County Team

Hi, I’m Steve the County Lead Volunteer for Devon Scouts.

Scouting has been a part of my life for over 40 years, whether that’s as a young member in Cubs and Scouts or, as an adult volunteer.

Over those years, I have worked as a leader with Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers and I can honestly say, Scouting has been the most rewarding thing I have undertaken in my life.

To be a part of the development of young people whether that’s through a 2-hour meeting, activities such as hikes, climbing, archery or, through residential experiences, it is an honour to have that opportunity.

I have had some fantastic experiences in my Scouting journey, most of which would not have been possible without Scouting.

So, whether It’s having the chance to speak to inspiring young people completing their Duke of Edinburgh Expedition on Dartmoor or, being invested as a leader into an Explorer unit whilst hanging upside down on a climbing wall, Scouting genuinely changes the lives of those who participate, and I am proud to be a member of this amazing movement.

Hi, I’m Jane and I’ve been the County Administrator for Devon Scouts for 11 1/2 years. I see my role as providing as much administrative support as possible to the County Team and Trustees to allow them to concentrate on “proper” Scouting. I’m also the first port of call for enquiries from the wider Scouting community in Devon as well as members of the public.

When I’m not sat behind my desk, I enjoy road cycling, running and I also sing in a Choir.

Emma Pacey – ACC International

I have been in scouting since 1989 when I started as a Venture Scout moving over from Rangers. At 18 I became a Beaver Leader which I did for 20 years, I then moved to scouts and became an Assistant Scout Leader.

I joined the training team as an Local Training Manager in 2004, at the start of the current training scheme, I did the role for 12 years before changing to Deputy Training Manager in 2016.

Additionally I became ACC International in 2023, I feel I am well placed to do this role having supported many overseas Scout trips over the years.

A member since the age of 11. Held leader roles and was ADC Scout Fellowship in Oxford before moving to Devon in 2007.

Have been ACC Scout Fellowship; County Commissioner; DC for East Devon and then Torridge

Other roles include: Award Nomination Supporter for Devon County, North Devon & Tiverton.

Hi, I’m George and I took on the role of ACC Explorers in 2022.

My history with Devon Scouts stretches back to 1996 when my family moved to Plymouth and I transferred into 19^th Plymouth Cubs (having started my Scouting journey as a Beaver and a Cub in Weymouth). I went on to be a Scout, Explorer and Leader with the 19^th.  I then spent 4 years in the Midlands as an assistant Scout Leader at 88^th Leicester before I missed the rolling hills and sandy beaches of home. I moved back to Devon, landing in Exeter, where I have been a Scout Leader at 2^nd Exeter for 10 years and counting.

Most of my time in Scouting as an adult has been with the Scout section, but in 2017 I was selected as an assistant unit leader for the Devon & Guernsey Unit to attend the World Scout Jamboree in America in 2019. Unfortunately, before making it as far as America I took a new job which meant I was unable to get the time off to attend the WSJ. However, I had a great time meeting leaders and young people from all over Devon and helping them prepare for the adventure of a lifetime, and it really opened my eyes to some of the great opportunities out there beyond group level. For me that’s what Scouting is all about; creating opportunities and experiences. And as ACC Explorers it’s my role to try and maximise the opportunities available for our young people aged 14-18.

With the Scout Association currently undertaking the transformation project, reviewing both the adult volunteer journey and how we provide Scouting to 14-24 year olds, it is an exciting time to take on the role of ACC Explorers. I look forward to working with Sam, our ACC Network and Rory, our County Youth Commissioner, to make Transformation happen.

When I am not Scouting, I can usually be found on the baseball diamond, playing and coaching with Exeter Spitfires Baseball Club, or out pounding the country lanes of mid Devon, training for my next marathon.

Other roles include: Transformation Lead, Member of County Leadership team and Trustee.

Hi, I’m Chris and have the honour to take on the role of County Volunteering Development Lead. My Scouting world started at 8 in a draughty Scout HQ in Chudleigh and 45 years later I am still working as an adult in Devon.

I have held appointments from Assistant Scout Leader, Local Training Manager, Manager & Supporter Trainer, Compass Superuser all the way down to District Commissioner & Deputy County Training Manager.

