County Team

Hi, I’m Steve the County Commissioner 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.

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

Current roles are : County Chair Deputy CC (Awards and Recognition); County Training Advisor; Appointments Panel Chair( North Devon); Executive Committee Member 1st North Devon.

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.

In 1965 joined in Oxford as a Cub Scout Leader, then District Commissioner and finally as ACC Beavers. Moving to North Devon in 2007 I was ADC Beavers, and briefly DC for Torridge. In 2011 appointed as DC for Tiverton District.

Current roles are: County Appointments Secretary; ACC Support; County TA; Appointments Secretary( North Devon) and Chair of 1st North Devon (Barnstaple) Group

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

Current roles are : County Chair, Deputy CC (Awards and Recognition); County Training Advisor; Appointments Panel Chair( North Devon); Executive Committee Member 1st North Devon.

John Slater is the County Appointment Chairman as well as East Devon’s Appointment Secretary. He achieved his Leaping Wolf in 1966 and has remained in Scouting pretty much ever since, including being a long term member of the Longridge Service Crew and Chief Instructor at Longridge Scout and Guide Canoe Club plus being a Venture Scout Leader and ASL in Scunthorpe, Group Scout Leader at 1st Sheet and was the DESC in Petersfield twice, in addition had two stints as District Commissioner, before moving to Devon in 2015.

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.

I started scouting the week before my sixth birthday as a Beaver in Teignbridge. Since then I’ve been lucky enough to wear my Necker up mountains, down in to caves, along rivers and generally getting muddy everywhere I go. My passion lies in getting young people outdoors and enjoying the same experiences I benefitted from.

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.

I’m Rory, Devon Scouts’ County Youth Commissioner. 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.

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

Hi, I’m George and I took on the role of Transformation Lead in 2023.

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. In my other role as ACC Explorers I 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, I have taken on the additional role of Transformation Lead.  I am working with members all around Devon to help 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.

ACC Perception & Development

‘ACC Perception & Development’ is a newly formed role aimed at supporting the County Commissioner and the County Team in developing Scouting across Devon.

Outline: To work in partnership with County Commissioner and County Team to develop Scouting across Devon.

Responsible to: County Commissioner

Main Contacts: County Commissioners, District Commissioners, other Assistant County Commissioners, County Administrator, Schools and other local Youth Organisations.

Appointment requirements:

For this role you will require:

· Excellent communication and IT skills, alongside a motivation to improve and support opportunities for young people to grow and thrive within our movement. (Essential)

· A progressive approach to ensure we embrace our ever-changing society, guarantee absolute inclusivity within our movement and continue to offer every young person in Scouting access to those all-important “Skills for Life” whilst remaining true to our core Scouting values. (Essential)

· Experience of having worked in at least two Scouting sections recently. (Desirable)

· Previous management experience (you will be working closely with the County Commissioner, our County Executive and County Chairman, District Commissioners and other members of the County and District teams) (Desirable)

You will be responsible for overseeing and ensuring engagement with:

· The way we communicate both internally and externally.

· Developing links with local and national media and press outlets.

· Promoting our public identity (our brand).

· County website content.

· The provision of promotional support and resources.

· External partnerships & relationships.

· Promoting and developing Scouting across the county to the general public, other organisations and our local community.

In addition to the above, all volunteers are expected to:

· Understand and accept The Scout Association’s policies

· Hold a satisfactory CRB Clearance

· Undertake regulated activity.

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

Assistant County Commissioner (Activities) 

Outline: To work in partnership with the Deputy County Commissioner and Leaders in Devon Scouts to support the safe provision of activities

Responsible to: Deputy County Commissioner – Devon Scouts

Main Contacts: County Commissioner, Deputy County Commissioner, District Commissioners, Group Scout Leaders, Section Leaders, Safety Office at HQ, District and County Administrators, Assistant County Commissioner (Network), District Explorer Scout Commissioner, Members of Devon County Scout Network, Explorer Scouts, Activity Assessors, Manager of the Activity Permit Scheme (MAPS), Assistant County Commissioners (Sections), County Advisers, County DofE Adviser, County Queen Scouts Award Co-ordinator, and Commercial Providers of Adventurous Activities

Appointment requirements: Must successfully complete the appointment process. During the five months of Provisional Appointment the relevant Getting Started modules must be completed. A Wood Badge must be completed within three years of Full Appointment, and ongoing safeguarding and safety training must be undertaken.

Main Tasks:

· Create and then co-ordinate and support the County Activities Team.

· Maintain essential working relationships with Assistant County Commissioner (Sections), District Commissioners and County Commissioners.

· Provide information and advise Leaders and Commissioners on activities and POR compliance.

· Promote national activities events.

· Monitor and moderate the work of the County Activity Assessors.

· Liaise with Safety Office at HQ.

· Represent views of your County to UK Activities Team.

· Liaise with other youth agencies.

· Innovate and promote new activities within the County.

· Maintain up to date information on activity initiatives and circulate them widely.

· Ensure awareness of new activity rules and adherence to them.

· Advise members on issues relating to insurance and notification for certain activities.

· Encourage the empowerment of young people in activities.

· Develop programmes to better educate leaders how to operate effectively and safely in Terrain Zero and Class C water.

· Support the development of county activity centres to ensure the better provision of adventurous activities.

· Create leader development programmes to increase the number of activity permit holders.

· Create a nights away development programme to increase the number of nights away permit holders across the county.

