[The Scouts logo]

Thinking Differently about
Greater London South West

A strategy for growth – the next stage

Why did GLSW prepare a Strategic Plan?

In 2005 when we first implemented ‘Thinking Differently about GLSW’, the County strategy plan, it was our aim to become focused on specific issues to raise the quality and quantity of Scouting in GLSW. These issues are being driven by Headquarters strategic ‘Vision for 2012’, which included the following statements:

The Scout Association is:

A growing Movement – balanced across gender, age and ethnicity.
A youth Movement – led by young leaders who are supported by older volunteers and by a field-based professional support team.
A focussed Movement – with fewer but larger Groups and with fewer but more focussed campsites.
A sound Movement – with a strong financial and management base, both locally and nationally.
A relevant Movement – with a strong public perception socially, politically and commercially.
A diverse Movement – reflecting and celebrating the diverse nature of our community.

To enable the Vision for 2012, Headquarters initial priority was to focus on the recruitment and retention of more adult Leaders as a means of strengthening the sections and enabling them to recruit more young people.

Headquarters also set two broad measurable goals:

Membership would be increasing by 2007. [Objective A]
There will be a further 10% increase beyond the 2007 level by 2012. [Objective A]

In 2007 every District in GLSW grew with overall increase of 3.8%, justifying our commitment to development planning and ‘Thinking Differently’.

Having arrived at our first milestone date (2007), it is important to maintain the momentum of our achievements by reviewing the County strategic plan to recognise and celebrate our successes and to reflect on the few objectives where we did not meet our original expectations to consider our future course of action.

The key action points in ‘Thinking Differently, the next stage’ will help steer the County though 2007 and on to 2010 (and ultimately to 2012 and beyond). This will enable the County to celebrate the Centenary, focus on the following two years and assist a smooth transition between County Commissioners.

What we’ve achieved by 2007

A growing membership across all Districts in GLSW [Objective A]
The County now consists of five borough-based districts following the current local authority boundaries. [Objective B]
There are visible signs of the membership increasing, with two of the past three years showing positive growth. [Objectives: A + B]
The internet has now become an efficient method of communicating to adults in GLSW. [Objective I]
County led event “Join the Adventure” enabled districts to gain confidence to recruit and retain more adults and young people. [Objectives A+D+G]
The employment of a County Development Officer is now entering its sixth year and the County has plans to be self funding by the end of the current three year period. [Objective F]
District Commissioners are reviewing Scout Groups to ensure they are offering vibrant Scouting, are well managed by an effective Group Scout Leader and have a strong financial and management base. [Objective B]
Four out of five district executive committees now have a district plan. [Objective H]
Districts starting to review property owned or hired for Scouting activities to ensure it is meets current needs. [Objective F]
Visible signs of improved linking between each of the Programme Sections by reduced rates of “leakage” between sections. [Objective C]
The two County Bases are reviewed at every County Executive committee meeting and continue to support Scouting in GLSW. [Objective F]
Every Scout Group is undergoing a Health and Safety audit. [Objective F]
All Scout Groups encouraged to adopt the association’s corporate identity on buildings, vehicles, and correspondence and set targets to implement the identity. [Objective F]

What we still want to achieve by 2012

An increased membership of young people. [Objectives A+B]
More trained adults to sustain a vibrant programme. [Objectives A+C+E]
A diverse County. [Objective D]
Effective management of Scouting resources (people, buildings and equipment and money) [Objectives G+I]
Strong internal and external communications. [Objectives F+H]

Added to these aspirations we want every Scout Group to provide a vibrant, balanced programme which provides nights away experiences, and enables all young people to attain the awards of their choice.

