An important message to GSLs / AGSLs from Chris Nagle, Regional Development Service - South East
As
I am sure you are aware, it is through local Scout Groups like yours,
that the very positive experience of Scouting is delivered to young
people, week in and week out. It is in the Colonies, Packs and Troops
that Scouting makes a real difference in the lives of young people
through Everyday Adventure.
As
a Group Scout Leader (whether you hold a full appointment, or are
‘acting GSL’ or assisting someone else as an AGSL) you have an important
role to play in managing this process, ensuring that the leaders and
assistants within your Group have the support, training and coordination
they need to deliver the best possible programme for the young people
in your community. This can be a challenging task, so you may be
reassured to know that there is support available for you as well.
The
Scout Association, through its Regional Development Service, has a team
that provides advice and support. All newly appointed GSLs are now
entitled to an induction and there are a number of ways this can be
delivered, depending on preferred learning style and current knowledge
of the role. Even if you have been in the post some time, you may also
like to take advantage of this support.
Most new GSLs find it helpful to attend a free GSL Essentials
day. More than 100 GSLs from this Region (and you may be one of them)
have attended one of these days since last November and the reviews have
been very positive. We are now running this day, eight times over the
next two years at various locations around the South East Region, so
there will be a day near you sometime soon. The day explores the Role of the GSL, the Group Executive and the AGM, Adult Recruitment and Retention, the Review Process, Safety in Scouting and Development Planning.
The
next day is in Bexhill on Sea in East Sussex, closely followed by one
in Bookham in Surrey, Maidstone in Kent and Oxford. Others are being
planned and will be added over the coming months.
Click here for further details and to make a booking online.
Alternatively, if you cannot get to one of these days, there are opportunities to work through an online Virtual GSL Induction package that might help you better understand your role and help you focus on the growth of your Group.
For
GSLs new to Scouting or who feel they need some 1 to 1 support to get
started, we can arrange for a member of our team to meet up with you
locally and go through the GSL Induction, unit by unit. Many GSLs find this a very useful experience as it very quickly provides a valuable insight into the role.
Do
consider these options, even if you have held your appointment for some
time. The feedback we receive is that it is time well spent,
particularly as the role of Group Scout Leader has changed significantly
in recent years.
Finally, don’t forget your website here where you can locate the ‘virtual’ GSL Induction, as well as additional information that is essential to managers in Scouting.
Facebook users might also find the Managers in Scouting closed group a useful space for sharing ideas, best practice and seeking support from your peers.
I hope you have a good summer and find some time for a well earned break from Scouting in the coming weeks.
Kind regards
Chris
Chris Nagle
Regional Development Service - South East
Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire
