The Team 4th Mansfield Woodhouse Scouts
Group Chairman :- A guide to the role
The key aspects of the Group Chairman's role are to:
Work closely with and support the Group Scout Leader
Lead the team who provide sound administrative and financial support to the Group
Maintain and develop the Group as part of the community
Keep in touch with the Scout District
How did you become the Group Chairman?
In constitutional terms your nomination by the Group Scout Leader (GSL) was approved by the Group Council. I expect that before hand there was some discussion with you and even some mild persuasion. You may even be reading this booklet because you have nearly been persuaded and want to find out a little more.
What are you chairman of
You are Chairman of the Group Council and the Group Executive Committee.
The Group Council exists to support Scouting locally. The Group Scout Leader and the Group Executive Committee are accountable to the Group Council.
In reality the Group Council meets just once each year. This meeting, the Annual General Meeting, is usually held in May, but must be held within 6 months of the Group's financial year-end. It receives annual reports and sets up the Group Executive Committee.
Membership of the Group Council is open to all the Leaders, Appointed Helpers and others who work directly with the Group's young people together with the parents of those young people. Venture Scouts and Patrol Leaders are also members as can be former Scouts and their parents. Indeed it is possible, and highly desirable, to include all of those who support the Group.
How does the Scout Group work?
The Group Scout Leader leads the Scout Group and has a team of key people to help.
The uniformed Section Leaders each lead their team of assistants and helpers together with the young people in their section. Together they are responsible for the delivery of the programme for the young people who are members. Their work is co-ordinated through the Group Scouters' Meeting which includes all the Section and Assistant Leaders. The Group Scout Leader chairs this meeting so you are off the hook this time.
You, the Group Chairman work closely with the Group Scout Leader and lead all of those who provide help and support to the Group in other ways. An important job and one which clearly is more than just chairing a few meetings.
Why do we need a Group Executive Committee?
The Group Executive Committee which exists to manage the Scout Group supports the Group Scout Leader and is responsible for:
The maintenance of Group property
The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance
The insurance of persons, property and equipment
Group public occasions
Arranging accommodation and assisting to find camping grounds
Assisting in the recruitment of Leaders and other adult support appointing any sub-Committees that may be required