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Meet the Volunteer – Bill Ramsay, Deputy District Commissioner

11 Jan 2022

Across South East Scotland we’re proud to be a single family of Scouts. But to make sure everyone gets the support they need, we are arranged in different Groups and Districts across our Region. As part of our Scouting structure there are a number of management roles who provide leadership, motivation and guidance to our other adult volunteers. Bill Ramsay, as Deputy District Commissioner for Edinburgh North East, does just this helping to make sure that the young people get the best possible experience.

Next in our series ‘Meet our Volunteer’, we’d like to introduce you to Bill whose primary Scouting role is the Deputy District Commissioner (DDC) in Edinburgh North East (ENE) District and secondary roles include being the District Training Administrator and a Training Adviser.

Read his story and find the perfect volunteer role for yourself. Whether you want to work with young people directly or help behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone at Scouts.

Photo: Bill is far right.

 

Name – Bill Ramsay
Group/District – Edinburgh North East District
Role – Deputy District Commissioner (primary) and District Training Administrator and a Training Adviser

My time in Scouting
I have been involved in Scouting since I was 8 years old – moving through Cubs, Scouts and Venture Scouts to be an Assistant Cub Scout Leader in the scout group in Skelmorlie, North Ayrshire.  A new job brought me to Edinburgh, and I got involved again as an ACSL and then CSL at 7th Leith (now 7th ENE). I didn’t know anyone in Edinburgh when I moved, so being involved with Scouting allowed me to meet lots of new people, some of whom have become very close friends. 

After a break of a handful of years due to work commitments, I returned to volunteering with Scouting by becoming a member of the District Appointments Committee and Assistant District Treasurer. I then took on the Chair of the Appointments Committee, a role I absolutely loved as you get to meet all the new volunteers to Scouting in the District who came from diverse backgrounds. In January 2019, I was encouraged to take on the role of DDC.  In total, I have been an adult volunteer with Scouting for nearly 25 years. 

What is it like being a Deputy District Commissioner?
Being DDC involves supporting the District Commissioner (DC) to ensure that the District thrives and has the best systems in place to support the Groups, to support all adult volunteers in the District and to develop Scouting in the District.  The DC and I work together as a management team and several tasks are delegated to me, so that we work effectively using our respective skills – being partial to a spreadsheet is a well-known trait of mine! This means the role doesn’t have any set time commitment and can be fitted in around work commitments.  Some of the main qualities a DDC needs are being able to plan, manage and monitor own tasks and time and being able to work as part of a team and promote good teamwork.  

One of the delegated tasks is encouraging and reviewing all Nights Away Notification forms and respective Risk Assessments. Nights Away of varying lengths have been some of the best times in Scouting for me. Watching the young people (and adults!) try new experiences, grow and develop skills for the future brings me a great sense of satisfaction. 

Have you learnt anything as a Scout volunteer?
I have learned so much being in Scouting and probably wouldn’t have my current job without the skills learnt in scouting. Instilling self-confidence and working with a wide variety of different people and views but shared values has been invaluable. Investing in people and supporting them to develop further is a major motivator for me and Scouting has given me the opportunities to put that into action. 

Would you encourage anyone to volunteer with Scouts?

Scouting offers so many flexible volunteering opportunities from directly working with the young people to support roles which can fit in with people’s life. Volunteering opens up new possibilities and stretches you to achieve more. You are also likely to create strong lifelong friendships and memories. 

It really is fun and friendship!   

Meet more of our amazing volunteers

Thinking of becoming a volunteer?

Why not take get in touch to discuss volunteering opportunities. We need your help.

Volunteers make Scouts happen at a national level as well as a local one. From our Chief Scout and Chair of our Board to the incredible volunteers who support young people as leaders and occasional helpers at our local groups, these are just some of the superstars who’ve stepped up to inspire a generation.

We’re proud that Scouts is a volunteer led movement. That’s where you come in.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

There are lots of ways you can get more involved with Scouts as a parent, carer or family member. From helping out occasionally on a family rota or playing a vital role behind the scenes, to stepping up as a leader, our volunteering activities are as varied as you.

We’re talking tidy uppers and tea makers, session planners and Zoom navigators, fundraisers and treasurers, and all round team players to support our young people.

The good news is you shape what you do and the time you have to give. Scouts happens when a lot of us give a little (and no, you don’t have to be a Scout or outdoors expert to volunteer).

Across the Edinburgh North East District, the current vacancies include:

  • Group Scout Leaders
  • Occasional helpers
  • Cub Leaders
  • Scout Leaders
  • Beaver Leaders
  • District Scout Network Commissioner

What to expect:

  • A warm welcome
  • Flexibility to get involved in a way that works for you
  • Easy access to training and resources online
  • Friendly ongoing support from local volunteers

No two weeks are the same, but the impact you make is always great. You can read some role descriptions here to help you decide.

Make a difference, volunteer today

To find out more about helping out, speak to the leader at your local group or use our volunteer enquiry from which can be found using the option below. Share your details and a volunteer from your local team will be in touch soon.

Volunteer enquiry form
Contact us

Meet the Volunteer – Gayle Foulner, Cub Scout Leader

11 Jan 2022

South East Scotland Scouts is full of ordinary people making an extraordinary difference to young people’s lives and learning a whole lot along the way. Next in our new series ‘Meet our Volunteer’, we’d like to introduce you to Gayle Foulner, Cub Leader at the 103 Braid Scout Group in the Braid District.

Read her story and find the perfect volunteer role for yourself. Whether you want to work with young people directly or help behind the scenes, there’s something for everyone at Scouts.

 

Name – Gayle Foulner
Group/District – 103rd Braid Scout Group, Braid District
Role – Cub Scout Leader

My time in Scouting
I started Scouting 12 years ago. I had no previous experience in Scouts as no girls were allowed back in my day so I was a Girl Guide instead!! I started scouting when a plea went out for parents to take up running the group’s Beaver Colony which was in danger of folding if no-one took over.  Along with 2 other parents and a grandparent I volunteered to jointly run the section as I knew how much my son and others in the colony got out of attending. With no scouting experience between us it was a daunting prospect but we soon got in to the swing of it with the support of the Cub and Scout Leaders in the Group.  I eventually took on the Beaver Scout Leader (BSL) role and carried on doing Beavers for 5 years until the Cub Scout Leader (CSL) role came up and I felt ready for a change. I have been in this role since and am lucky to be part of a great team of Leaders and Young Leaders with a variety of skills which allows us to offer the Cubs a really varied programme.

What do you enjoy when volunteering with Scouts?
I enjoy the camps most as it is a great opportunity to really get to know the children and young people well and to offer them a bit more adventure than can be done in weekly meetings. It’s incredibly rewarding to get to the end of a successful camp and see them head home exhausted but happy, hopefully with new skills and increased confidence in their abilities. Spending 10 days away with nearly 40,000 Cubs, Scouts and Explorers at a Jamboree in Sonderborg, Denmark is the stand out camp for me. However, every one I have been on has been great fun in different ways, from a night in a scout hall with Beavers on their first night away from home or wild camping in the Lairig Ghru with experienced Explorers.

Have you learnt anything as a Scout volunteer?
As well as having had lots of fun I have learned a huge amount since taking up the role and scouting has enhanced my life in lots of ways. Not least, the practical skills gained have given me the confidence to push myself further and embrace many different outdoor activities that I otherwise wouldn’t have contemplated. I have also met many really inspiring people and made some great friends along the way.

Would you encourage anyone to volunteer with Scouts?
I’d say to anyone thinking of volunteering that they have nothing to lose but lots to gain, as do the young people that their contribution would help.  There is a role to suit everyone and they should be able to do whatever fits in around the rest of their life.  They shouldn’t be put off if they have no experience because there will be people available to advise and help until they find their feet. 

I can honestly say my life has been the better for saying yes to the request for help and can’t imagine not being involved in some capacity going forward.  

Meet our other superstar volunteers

Thinking of becoming a volunteer?

Why not take get in touch to discuss volunteering opportunities. We need your help.

Volunteers make Scouts happen at a national level as well as a local one. From our Chief Scout and Chair of our Board to the incredible volunteers who support young people as leaders and occasional helpers at our local groups, these are just some of the superstars who’ve stepped up to inspire a generation.

