Our Trustees

Are you a behind-the-scenes kind of person?  Want to get involved but don’t want a weekly commitment?  Prefer a role which doesn’t involve working directly with young people?

Maybe being a Trustee is the perfect role for you…

What’s this all about?

We’re looking for enthusiastic people to join our Trustee Board and help to shape Scouting locally.  We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in any of the following fields:

• Business/charity administration
• Risk management
• Financial management
• Fundraising/grant writing

Experience in these fields would be helpful but is not essential.  Below is some more information about what the Trustee role is and what it involves:

What is a Trustee?

Trustees are a dedicated bunch of volunteers known as the Executive Committee and every Scout Group and District has one.  The Executive Committee in Scouts is like a board of governors in a school. Basically it makes sure that young people get the best possible experience in the area.

The volunteers which make up the committee give their time to ensure the Group or District continues to meet its charitable purpose: safely and legally.  They make sure there’s enough money for the volunteers to deliver the programme and that equipment like tents and activity materials are available and safe to use.

Who can become a Trustee?

Trustees come from all walks of life. Most people can become one, but there are some people who cannot, including:

• under 18s
• undischarged bankrupts
• disqualified company directors

The Charity Commission can provide further guidance and full details on who cannot be a charity trustee – please visit www.charitycommission.gov.uk for more information.

What does the role involve?

Being an Executive Committee member carries legal responsibilities which should be understood before taking on the role.  You are not expected to be an expert in every area, but you are expected to:

• use reasonable care in your work and apply your skills and experience where needed
• act in the best interests of the Scout Group or District and not in your own or others’ interests
• ask for professional advice when you need it

The Executive Committee you join will be able to help explain the responsibilities of the role to you.

Basic training covering an introduction to Scouting, its key policies and being a Trustee will be provided and must be completed within five months of joining an Executive Committee.  An enhanced DBS check will also be required.

How much time will I need to give?

On average, Executive Committee members attend four to six meetings a year.  The exact amount of time required will depend on the individual Trustee’s availability and which actions they agree to take on. There may also be an opportunity to sit on sub-committees which focus on a specific remit or project, though this is by no means compulsory!

Interested?  Find out more…

If you would like an informal chat about becoming a Trustee, you can contact us through Joining Scouts

We are always keen to hear from people who wish to join our Trustee Board at any time of the year.