Our organisation

Global

The Scout Association in the UK is one of over 170 members of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), which is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Geneva, Switzerland. We are therefore a part of the Global Scouting movement with some 50 million active members. It is the counterpart of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). Uniformed Scout members in the UK wear a membership award badge to show their membership of an organisation recognised by WOSM and all national scout associations have the same – or a similar – badge on their uniforms as well.

Scouting in the UK

The Scout Association is incorporated by Royal Charter dated 4th January 1912 and aims to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

The Charter of the Association provides for the making of bye-laws approved by Her Majesty in Council which, in turn, authorise the making of the rules which govern Scouting in the UK (known as “Policy, Organisation and Rules”).

The Scout uniform is legally protected and can only be worn by members.

Scouting in the UK is managed by our HQ at Gilwell Park on the edge of Epping Forest. It opened as a Scouting centre in 1919.

Counties

The next level of is the Scout County. The Scout County of Greater London South West, covers the arc of outer London Boroughs between Richmond upon Thames and Croydon.

District

Richmond upon Thames Scout District exists to provide leadership, advice and support for Scout Groups  and Explorer Units within the District. Our District boundary is the same as the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

The District is lead by a District Commissioner and assisted by a Deputy District Commissioner and Assistant District Commissioners. These titles will change in September 2024.

Groups, Units and Network

Scout Groups (which cater for the 4 to 14 age range) are the smallest unit and normally have at least one Beaver colony, Cub pack and Scout troop – known as sections. Groups are led by a Group Scout Leader (who may be called a Group Manager) and each section has a Leader and may have Assistant Leaders and helpers.

Explorer Units are for older Scouts, catering for the 14-18 age range) and may be attached to a Scout group, but are managed at District level and are separate from their associated group. Units are led by Explorer Scout Leaders.

In addition, there is Network, which exists to enable adults in the 18 to 25 age range to continue their Scouting adventure.

Trustees

Each County, District and Group is managed by a board of Trustees which is led by a Chairperson and includes a Treasurer, as well as other members who are all voted in for up to 3 years per term. The Group Lead Volunteer is also a permanent Trustee by virtue of their office. How the board is organised – such as membership and any sub committees – may vary slightly from Group to Group but all have to be compliant with Scout Policy, Organisation and Rules.

Each County, District and Group holds an Annual General Meeting – to which all parents/carers and older Scouts are invited (known as the Scout Council) – where official matters (such as accounts and voting for Trustees) are approved and authorised.  The AGM is often a celebration of the achievements of Scouts during the past year.

HM King Charles III has been confirmed as our new Patron, a great honour for UK Scouts.

The King continues a long tradition of the monarch giving their Patronage, dating back to 1912. This was when Scouts was granted its Royal Charter and HM George V became our first Patron.

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King Charles III

Our Patron, HM King Charles III