The County Strategic Objectives

The Strategic Objectives have been reviewed and a decision has been made to continue to use them to help the County achieve its goals. However, they will be supported by fewer Key Action Points which will be led and monitored by members of the County. The Strategic objectives are:

Objective A – We will have an effective recruitment and retention policy for both young people and adults.
Objective B – We will have well-managed Scout Groups providing good quality Scouting.
Objective C – We will ensure there is a vibrant and well-managed 6 to 25 programme.
Objective D – We will ensure Scouting in GLSW is open to all.
Objective E – We will ensure adult training is delivered in a convenient and appropriate format for all adults.
Objective F – We will ensure buildings; financial balances and other assets are effectively used to sustain Scouting through to 2012 and beyond.
Objective G – We will ensure Scouting in GLSW is perceived by the public as a relevant pastime for adults and young people and is recognised as part of a corporate organisation.
Objective H – We will have effective, well-structured Executive Committees to support Scouting in the County.
Objective I – We will ensure internal communication is effective and understood by all in the County.

The Key Action Points

The Key Action Points detailed in the next section of this document will remain our main tool to ensure the continued growth and development of Scouting in GLSW through to 2012 and beyond. Thinking Differently will continue to be reviewed on an annual basis (1st December) by the County Commissioner together with his/her team and the County Executive Committee. As previously stated, the key action points are fewer in number and they are broader in style. This will empower Districts to implement their own plans which are more relevant at a local level, whilst providing a broad framework to enable them to work collectively towards the County’s strategic objectives.

Objective A: To have an effective recruitment and retention policy for both young people and adults

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
Improved recruitment and retention of adults.	Annual one to one meetings for all adults. Implementation of new adult appointment process. Implement processes to say “Thank you”. Promote adult recruitment initiatives.	Continued growth of adults in leadership roles (Census).	District Commissioners	County Commissioner
Increased recruitment and retention of young people.	Use the balanced programme, nights away and adventurous activities to promote increased recruitment of young people. Assistant County Commissioners to encourage Districts to run (sectional) taster and ‘bring a friend’ events for young people.	10% growth in youth membership in all sections (against the 2007 Census figures)	District Commissioners	County Commissioner

Objective B: Well-managed Scout Groups providing good quality Scouting

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
To have better managed Scout Groups.	Groups continue to recruit effective Group Scout Leaders.	At least 80% of Groups to have a Group Scout Leader.	District Commissioners	County Commissioner

Objective C: To ensure there is a vibrant and well-managed 6 to 25 programme (Beaver Scouts)

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
To encourage effective balanced Colony programmes that visit all Programme Zones within a twelve month period.	Assistant County Commissioner (Beaver Scouts) to organise workshops / skills days for Leaders, helpers and interested others including adults from outside Scouting.	Minimum one workshop a year takes place.	Assistant County Commissioner (Beaver Scouts)	County Commissioner
To promote linking activities with Cub Packs.	Districts to organise at least one joint Beaver and Cub event each year.	One event a year takes place.	Assistant County Commissioner (Beaver Scouts) / Assistant County Commissioner (Cub Scouts)	County Commissioner
To encourage all Colonies to run at least one Beaver Sleepover a year.	Assistant County Commissioner (Beaver Scouts) to promote Beaver Sleepovers at all meetings.	80% of all Beavers offered at least one Sleepover per year.	Assistant County Commissioner (Beaver Scouts)	County Commissioner

Objective C: To ensure there is a vibrant and well-managed 6 to 25 programme (Cub Scouts)

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
To encourage effective balanced Pack programmes that visit all Programme Zones within a twelve month period.	Assistant County Commissioner (Cub Scouts) to organise workshops / skills days for Leaders, helpers and interested others including adults from outside Scouting.	Minimum one workshop a year takes place.	Assistant County Commissioner (Cub Scouts)	County Commissioner
To encourage effective linking to the Troop.	Districts to organise at least one joint Cub and Scout event each year.	One event a year takes place.	Assistant County Commissioner (Cub Scouts) / Assistant County Commissioner (Scouts)	County Commissioner
To encourage all Packs to run at least one Pack Holiday or Camp per year.	Assistant County Commissioner (Cub Scouts) to promote Pack Holidays and Camps at all meetings.	80% of all Cubs offered at least one Pack Holiday or Camp per year.	Assistant County Commissioner (Cub Scouts)	County Commissioner

Objective C: To ensure there is a vibrant and well-managed 6 to 25 programme (Scouts)

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
Work with Assistant District Commissioners (Scouts) and Scout Leaders to ensure every Scout is offered at least two residential experiences per year.	Assistant County Commissioner (Scouts) to promote Nights Away by organising workshops and/or promoting Nights Away at meetings.	80% of all Scouts offered at least two residential experiences per year (can include County organised residential opportunities).	Assistant County Commissioner (Scouts)	County Commissioner
To promote effective balanced Troop programmes that visit all Programme Zones within a twelve month period.	County and District to develop and provide events and activities which support Troops in the provision of a balanced programme.	Up to four County run events (or residential opportunities) per year which help support a balanced programme.	Assistant County Commissioner (Scouts)	County Commissioner
To encourage effective linking to the Explorer Scout section (as an Explorer Scout, as a Young Leader Explorer or both).	Districts to organise at least one joint Scout and Explorer Scout event each year.	One event a year takes place.	Assistant County Commissioner (Scouts) / Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts)	County Commissioner

Objective C: To ensure there is a vibrant and well-managed 6 to 25 programme (Explorer Scouts)

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
To encourage effective balanced Unit programmes that visit all Programme Zones within a twelve month period.	Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts) and District Explorer Scout Commissioners to develop and provide events and activities which support Units in the provision of a balanced programme.	Minimum of two County run events (or residential opportunities) per year which help support a balanced programme.	Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts)	County Commissioner
Work with District Explorer Scout Commissioners and Explorer Scout Leaders to ensure every Explorer is offered at least two residential experiences (camps, expeditions or International) per year.	Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts) to promote Nights Away by organising workshops and/or promoting Nights Away at meetings.	80% of all Explorers offered at least two residential experiences per year (can include County organised residential opportunities).	Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts)	County Commissioner
To encourage effective linking to Scout Network. Explorer Unit Leaders to promote moving on to the Scout Network and pass on details of all 17+ Explorers to the County Scout Network Administrator.	District Explorer Scout Commissioner’s, Explorer Scout Leaders and Scout Network to organise one joint event per year to encourage linking.	One event a year takes place (County wide or individually by District).	Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts) / County Scout Network Commissioner	County Commissioner

Objective C: To ensure there is a vibrant and well-managed 6 to 25 programme (Scout Network)

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
Increased numbers of Explorers and Network members gaining Queen’s Scout, Duke of Edinburgh and Explorer Belt Awards.	County Scout Network Commissioner to run regular Duke of Edinburgh Award clinics. At least two opportunities per year to undertake Queen’s Scout Award/Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions. Joint Explorer Network County Explorer Belt Expedition to be held every three years.	Duke of Edinburgh Award clinics to be in place. Minimum of two Queen’s Scout Award/Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions take place. Explorer Belt offered every three years.	Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts) / County Scout Network Commissioner	County Commissioner
To encourage an effective balanced Network programme that visits all Programme Zones within a twelve month period.	County Scout Network Commissioner and Network Co-ordinators to facilitate events and activities which support Units in the provision of a balanced programme across the County	Minimum of two County run events (or residential opportunities) per year.	County Scout Network Commissioner	County Commissioner
To ensure every Network member is offered at least two residential experiences (camps, expeditions or International) per year.	County Scout Network Commissioner and Network Co-ordinators to promote Nights Away at all Network meetings.	Network members offered at least two residential experiences per year (can include County organised residential opportunities).	County Scout Network Commissioner	County Commissioner

Objective D: To ensure Scouting in GLSW is open to all

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
To provide County support for Leaders working with special needs	County Scout Network Commissioner to organise workshops at the skills days for Leaders, helpers and interested others including adults from outside Scouting.	Minimum one workshop a year takes place.	Assistant County Commissioner (Special Needs)	County Commissioner
To promote a diverse range of activities.	Provide adults with more training and taster sessions in a diverse range of activities. Improve publicity and communication regarding all activities on offer in GLSW, surrounding counties and nationally.	Increased number of adventurous activity permits awarded in GLSW. Greater publicity of the full range of activities on offer in GLSW.	Assistant County Commissioner (Activities)	County Commissioner
To promote the provision and ‘sharing’ of air and water activities for more young people in GLSW.	Assistant County Commissioner (Activities), District Commissioners and Group Scout Leaders of Air and Sea Scout Groups to support the provision of air and water activities for other Groups/Districts in GLSW.	At least one county wide air/water activity per year.	Assistant County Commissioner (Activities)	County Commissioner
Increased number of Fellowship members.	Adventurous activities organised to encourage younger Leaders and ex-Network members (over 25s) to join the Fellowship.	One event a year takes place.	Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Fellowship)	County Commissioner
To promote International programme elements to all sections. Encourage participation in International experiences and expeditions (including World Scout Jamboree, Moots etc.).	Provide International programme support on county web-site. Also information on all local and national ‘international’ opportunities relevant to section.	GLSW Unit’s and individuals participate in International events and opportunities.	Assistant County Commissioner (International)	County Commissioner

Objective E: Adult Training should be delivered in a convenient and appropriate format for all adults

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
To ensure adult training is open to all.	Offer adult training by a variety of methods including day courses, small groups, e-learning, workbooks, one-to-ones and residential courses where appropriate (Module 16, Nights Away).	County Training Manager and Local Training Managers providing adult training utilizing all available methods.	County Training Manager	County Commissioner

Objective F: To ensure buildings, financial balances and other assets are effectively used to sustain Scouting through to 2012 and beyond

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
All assets are reviewed and utilised for the greater benefit of Scouting in each Group and District.	Every Group and District to create a three year Development plan, which details use of assets.	Annual review of assets to be included in annual reports.	District Chairmen	County Chairman

Objective G: To ensure Scouting in GLSW is perceived by the public as a relevant pastime for adults and young people and is recognised as part of a corporate organisation

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
Effective County and District Media Development Managers in role to promote Scouting in GLSW via all media forms.	Appoint County Media Manager. Appoint five District Media Managers. Arrange training for all new appointments.	A County Media Manager appointed and five District Media Managers appointed.	County Chairman	County Commissioner

Objective H: To have effective, well structured Executive Committees to support Scouting in the County

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
District Development Plans, which are published and circulated to all leaders within each District.	Agree and publish District Development Plans. Review District Development Plans annually.	All Districts have a published plan.	District Commissioners	County Commissioner
Group Development Plans, which are published and circulated to all Leaders and parents in each Group.	Agree and publish Group Development Plans. Review Development Plans annually.	All Groups have a published plan.	District Commissioners	County Commissioner

Objective I: To ensure internal communication is effective and understood by all in the County

Required Outcome	Action to be Taken	Success Criteria	Led By	To be Monitored by
Ensure ‘Focus’ remains a relevant and informative communication tool within the County.	Carry out a poll of readers via the newsletter, web-site and Assistant County Commissioners / Assistant District Commissioners to judge content and effectiveness of publication.	Use results from poll to implement any changes to format and content necessary.	County Chairman	County Commissioner
Ensure the County web-site is used by the widest possible number of adults and young people in GLSW.	Review presentation of www.glswscouts.org.uk. Move towards a ‘clearer’ home page with areas for members (adults and young people), potential new member enquiries and a password restricted area for sensitive information.	Clearer home page with new areas implemented.	County Chairman	County Commissioner
Effective use of the Headquarters Membership Management System across GLSW.	Encourage Districts, Groups and individual members to review their entry on the membership management system to ‘clean’ the data of errors and omissions.	County is able to use Membership Management System data for effective communication with members.	County Chairman	County Commissioner

This document is also available in PDF format: Thinking Differently about Greater London South West: A strategy for growth – the next stage (PDF 304KBytes).