We’re proud that Scouts is a volunteer led movement. That’s where you come in.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

There are lots of ways you can get more involved with Scouts as a parent, carer or family member. From helping out occasionally on a family rota or playing a vital role behind the scenes, to stepping up as a leader, our volunteering activities are as varied as you.

We’re talking tidy uppers and tea makers, session planners and Zoom navigators, fundraisers and treasurers, and all round team players to support our young people.

The good news is you shape what you do and the time you have to give. Scouts happens when a lot of us give a little (and no, you don’t have to be a Scout or outdoors expert to volunteer).

Across the Braid District, the current vacancies include:

  • Group Scout Leaders
  • Occasional helpers
  • Cub Leaders
  • Assistant Scout Leader
  • Beaver Leader
  • District Explorer Scout Commissioner
  • District Scout Network Commissioner

What to expect:

  • A warm welcome
  • Flexibility to get involved in a way that works for you
  • Easy access to training and resources online
  • Friendly ongoing support from local volunteers

No two weeks are the same, but the impact you make is always great.

Make a difference, volunteer today

To find out more about helping out, speak to the leader at your local group or use our volunteer enquiry from which can be found using the option below. Share your details and a volunteer from your local team will be in touch soon.

Volunteer enquiry form
Contact us
Meet Our Volunteer: Malcolm Leckie, Longcraig

Meet Our Volunteer: Malcolm Leckie, Longcraig

9 Dec 2021

Longcraig is a water sports centre owned and operated by the Scout Association and run entirely by volunteer staff to provide adventurous activies based around the water. The centre operates from a purpose built building situated in the corner of the Dalmeny Estate by Longcraig pier, South Queensferry. Longcraig is also a recognised RYA training centre.

Scouting by the sea happens when an amazing team come together. All are adult volunteers and we are very grateful for their support.

Next in our South East of Scotland Scouts ‘Meet our Volunteer’ series, we’d like to introduce you to Malcolm Leckie, Active Support Manager, Longcraig Scouts.

Please read Malcolm’s Scouts volunteering story below.

Interested to get involved with Longcraig? Or why not find the perfect volunteer role for yourself. More comfortable behind the scenes? You don’t always have to work directly with young people to volunteer with Scouts. Please get in touch.

Name – Malcolm Leckie
Region – South East Scotland; Longcraig Scouts (Regional role), Powerboat Assessor (Regional appointment)
Role – Active Support Manager managing circa 50 volunteers (and I deliver water activity sessions)

Your time in Scouting
I moved from being a Venture Scout when I was 18 to become an Assistant Scout Leader and got my first official appointment in February 1979. In 1987 I got married and moved to New Zealand but got “caught” in 1988 and asked to run the Gordon Scout Troop (Kauri District) in Christchurch. This was a new experience in Scouting with the emphasis much more on outdoor activities but great fun. I left the troop in August 1990 as we returned to the UK in September. At the end of 1991, I was approached to become the Scout Leader for the 108th Colinton (Merchiston now Pentland) Scouts which I took up in 1992 and I continued in this role until 1995. I became involved with Longcraig in 1995 culminating in chairing the opening committee for the new building in September 1998. I officially took over as Centre Manager at Longcraig Scout Centre in April 1999 though had been unofficially been in post since the end of 1998. This role has changed names a few times and currently goes under the name Active Support Manager (Longcraig) but the delivery, responsibilities and the fun are still the same.

Previous Scouts experience

I’ve had the pleaseure of being a Cub, Scout and Venture Scout as I’ve been involved with Scouts since 1968.


Why did I start
It was a natural step when I became too old for Scouts to move into a Leader role in the group I was with. 

What is the best thing you’ve done while volunteering with Scouts?
Gaining new skills by trying out different additional roles as I was involved with the Edinburgh region training team as a supporter (what would be called now an Equipment Manager!) to help the trainers before, during and after the courses and I was a member of the Business Committee and therefore working with business aspects of the region. Also I learnt that business skills transfer back to Scouting to help – IT/Risk management for instance.

Have you learned anything new as a volunteer?
Yes!! I have had the opportunity to learn water skills so I now have permits to take young people out sailing, kayaking, rafting and powerboating. I’m also a Regional Powerboat Assessor.  Working at Longcraig has also taught me how to repair boats and other equipment, not to mention be able to enhance my DIY skills around the centre.

