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.
Your Executive role
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.
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:
