Meet the volunteer – Jacqui Millar

Quick links

Being a Group Treasurer

The Treasurer plays a key role in any Scout Group, monitoring and managing the finances of the Group, making sure that the Group’s financial information is maintained accurately and meets all of the relevant laws, and submitting the Group’s annual accounts. We are grateful to our backbone of Group, District and Regional Treasurers. We look to our Team of Treasurers for advice, guidance and reassurance on all aspects of financial management and reporting for Scouting. Taking on the Treasurer role is a great way to network and to give something back. The experience can be hugely rewarding for the right person.

Next in our ‘Meet our Volunteer’ series, we’d like to introduce you to Jacqui, Group Treasurer for the Lauderdale Scout Group in the Scottish Borders.

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 – Jacqui Millar
Group and District – Lauderdale Scout Group, Borders District
Role – Treasurer (main role) but she also manages the Hall Booking and maintain the website
Joined Scouting – since 2014/5

Any former Scouting experience? I had no official experience in Scouting but before joining Lauderdale Scouts, my husband (who used to be a Leader in Lauder before Lauderdale Scout Group became Lauderdale Scout Group) and I used to go around different campsites to test them out to see if they would be suitable for the Group to attend. I also attended a couple of the camps as an extra helper.

I did attend Brownies and Guides when I was younger. Which I know is not quite the same. I was a very adventurous teen and enjoyed trips with the school to do abseiling, hillwalking, windsurfing etc.

Your role as Group Treasurer and other ways to help

As a Treasurer, you need to have a head for numbers, which I am happy to say I do. I love a good spreadsheet, the more complicated the better. Although, when I started, the accounts were done on a spreadsheet, I’m glad to say we have come a long since and use accountancy software. We used Xero for a year but when Online Scout Manager brought out their own accountancy tool we switched to that and all I can say is that wow it is absolutely brilliant and so easy to use. I don’t know what I would do without it now!

I not only act as the Treasurer but I also manage the Hall Bookings and maintain the Group’s website which I enjoy doing very much. Having a child that has gone through from Beavers to Explorer/Young Leader and a child that is currently in Cubs I make sure to help out at individual and group events.

Why did you start  volunteering with Scouts?
I joined when my daughter wanted to join Beavers and was kindly ‘invited’ into volunteering by Andy Beaumont our Group Scout Leader and now District Commissioner. To be fair, I totally enjoy this kind of stuff so it was perfect for me to do something I liked and also help out a community group. Because I enjoy doing the things I am doing for the Lauderdale Scout Group what I do doesn’t feel like ‘work’.

What is the best thing you’ve done while volunteering with Scouts?

For me, so far, the best thing I have accomplished was when I was in my original role and when I created and set up our first website. I did have a little experience with websites and how to update content etc but this was next level. Creating a new site from scratch was something new for me and I loved it. I learned so much along the way. We now use Scouts Online and it’s great, well supported by the owners and they are quick in replying if I have a query.

Have you learned anything new as a volunteer?
I have increased my knowledge and skillset around website building/design and maintenance. And had fun along the way.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking of volunteering with Scouts?

Just do it. It is so worthwhile and fulfilling knowing that you are involved with a Scout Group and helping that Group thrive.

Thinking of becoming a volunteer?

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. 

There are lots of ways you can get more involved with Scouts in the Borders 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
* 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 form which can be found using the option below. Share your details and a volunteer from your local team will be in touch soon.

Meet the volunteer – Jacqui Millar

Quick links

Being a Group Treasurer

Thinking of becoming a volunteer?

more info

contact us