How do you think volunteering helps in your life?
Volunteering provides opportunities to learn new skills, meet new friends and be able to give something back to Scouting where I had so much fun as a young person (many years ago!). It s a good outlet to get away from work pressures and provide value and direction to the next generation.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of volunteering with Scouts/group?
Why wait! We are involved to provide opportunities for young people to gain new skills and experience things they might not be able to do otherwise. Even a few hours over a month can make a difference – regardless of it being a regular commitment or not. Activity provision may seem like a lot of hard work but it provides a really positive environment for young people. The biggest buzz I get is seeing someone at the end of a session glowing with happiness coming back from the water activity who, at the start of the session, was crying and totally afraid to try the activity.

Click to meet more of our superstar volunteers - ordinary people making an extraordinary difference!

Thinking of becoming a volunteer?

Why not take get in touch to discuss volunteering opportunities. We need your help.

Volunteers make Scouts happen at a national level as well as a local one. From our Chief Scout and Chair of our Board to the incredible volunteers who support young people as leaders and occasional helpers at our local groups, these are just some of the superstars who’ve stepped up to inspire a generation.  

We’re proud that Scouts is a volunteer led movement. That’s where you come in. 

Volunteer roles

GetInvolved @ Longcraig – we are looking for people to join our volunteer team. If you would like to get involved check out our recruitment page.

We are not just looking for water qualified people. We need volunteers to help get the boats out of storage and stowed away at the end of each session and to help get participants on to the water. We also need people who can help maintain and look after our buildings and equipment. Longcraig is supported by a core team of just 35 people, yet we deliver activities almost everyday from May to September. We would relay like to spread the load and hope you can help.

Please see our recruitment page for details.

Make a difference, volunteer today

Enquiry form

Let’s find the right fit for you

Share your contact details and select the opportunities you’re interested in below. We’ll pass them on to the appropriate member, who’ll be in touch shortly:

Enquiry form

 

Trustee Introduction
Have you recently joined an Executive Committee or keen to be part of one? Thank you for taking on this key role to support Scouting in South East Scotland. The Scouts’ Trustee Introduction training provides really useful information on the role(s) with clear objectives broken down into 3 bitesize modules.
 
It’s independent learning, so you don’t have to attend a course to complete it so its flexible to work around your other commitments.
Visit:
Volunteer enquiry form
Contact Us

Meet Our Volunteer: John Cannon, Regional Chair

31 Oct 2021

Trustee Week is 1-5 November 2021. We want to take this chance to showcase the great work our Trustees do and how they make a difference. Thank you to all our Trustees who play a vital role, volunteering your time and working together to make important decisions about Scouts for the good of our young people.

The Regional Executive Committee plays a vital role in the running of a Scouts in South East Scotland. Our Executive Committee makes decisions and carries out administrative tasks to ensure that the best quality Scouting can be delivered to the young people across the Region which is made up of 7 Districts. As charity trustees, Executive Committee members have a number of specific responsibilities that they must fulfil to ensure the effective running of the Scout Region.

The Chair leads the Executive Committee, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities within the Region. The Chair works closely with relevant Commissioners to achieve the purpose of Scouts through the development of local Scouting, in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

All are adult volunteers and we are very grateful for their support.

Next in our South East of Scotland Scouts ‘Meet our Volunteer’ series, we’d like to introduce you to John Cannon, Regional Chair of the South East Scotland Scout Council Executive Committee.

Please read John’s Scouts volunteering story below.

And find the perfect volunteer role for yourself. More comfortable behind the scenes? You don’t always have to work directly with young people to volunteer with Scouts. Please get in touch.

Name – John Cannon
Region – South East Scotland 
Role – Chair of South East Scotland Regional Scout Council Executive Committee

Your time in Scouting
I have been through the movement as a young person, been an Assistant Leader before moving to various Commissioner roles, led a unit to a World Jamboree and moved into training and non-uniform roles as a Chair or member of a Committee. My current role is Regional Chair. And now entering my 5th year as Regional Chair.

