South East Scotland Regional Scout Council                                      

 “It’s … Working Together”

 

Review of Regional Conference

The organising committee would like to thank all those who took part in the recent Conference in Lasswade for their attendance and good-hearted participation. It was felt that it would be worthwhile to summarise the conclusions we drew and the decisions taken about their implementation following consultation with Dorothy, our Regional Commissioner.

First Impressions

The committee members felt happy about the conference and believed that it had been a success. They felt that the participants mixed and spoke well together - they had been able to network appropriately. There had been a ‘buzz’ throughout the day. The aims were achieved but there needed to be follow-up work to build on that success.

Evaluation Feedback

A. Survey Data & Summary                                                                                             (Paper available)

The survey undertaken at the end of the conference showed a high level of satisfaction by most participants over all the aspects surveyed. If anything we may have been too ambitious at the beginning in trying to build teams and integrate Districts as well as to provide information and consultation in one day. Indeed, much of the day needed to be devoted to the sharing of information rather than consulting over issues. Consultation will need to be the priority in future.  Other issues raised included succession-planning and further clarification of the roles of the Districts and the Region.

B. Working Together 1  (‘Washing Lines’)                                                                         (Paper available)

Three groups (BS, CS & S, ES & SN and Officials) were asked to discuss and prioritise what should be in place for things to happen well in their area.

• BS/CS/S participants were looking for opportunities to find activities and teamwork with good support and youth participation. They wanted quality as well as quantity, shared communication and support and ideas.
• ES/SN participants were looking for a joint forum, assistance with regional events, joint activities and recruitment.
• Officials prioritised the need for people to fill the roles, to follow the appointments process and formal governance, clarification of direction and generally support for their District Commissioner

C. Support Needed (Postcards)                                                                                         (Paper available)

Participants were asked to give an indication of the support that was needed.  Responses included:

• Support for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award;
• Grant information; support for section leaders; 
• Support for district teams including skill training and development;
• The expected review of districts;
• The production and sharing of a ‘good practice’ guide;
• Appointments being made to fill key vacancies;
• Improved communications.

D. Open Forum                                                                                                                  (Paper available)

Questions raised at the end of the day covered:

• Communications
• Branding
• The roles of regions and districts
• Recruitment of leaders
• Funding
• Appointments to key positions
• Training

Implications and Priorities                   

The Planning Group considered their own experience of the conference, the formal evaluation responses to it and the issues raised in detail during the day. They recommended that, as a result of the conference, the following six priority areas should be developed as soon as possible. These priorities should be implemented in parallel with the ongoing work of the Regional Development Plan, which they complement and prioritise, and the ongoing reviews being undertaken on behalf of the Regional Executive Committee. They are given in order of priority and a recommendation is given as to who should take the lead responsibility for putting each into action.

Priority 1                                                                                                               (RC and Regional Team)

Provide Regional support for managers including the provision of more opportunities for consultation and discussion.

Priority 2                                                                                                               (RC and Working Group)

Carry out the review of Districts using a consultative model.

Priority 3                                                                                                               (ARC-Com & Regional Team)

Continue to develop communications as a two-way process within the Region and the Districts.             

Priority 4                                                                                                               (ARC-AT & Training Team)

Implement a programme of skill training under the title “It’s …” which should cover both practical skills and managerial skills.

Priority 5                                                                                         (Local Development Officer & Regional Secretary & ARCs)

Produce a ‘good practice guide’.

Priority 6                                                                                                                (Regional Secretary)

Produce a guide for fund-raising.

Follow-up

The group felt strongly that action on these priorities should be initiated as soon as possible. This has been confirmed by our Regional Commissioner, Dorothy McKinney.

Certainly, the first two priorities - support for managers and the review of districts - should be begun in January 2011 so that a decision on the Districts – on which many other decisions depend - can be made as soon as practicable.

The conference should be followed-up with a meeting of District Commissioners early in the New Year to inform them of progress and to consult them about the way ahead. There should be another ‘gathering’ during 2011, which is likely to be needed, among other things, as part of the wider consultative process of the District Review. Such conferences should be run in future for consultation and team building on a regular, if not frequent, basis. 

Please contact Ken Thomson (0131 663 2979) if you would like to discuss any point or if you would like a copy of the summary papers upon which these conclusions are based.

Ken Thomson