with you all in developing Scouting in Greater London North. We have made great progress in the County in the last few years under Barry’s leadership and I aim to build on that progress with your support. In my short time as Acting County Commissioner I have been impressed by the drive and commitment of leaders and supporters around the County and I know that the future of Scouting in the County is in good hands. The County Development plan still remains the focus for our actions to improve and enhance the Scouting experience for the young people.
I shall be reviewing our current plan and the progress to date so we can set our goals for the next few years. l will involve the County team, Districts and Groups in this process. I will also be looking to appoint people to strengthen the County team to support Scouting at all levels. I hope to meet as many of you as possible over the coming months and welcome the opportunity to receive your comments and suggestions.
I would like to think we can have a shared vision for Scouting in GLN and I hope you will agree that everything we do should be driven by desire for ‘more young people to get better Scouting’
Yours in Scouting
Roger Colebrook
February 2011
End of an Era
It is with great sadness that I write this last report for the North Circular and with regret that I did not have the support from the London Region and HQ to enable me to remain in post to see certain issues and projects through to their conclusion.
However, I must state that the support from everyone in the County has been phenomenal and much appreciated by Lin and I. We really do have no gripes with anyone in the County and thank you for all your numerous messages of goodwill and support.
The search for a new CC has started and I would like to think that the County is in a very healthy condition to be handed over to my succesor. Lin and I hope to stay in Scouting in some capacity, but at present are unsure where we will surface.
On other matters, I regret that Mark Darlow has relinquished his District and County roles to concentrate on his Group, another great loss, but hopefully you will see him back in a County role in the future. Mark and his team have done a superb job in launching the County Website, which is still growing and handling all sorts of media and comminications projects.
Mike Nadin – ACC Water Activities also thought that now would be the right time for him to stand down. Some of you will know Mike as the ex CC for Greater London Central and others through his connection with water activities. Mike is not a highly visible person, but to me he has been invaluable. He has taken care of the water activities side of things for the County and I rarely have to worry about anything, as he has it all under control. Thanks Mike for your huge contribution to Scouting in GLN.
Unfortunately, two of our Jamboree leadership Team had to quit. Chris has not been well and Dan for personal reasons. I want to wholeheartedly thank them for their contribution to the Jamboree Unit and for getting the unit to the stage that they are now at. That stage is “they are ready for Sweden NOW”. Fortunately, Debi Rush and David Bowman were able to keep the unit going for a few weeks whilst we sought two new leaders. They are:
Samantha Putt- Sam to her friends is a BSL and DBSL in Barnet and has two teenage daughters and a son in Cubs. Sam brings a wealth of experince to the unit. Helen Sinclair is an Explorer Scout Leader at the 8th Holborn where she gained her D of E Gold Award and was recently presentaed with her Queen Scout Award at Windsor. Helen brings a wealth of Scouting knowledge and basic skills to the Leadership Team. Debi will takle on the role of Team Leader. I truly believe that we have a strong leadership team that is supported by some very active and enthusiastic parents. I hope to be able to continue to support the unit and to wave them off on the Coach to Sweden.
On a positive note, I am pleased to announce that we have recruited a new ACC International – Emily Jupp. I am realey excited that we have found somebody who will be truly pro-active and willing to support and advise on International trips. Emily wants to take an active part in trips abroad and is well travelled, having visited over 35 countries, she has good connections especially in Asia. Over the coming months, Emily will be completing her induction training and will then be tracking those of you down that want to take on an International experience. She has been keen to let us know that she will not be in the role just to get the forms completed ciorrectly and I know that I can count on you all to give her your full support.
In this last month, Lin and I have visited numerous Groups, District Camps, Cooking competitions, Fellowship events, Dockland Scout Project and supported the Jamboree. We have attended umpteen BBQ’s and are now totally burgered out for the summer. We have almost forgotten what it is like to eat from a plate using cutlery. It has helped us to see why we came into Scouting and what Scouting is all about – FUN & FRIENDSHIP. Scouting is about people and we must never forget this, whether adult or young person.
At the February 2010 GSL Conference, we undertook to carry out a review of the County Development Startegy. Out of that Conference came 18 action points, which I took to the County Team for support and implementation. Work started on this with a lead person for each of the items and I will recommend to the new CC that this is a priority piece of development work for GLN. The County Team certainly has the desire to see this through to offer support to GSL’s.
My current Work Plan has been passed to Roger Colebrook who will be over-seeing the County until a new County Commissioner can be found. I would like especially to thank the County Team, DC’s and County Executive for all their support particularly through a difficult last couple of months.
After a well earned break, Lin and I will consider our positions in Scouting, but what we would like to emphasize is that it has been great working with such dedicated adults in this County. It has been a privilage and a pleasure to know you all and we hope we have left our mark and GLN continues to develop year on year.