I have seen the world of Scouting evolve and completed more Woodbadges than I care to remember but have always supported others whenever I can. My Role of County Volunteering Development Lead means I am ideally placed to continue supporting. So, if you need help then give me a shout and see if I can assist.

I’m Rory. I’ve been Scouting in Devon since the age of 7 with 1st Highweek Village Scouts, in Teignbridge, as a Beaver, Cub, Scout, Explorer & Young Leader, and now an Assistant Section Leader with our Scout section. I am also a member of the Teignbridge Ten Tors SASU, training young people out on Dartmoor to complete the same great challenge that I did whilst I was in their position, as well as assisting in the running of the Hurdlestone Challenge as part of the security team. On top of all this, I’ve recently being selected as one of leaders for Unit 77, one of Devon’s two WSJ units, an experience I cannot wait for! In my non-scouting time I enjoy the outdoors, football, spending time with my mates, playing video games & cricket, and my work in a small business called Lockabox.

Other roles include: Member of County Leadership team, Welcome Conversation team member and Trustee.

County Treasurer

Outline: The Treasurer will provide sound financial administration, support and information to the County Board of Trustees and County Commissioner in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

Responsible to: Devon County Scout Council Board of Trustees.

Appointment requirements:  Must successfully complete the appointment process (including acceptable personal enquiries and acceptance of The Scout Association’s policies). It’s expected that whilst volunteering for this role you will undertake regulated activity.

The Responsibilities of the Treasurer:

· Manage and monitor the financial activities of the County and Board of Trustees.

· Act as Treasurer for Devon County Scout Council.

· Prepare and present financial reports and accounts to the County Board of Trustees.

· Lead the County Board of Trustees in the creation of budgets and financial planning and monitoring of these.

· Ensure that all financial reports, annual statements of account and supporting documents (including receipts, cheque books and bank statements) are maintained accurately and in accordance with legal regulations.

· Ensure that the County is financially able to function, has appropriate reserves and accounting procedures and controls in place.

· Prepare the Annual Statement of Accounts for independent examination and approval by the County Board of Trustees and presenting these at the Annual General Meeting.

· Administer the process of Independent Examination of the Annual Statement of Accounts in accordance with Policy, Organisation and Rules.

· Membership and attendance of any finance working groups or sub-Committees set by the Board of Trustees where appropriate.

General Executive Committee Responsibilities:

· To be a full and active participant in County Board of Trustees meetings and activities.

· To uphold the responsibilities of the County Board of Trustees as outlined in The Scout Association’s Policy Organisation and Rules.

· Willingness and eligibility to act as a Charity Trustee for the County.

· Contribute to the strategic aims and future development of the County.

· An understanding of their own role and the role of others on the County Board of Trustees.

· A commitment to understanding and forming opinions on the key discussion points and responsibilities of the Board of Trustees.

· Willingness to complete various tasks which support the work of the Board of Trustees and aims of the County.

· Provide support and assistance to District (and Group, when needed) Treasurers.

Skills for a Treasurer:

· Strong organisational skills

· Strong communication skills

· Ability to work as part of a team

· Able to think creatively and solve problems

· Previous experience of financial management or the role of a Charity Treasurer

· Able to analyse financial information effectively

· Good IT skills

· Ability to summarise financial information for different audiences

· Willing to speak one’s mind and listen to the views of others.

· Able to maintain independent and objective judgement

Other tasks agreed with the Line Manager

County Safety Adviser

Title: County Safety Adviser

Outline: To provide support to members and processes in the area of safety, promoting and supporting compliance with The Scouts’ Safety Policy within the County. To advise the County Commissioner and Executive Committee on the implementation of The Scouts’ Safety Policy within the County and to assist District Commissioners in operating the policy.

Responsible to: County Commissioner

Main contacts:

· Executive Committee members (supporting in their role with responsibility for safety)

· Assistant County Commissioners & teams

· County Training Managers

· District Commissioners

· District Explorer Scout Commissioners

· Assistant District Commissioners

· Group Scout Leaders and section leadership teams

· Appointment Advisory Committee Chair and members

· Campsite managers / wardens / chairs

· Event organisers

· Safe Scouting Team at Headquarters

Appointment requirements:

· Must successfully complete the appointment process (including acceptable personal enquiries and acceptance of The Scouts policies).

· Complete the Getting Started Training within the first 5 months in this role and keep mandatory ongoing learning current during the time in this role.