I started Scouting as a cub aged 8 and completed all sections, so have been involved as a youth member and as an adult since circa 1969. That’s around 40 years in Scouting as an adult volunteer. In this time I’ve enjoyed a number of roles including:

  • Assistant Scout Leader
  • Assistant District Commissioner Leader Training – Inverleith District
  • District Commissioner – Inverleith District
  • Unit Leader for South East Scotland to World Jamboree 1998/9
  • Assistant Area Commissioner (Edinburgh) Scout section
  • Board member Scouts Scotland
  • Regional Trainer and Training advisor
  • Chair and board member of Edinburgh Gangshow Productions Ltd
  • Camp Chief Clanjam 2011
  • Member of Bonaly Committee
Your Regional Chair role

The Regional Chair position is a non uniformed role and involves chairing the Regional Executive Committee who’s role is to oversee and manage the governance of the Region. i.e supporting the aspirations and ambitions of the Regional strategy as presented by the Regional Commissioner and his or her team, also looking after Regional finances, taking a holistic approach to risk management, and providing an oversight of Bonaly and Longcraig outdoor centres. Each member of the Executive is a Trustee and is either nominated or elected onto the Committee at the Annual General meeting of the Regional Scout Council. The Chair position is nominated by the Regional Commissioner on an annual basis.

The role of a Trustee brings a different responsibility from that of a uniformed role but can be just as rewarding. Individuals often bring skills and knowledge from their career or other life experiences and can also be an excellent way to develop business/governance skills and experience in another context. I enjoy the role as Chair as it has allowed me to bring my business experience and previous Scouting background to the position and be part of developing a sustainable future for the Region.


My favourite time in Scouting
My favourite time in Scouting was leading the South East Scotland Unit to the World Jamboree in 1998/9. I felt it was a culmination of the many things I had done in Scouting up until that point. Bringing together a group of young people and Leaders for the sole purpose of participating at a Jamboree was incredibly rewarding. From selecting the group to preparing them to represent Scotland well, it was great fun. The Jamboree itself was held near Santiago in Chile with home hospitality provided afterwards in Curitiba, Brazil. Attending the biggest showpiece camp in Scouting with over 25,000 people from almost every country in the world has had a lasting effect on me as it showed me how Scouting can teach people so much about friendship, inclusivity and removing imaginary or real boundaries between people. I would truly recommend international Scouting to anyone who can find a way to experience it. Also, what I would say to new volunteers is that Scouting gives you as much in return as you are willing and able to give to it. Even now, after all these years, I am still learning and thoroughly enjoying my experience.


Why did I start
I started Scouting as a cub and I’m told my mother put my name on the waiting list to join when I was born. My lasting memory of Scouting as a child was making friends with people from different schools, many of who are still friends to this day. I also joined the Edinburgh Gangshow as a youngster, making even more friends from across the City. I eventually met my future wife at the Gangshow as she was involved in the show as a Girl Guide Leader. Scouting is very much part of my life, and being invited to become a Leader by my past Scout Leaders was a true honour. I went on to become great friends with them too and now reflect on them as significant influencers and mentors as I developed as a person.

What have I learned
I have learned so much being in Scouting. Volunteering can come in many guises and I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to move roles, take on new challenges and build on my experiences. Having shared values with those you volunteer with is the very essence of why I have been involved for so long. I have found that working with or for young people keeps you young too and helps you understand how needs change and that Scouting is as relevant now as it has always been. Fun and friendship is really what it is all about and once connected to others in the movement you will always remain so.

How does volunteering help in life
Volunteering opens up new possibilities and stretches you to achieve more. I have found it provides an outlet to the many other things we cope with in life. Memories are made through Scouting that sustain you in challenging times and remind you why you decided to be part of it!

What would I say to others
I would encourage people to find out what Scouting is about, identify the numerous ways you can become involved and find a way to dip your “toe in the water”. I have found variety to be the key to my lasting involvement, so always keep an open mind to trying something new.

Meet Our Volunteers: Sarah Gilbert, Executive Committee Member and Data Protection Lead at the 30th Craigalmond Group

Thinking of becoming a volunteer?

Why not take get in touch to discuss volunteering opportunities. We need your help.

Volunteers make Scouts happen at a national level as well as a local one. From our Chief Scout and Chair of our Board to the incredible volunteers who support young people as leaders and occasional helpers at our local groups, these are just some of the superstars who’ve stepped up to inspire a generation.  