Assistant County Commissioner (Beaver Scouts)

Outline: To work in partnership with County Commissioner to ensure that effective operation of the Beaver Scout Section in their County in accordance with the rules as laid down in POR of The Scout Association.

Responsible to: County Commissioner

Main Contacts: CC, DCs, ADC (Beaver Scouts), other ACCs, District and County Administrator, FDO, HQ, National Commissioner (Beaver Scouts), ACC (Beaver Scouts) from other Counties, GirlGuiding UK, Schools and other local Youth Organisations.

Appointment requirements:

· To understand and accept The Scout Association’s policies

· Hold a satisfactory CRB Clearance

· Completion of Wood Badge, which includes the Section Supporter Modules as detailed in the Adult’s Personal File and The Scout Association’s Adult Training Scheme

It is expected that whilst volunteering for this role you will undertake regulated activity.

Main Tasks:

· Ensure purpose, method, policies and programme are carried out throughout the Beaver Scout Section in the County

· Assist ADC (Beaver Scouts) in the encouragement of all Leaders in the Beaver Scout Section to provide a balanced programme

· Co-operate with DCs to support all Leaders and Commissioners in matters relating to the Beaver Scout Section and its Leaders

· Promote and encourage to the Beaver Scout Section the implementation of all policies of The Scout Association, especially the key policies as laid down in Chapter 2 of POR

· Liaise with County Administrators

· Maintain a working relationship with DCs, ADCs (Beaver Scouts) and other Commissioners within the County

· Work in partnership with CC in the management of the County and the Beaver Scout Section’s programme and activities

· Support the CC and the CTM with the learning needs of Leaders and Commissioners in the Beaver Scout Section

· Maintain contact relevant to the Beaver Scout Section age group within the local community

· Promote the Beaver Scouting to the local Community

· Support the CC in the development of the County

Note: any other specific tasks are to be agreed with the County Commissioner.

Assistant County Commissioner (Cub Scouts)

Outline: To work in partnership with County Commissioner to ensure that effective operation of the Cub Scout Section in their County in accordance with the rules as laid down in POR of The Scout Association.

Responsible to: County Commissioner

Main Contacts: CC, DCs, ADC (Cub Scouts), other ACCs, District and County Administrator, FDO, HQ, National Commissioner (Cub Scouts), ACC (Cub Scouts) from other Counties, GirlGuiding UK, Schools and other local Youth Organisations.

Appointment requirements:

· To understand and accept The Scout Association’s policies

· To hold a satisfactory CRB Clearance

· To complete Wood Badge training, which includes the Section Supporter Modules as detailed in the Adult’s Personal File and The Scout Association’s Adult Training Scheme.

It is expected that whilst volunteering for this role you will undertake regulated activity.

Main Tasks:

· Ensure purpose, method, policies and programme are carried out throughout the Cub Scout Section in the County

· Assist ADC (Cub Scouts) in the encouragement of all Leaders in the Cub Scout Section to provide a balanced programme

· Co-operate with DCs to support all Leaders and Commissioners in matters relating to the Cub Scout Section and its Leaders

· Promote and encourage to the Cub Scout Section the implementation of all policies of The Scout Association, especially the key policies as laid down in Chapter 2 of POR

· Liaise with County Administrators

· Maintain a working relationship with DCs, ADCs (Cub Scouts) and other Commissioners within the County

· Work in partnership with CC in the management of the County and the Cub Scout Section’s programme and activities

· Support the CC and the CTM/ATM with the learning needs of Leaders and Commissioners in the Cub Scout Section

· Maintain contact relevant to the Cub Scout Section age group within the local community

· Promote the Cub Scouting to the local Community

· Support the CC in the development of the County

Note: any other specific tasks are to be agreed with the County Commissioner.

Assistant County Commissioner (Scouts)

Outline: To work in partnership with the County Commissioner to ensure that effective operation of the Scout Section in their County in accordance with the rules as laid down in POR of The Scout Association.

Responsible to: County Commissioner

Responsible for: County Leaders (if applicable)

Main Contacts: CC, DCs, ADC (Scouts), other ACCs, District and County Administrator, FDO, HQ, National Commissioner (Scouts), ACC (Scouts) from other Counties, GirlGuiding UK, Schools and other local Youth Organisations.

Appointment requirements:

· To understand and accept The Scout Association’s policies

· Hold a satisfactory CRB Clearance

· Completion of Wood Badge, which includes the Section Supporter Modules as detailed in the Adult’s Personal File and The Scout Association’s Adult Training Scheme

It is expected that whilst volunteering for this role you will undertake regulated activity.

Main Tasks:

· Ensure purpose, method, policies and programme are carried out throughout the Scout Section in the County

· Assist ADC (Scouts) in the encouragement of all Leaders in the Scout Section to provide a balanced programme

· Co-operate with DCs to support all Leaders and Commissioners in matters relating to the Scout Section and its Leaders

· Promote and encourage to the Scout Section the implementation of all policies of The Scout Association, especially the key policies as laid down in Chapter 2 of POR

· Liaise with County Administrators

· Maintain a working relationship with DCs, ADCs (Scouts) and other Commissioners within the County

· Work in partnership with CC in the management of the County and the Scout Section’s programme and activities

· Support the CC and the CTM with the learning needs of Leaders and Commissioners in the Scout Section

· Maintain contact relevant to the Scout Section age group within the local community

· Promote the Scout Section to the local Community

· Support the CC in the development of the County

Note: any other specific tasks are to be agreed with the County Commissioner.