· This role does not require qualifications or external experience in safety, however this may be beneficial, but experience and knowledge of safety within the Scouts is essential.

· This role is not involved in the delivery of Scouts training, however may be involved in the delivery of workshops to support local understanding. · Following the appointment this role will attend a national induction for the role (passcode: P144d@e4) and will continue with regular engagement with the Safe Scouting Department.

Main tasks:

· Provide support across the County on matters of safety i.e. providing advice to executive committees, commissioners, campsite/activity centre managers and wardens and leaders, supporting with local understanding of risk assessment.

· Ensuring members within the County stay up to date on safety advice, guidance and rules to promote a culture of Safe Scouting across the local area. This could be through attendance at meetings or by providing updates such as webinars or in local newsletters.

· Providing a level of assurance for the local Executive. This can include but is not limited to: reviewing risk assessments, auditing safety procedures for premises (such as local Campsites) and other tasks as requested by the County Commissioner or County Executive.

· Collaborate with all adults to ensure that The Scouts safety policy is understood and implemented at all levels.

· Provide information and support to event organisers on how to ensure events are delivered safely and in line with Scouts policies.

· Support the County Commissioner, District Commissioners and Group Scout Leaders to use tools and checkers (such as the ‘Keeping Scouting Good’ and ‘Safe Scouting premises audit’ and be available to offer help and support in implementing resulting actions.

· Keep up to date with national Scouts developments relating to safety, using the information available (including management information and data, local and national learnings) to support and develop a culture of Safe Scouting within the County.

· Supporting local learning reviews, ensuring that lessons are learnt from incidents and near misses within the County (including those at Group and District levels).

County Safeguarding Adviser

Outline: To provide support to members and processes in the area of safeguarding. To support the promotion of a safeguarding culture within all parts of the County, offering information and advice to members on the implementation of Safeguarding, Intimate Care and Youth member Anti-bullying policies (as laid out in POR Chapter 2, Key Policies).

Responsible to: County Commissioner

Main contacts:

· Executive Committee members

· Assistant County Commissioners & teams

· County Training Managers

· District Commissioners

· District Explorer Scout Commissioners

· Assistant District Commissioners

· Group Scout Leaders and section leadership teams

· Appointment Advisory Committee Chair and members

· Campsite managers / wardens / chairs

· Event organisers

· Safe Scouting Department at Headquarters

Appointment requirements:

· Must successfully complete the appointment process (including acceptable personal enquiries and acceptance of The Scouts policies).

· Complete the Getting Started Training within the first 5 months in this role and keep mandatory ongoing learning current during the time in this role.

· This role does not require qualifications or external experience in safeguarding, however this may be beneficial, but experience and knowledge of safeguarding within the Scouts is essential.

· This role is not involved in the delivery of Scouts training, however may be involved in the delivery of workshops to support local understanding.

· This role is not to be involved in or manage local safeguarding cases. · Following the appointment this role will attend a national induction for the role (passcode: N#8^HDz?) and will continue with regular engagement with the Safe Scouting Department.

Main tasks:

· Provide support across the County on matters of safeguarding i.e. providing advice to executive committees, commissioners, campsite/activity centre managers and wardens and leaders, supporting with the use of HQ approved and provided awareness raising activities for young people.

· Ensuring members within the County stay up to date on safeguarding advice, guidance and rules to promote a culture of Safe Scouting across the local area. This could be through attendance at meetings or by providing updates such as webinars or in local newsletters.

· Under the direction of the County Commissioner, or at the request of the appropriate line manager; offer information and support to members regarding compliance with safeguarding measures, helping them to identify what may be done to further encourage best practice and the implementation of The Scouts safeguarding policies.

· Collaborate with all adults to ensure that The Scouts safeguarding policies are understood and implemented at all levels.

· Provide information and support to event organisers on how to ensure events are delivered safely and in line with Scouts policies.

· Support the County Commissioner, District Commissioners and Group Scout Leaders to use tools and checkers (such as the ‘Keeping Scouting Good’ and ‘Safe Scouting premises audit’ and be available to offer help and support in implementing resulting actions.

· Keep up to date with national Scouts developments relating to safeguarding, using the information available (including management information and data, local and national learnings) to support and develop a culture of Safe Scouting within the County