We’re proud that Scouts is a volunteer led movement. That’s where you come in. 

Volunteer roles

There are lots of ways you can get more involved with Scouts as a parent, carer or family member. From helping out occasionally on a family rota or playing a vital role behind the scenes, to stepping up as a leader, our volunteering activities are as varied as you.

We’re talking tidy uppers and tea makers, session planners and Zoom navigators, fundraisers and treasurers, and all round team players to support our young people.

The good news is you shape what you do and the time you have to give. Scouts happens when a lot of us give a little (and no, you don’t have to be a Scout or outdoors expert to volunteer).

Regional Executive Committee and other regional vacancies include:

If you wish to also become a Scout Group Leader working directly with young people we have several opportunities across our Region including in Border District, Braid District, Craigalmond District, East Lothian District, Edinburgh North East District, Midlothian District, Pentland District.

What to expect:

  • A warm welcome
  • Flexibility to get involved in a way that works for you
  • Easy access to training and resources online
  • Friendly ongoing support from local volunteers

No two weeks are the same, but the impact you make is always great.

Make a difference, volunteer today

To find out more about helping out, speak to the leader at your local group or use our volunteer enquiry from which can be found using the option below. Share your details and a volunteer from your local team will be in touch soon.

Enquiry form

Let’s find the right fit for you

Share your contact details and select the opportunities you’re interested in below. We’ll pass them on to the appropriate member, who’ll be in touch shortly:

Enquiry form

 

Trustee Introduction
Have you recently joined an Executive Committee or keen to be part of one? Thank you for taking on this key role to support Scouting in South East Scotland. The Scouts’ Trustee Introduction training provides really useful information on the role(s) with clear objectives broken down into 3 bitesize modules.
 
It’s independent learning, so you don’t have to attend a course to complete it so its flexible to work around your other commitments.
Visit:
Volunteer enquiry form
Contact Us

Meet Our Volunteer: Derek Brown, Chairman of Borders District Scout Council Executive Committee

26 Oct 2021

Trustee Week is 1-5 November 2021. We want to take this chance to showcase the great work our Trustees do and how they make a difference. Thank you to all our Trustees who play a vital role, volunteering your time and working together to make important decisions about Scouts for the good of our young people.

Each Scout Group, District and Region has an Executive Committee that acts as its board of Trustees. The District Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment.
 

The District Chairperson is a key role which provides leadership to the non-uniformed and executive element of Scouting in the District. They lead and support District Administrators in accordance with Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

All are adult volunteers and we are very grateful for their support.

Next in our South East of Scotland Scouts ‘Meet our Volunteer’ series, we’d like to introduce you to Derek Brown, Chairman of Borders District Scout Council Executive Committee.

Please read Derek’s Scouts volunteering story below.

And find the perfect volunteer role for yourself. More comfortable behind the scenes? You don’t always have to work directly with young people to volunteer with Scouts. Please get in touch.

Name – Derek Brown
Group and District – Borders Scouts District
Role – Chairman of Borders District Scout Council Executive Committee

Your time in Scouting
I entered Selkirk Scout Hall  as an 8 year old Cub and by the time I joined Scouts I was a sixer. At Scouts, it wasn’t long before I became an Assistant Patrol Leader (APL) and eventually a Patrol Leader (PL). At that time APL and PL’s were included in making up the following terms programmes along with the Scout leader and Assistant Scout Leaders, which made it easier to make your own programmes if you reached the position of Assistant Scout leader or Scout Leaders. The next step was Rover Scouts for 2 years. On leaving Scouts a group of us went on to complete our leadership training which included a residential weekend course.

After that it was Assistant Scout Leader (ASL) for a few years and then approached to be Assistant Venture Scout Leader as our Venture Unit was mixed and the other 2 Leaders were female and a male was needed especially for camping and other outdoor activities. It was also during my time as ASL (when 20) I was made Group Badge Secretary, then the old Selkirkshire, the old Ettrick and Lauderdale and eventually Borders District till present date.

As I am 68 years young that means I have been attached to Selkirk Scouts for 60 years. Think that’s my life story!!

Your Executive role
At District level the Borders has a great Executive Committee with lots of experienced people who are able to lean on each other to discuss any issues to fix them ASAP. My role has been made very easy with the superb team we have. At the moment, District Commissioner, Andy Beaumont is a great ambassador for us and long may it continue as he has brought in new and fascinating ideas.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of volunteering with Scouts?
If there is anything to say to new volunteers is that mostly what you take out of Scouting all depends on how much you are willing and able to put into it, and even now after 60 years I am still learning about our Scouting family and enjoying my experience.
Meet Our Volunteers: Norrie Allan, Borders District Appointments Secretary

Thinking of becoming a volunteer?

Why not take get in touch to discuss volunteering opportunities. We need your help.

Volunteers make Scouts happen at a national level as well as a local one. From our Chief Scout and Chair of our Board to the incredible volunteers who support young people as leaders and occasional helpers at our local groups, these are just some of the superstars who’ve stepped up to inspire a generation.  

We’re proud that Scouts is a volunteer led movement. That’s where you come in. 

Volunteer roles

There are lots of ways you can get more involved with Scouts as a parent, carer or family member. From helping out occasionally on a family rota or playing a vital role behind the scenes, to stepping up as a leader, our volunteering activities are as varied as you.

We’re talking tidy uppers and tea makers, session planners and Zoom navigators, fundraisers and treasurers, and all round team players to support our young people.

The good news is you shape what you do and the time you have to give. Scouts happens when a lot of us give a little (and no, you don’t have to be a Scout or outdoors expert to volunteer).

Across the Borders District, the current vacancies include:

  • Explorer Leaders
  • Section Leaders – Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
  • Section Assistants – Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
  • Group Scout Leaders and Assistant
  • Active Support
  • Executive Members – Secretary, Treasurer, Chair

What to expect:

  • A warm welcome
  • Flexibility to get involved in a way that works for you
  • Easy access to training and resources online
  • Friendly ongoing support from local volunteers

No two weeks are the same, but the impact you make is always great.

Make a difference, volunteer today

To find out more about helping out, speak to the leader at your local group or use our volunteer enquiry from which can be found using the option below. Share your details and a volunteer from your local team will be in touch soon.

Enquiry form

Let’s find the right fit for you

Share your contact details and select the opportunities you’re interested in below. We’ll pass them on to the appropriate member, who’ll be in touch shortly:

Enquiry form

 

Trustee Introduction
Have you recently joined an Executive Committee or keen to be part of one? Thank you for taking on this key role to support Scouting in South East Scotland. The Scouts’ Trustee Introduction training provides really useful information on the role(s) with clear objectives broken down into 3 bitesize modules.
 
It’s independent learning, so you don’t have to attend a course to complete it so its flexible to work around your other commitments.
Visit:
Volunteer enquiry form
Contact Us

Meet Our Volunteer: Norrie Allan, Borders District Appointments Secretary

26 Oct 2021

Trustee Week is 1-5 November 2021. We want to take this chance to showcase the great work our Trustees do and how they make a difference. Thank you to all our Trustees who play a vital role, volunteering your time and working together to make important decisions about Scouts for the good of our young people.

The District Executive Committee plays a vital role in the running of a Scout District. One role in the Executive Committee is the Appointments Secretary who has a key role in making sure that the appointment process is carried out efficiently. The Appointments Secretary is often the one responsible for moving on new members smoothly through the process, ensuring that approval checks are completed in an appropriate time frame.

All are adult volunteers and we are very grateful for their support.

Next in our South East of Scotland Scouts ‘Meet our Volunteer’ series, we’d like to introduce you to Norrie Allan, District Appointments Secretary for the Borders District.
 

Read Norrie’s volunteering story below.

And find the perfect volunteer role for yourself. More comfortable behind the scenes? You don’t always have to work directly with young people to volunteer with Scouts. Please get in touch.

Name – Norrie Allan
Group and District – Borders Scouts District
Role – District Appointments Secretary

 

Your time in Scouting
I joined the “Wolf Cubs” in Stockbridge, Edinburgh aged 8 and stayed there through the Movement to become a Queen’s Scout. My Leader experience started as an Assistant Leader as soon as I could at the age of 18 having previously been the equivalent of a Young Leader. With the exception of a couple of minor outages when moving house it has been near continuous service in Edinburgh, Kent and now Borders since then. I have enjoyed many previous adult roles as Leader, Commissioner, Leader Trainer, and District Secretary.

Why did you start volunteering with Scouts?
As a Scout/Senior Scout, I was already helping with our Cub Pack on a regular basis at Pack meetings and also at Pack Holidays and thoroughly enjoying the experience. The move to Assistant Leader when I reached 18 was just a natural progression. I started putting back some of what I’d got out.

What does your Executive role involve?
The recruitment, and retention, of adults is vital to the District’s ongoing health. My primary role on the District Executive is to report on trends in recruitment levels and the progress we make in ensuring all new volunteers get to Full Role status as quickly as possible and within the levels set. I also work closely with our Assistant District Commissioner (Adult Training) to report on adult training issues to the Executive on her behalf – our roles on that overlap to some extent anyway. Also contributing to other discussions using my previous experience.

I’m also seen as the “Compass” guru for the District as I am probably the main user of the system. Even as a Leader I was convinced that good administration is the lubricant that makes the wheels to go round and my current role is all about administration!
 

What is the best thing you’ve done while volunteering with Scouts?
How long do you have? As a Leader, probably taking the Cubs away to Pack Holidays and watching them grow as individuals and as a group as a result.

In my present role putting processes in place to keep the appointment wheels turning and under control in the District despite the vagaries of Compass and its predecessor, ever changing requirements and the Covid restrictions.


Have you learned anything new as a volunteer?
It was through Scouting I started to get involved in the training of adults. The Scout Association trained me as a Trainer and I practised my skills on Leader training courses. It was through this experience I latterly came to be the lead business process trainer for my employer which provided me with opportunities for global travel (at their expense!).

How do you think volunteering helps in your life?
See above plus it was indirectly through Scouting that I came to meet my wife! Beyond these, a sense of satisfaction and community.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of volunteering with Scouts?
Start by finding a role that best matches your life-style and your skills/interests but don’t be afraid to let new challenges in Scouting help you to grow as a person. 

Meet Our Volunteers: Derek Brown, Chairman of Borders District Scout Council Executive Committee

Thinking of becoming a volunteer?

Why not take get in touch to discuss volunteering opportunities. We need your help.

Volunteers make Scouts happen at a national level as well as a local one. From our Chief Scout and Chair of our Board to the incredible volunteers who support young people as leaders and occasional helpers at our local groups, these are just some of the superstars who’ve stepped up to inspire a generation.  

We’re proud that Scouts is a volunteer led movement. That’s where you come in. 

Volunteer roles

There are lots of ways you can get more involved with Scouts as a parent, carer or family member. From helping out occasionally on a family rota or playing a vital role behind the scenes, to stepping up as a leader, our volunteering activities are as varied as you.

We’re talking tidy uppers and tea makers, session planners and Zoom navigators, fundraisers and treasurers, and all round team players to support our young people.

The good news is you shape what you do and the time you have to give. Scouts happens when a lot of us give a little (and no, you don’t have to be a Scout or outdoors expert to volunteer).

Across the Borders District, the current vacancies include:

  • Explorer Leaders
  • Section Leaders – Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
  • Section Assistants – Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
  • Group Scout Leaders and Assistant
  • Active Support
  • Executive Members – Secretary, Treasurer, Chair

What to expect:

  • A warm welcome
  • Flexibility to get involved in a way that works for you
  • Easy access to training and resources online
  • Friendly ongoing support from local volunteers

No two weeks are the same, but the impact you make is always great.

Make a difference, volunteer today

To find out more about helping out, speak to the leader at your local group or use our volunteer enquiry from which can be found using the option below. Share your details and a volunteer from your local team will be in touch soon.

Enquiry form

Let’s find the right fit for you

Share your contact details and select the opportunities you’re interested in below. We’ll pass them on to the appropriate member, who’ll be in touch shortly:

Enquiry form

 

Trustee Introduction
Have you recently joined an Executive Committee or keen to be part of one? Thank you for taking on this key role to support Scouting in South East Scotland. The Scouts’ Trustee Introduction training provides really useful information on the role(s) with clear objectives broken down into 3 bitesize modules.
 
It’s independent learning, so you don’t have to attend a course to complete it so its flexible to work around your other commitments.
Visit:
Volunteer enquiry form
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