THE CONSTITUTION OF
THE BRITISH BOY SCOUTS AND
BRITISH GIRL SCOUTS ASSOCIATION.
Version 18/06/2002

PART 1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES.

1. AIM AND BASIS.
1.1 The organisation shall be called 'The British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts Association', herein after called 'The Association' or 'BBS & BGS'.
Note: The Association was founded in 1909 as 'The British Boy Scouts'. From 1909 Girl Scouts were included in the membership and circa 1913 onwards the title 'The British Boys Scouts and British Girl Scouts Association' was used. In 1932 the Association adopted the title 'The Brotherhood of British Scouts' to avoid confusion with the Boy Scouts Association. The optional addition of 'and Girl Scouts Association' was also used with the 1932 title. The present title has been used interchangeably with the 1932 title since 1983.
1.2 The aim of the Association shall be to promote education of young people and to develop good citizenship among them by forming their character; training them in habits of observation, obedience and self-reliance; inculcating loyalty and thoughtfulness for others; teaching them services useful to the public, and handicrafts useful to themselves; promoting their physical, mental, and spiritual development.
1.3 The methods employed for the attainment of the aims of the Association shall be, the creation of a desired fraternity of which the young person shall be a member, which guided by adult leadership is increasingly self-governing in its successive age-groups, by opening to the young person a succession of congenial activities and achievements in a largely outdoor setting and opportunities of service to others; by putting upon the young person progressively increasing measures of responsibility for himself or herself and others so that he or she acquires competence, self reliance, character, dependability and powers both of co-operation and leadership.
1.4 The principles and practices of the Association shall be based on the Law and Pledge.

2. THE SCOUT LAW AND PLEDGE.
2.1 On investiture, the Scout makes the following Pledge:-

On my honour I will Love God; Honour the Queen; Respect all.
On my honour I will, without fear or reward, protect the weak, defend the helpless, and assist my neighbour.
On my honour I will live by the Scout Law.

2.2 On investiture the Junior Scout makes a simpler form of Pledge:-

On my honour I will Love God; Honour the Queen; Respect all.
On my honour I will live by the Law of the Junior Scouts and to do a good turn to somebody, every day.

2.3 On investiture, the Senior Scout or Rover Scout makes, or reaffirms, the Scout Pledge. On the presentation of a Warrant for the first time, a Scout Officer makes, or re-affirms the Scout Pledge. Other persons connected with the Movement may make the Scout Pledge.

2.4 The Scout Law is:-

1. A Scout is honourable, truthful and reliable.
2. A Scout is loyal to the Queen, his/her Country, his/her Parents, his/her Officers and to comrades high and low.
3. A Scout is helpful to others, whatever it may cost him/her.
4. A Scout is a friend to all and a brother/sister to all Scouts.
5. A Scout is courteous to all.
6. A Scout is kind to animals.
7. A Scout is obedient and follows orders from his/her Parents and Officers promptly.
8. A Scout is cheerful and takes trouble with a trusting grace.
9. A Scout is self reliant and a good steward of his/her possessions.
10. A Scout is upright in his/her conduct.

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2.5 The Junior Scout Law is:-
1. A Junior Scout respects his/her Parents and his/her Officers;
2. A Junior Scout respects himself/herself.

3. RELIGIOUS POLICY.
3.1 The Association is first and foremost a Christian organisation and seeks to serve the Christian Church as a means of advancement of the Christian Faith. This is achieved through local Churches sponsoring BBS & BGS Groups or Companies, in which leisure, education and Christian influence are combined in an attractive way. It can provide both an activity for Christian young people and to be the means of introducing young people to the Christian Faith.
3.2 Each BBS & BGS Group/Company will be encouraged to become a full part of the sponsoring Church's life. Also positive participation in the Church to which each member belongs will be encouraged. If a Scout does not belong to a Church, the Scout Officer in consultation with the Parents, must endeavour to put him/her in touch with one, which may be either, that which his/her parents belong or into which he/she may have in the past been baptised or otherwise admitted, or the Group's/Company's sponsoring Church.
3.3 The definition of 'Christian' accepted by the BBS & BGS is 'a person or a corporation of persons (Church, Fellowship etc.) who can accept the ecumenical version of the Nicene Creed' [set in Appendix A]. In a similar way the 'Christian Faith' as it applies to Part 2 Rule 2.1 of the Constitution (Membership), is defined as the teaching of any Church or Christian organisation, which is not incompatible with the Nicene Creed.
3.4 An equal opportunities policy will be exercised in relation to the welfare and opportunities the Association offers to young people. Members of faiths other than the Christian Faith may be members of the Association without any disadvantage.
3.5 Combined Church Parades of Groups/Companies, composed of various religious backgrounds may take place, provided it has the agreement of the parents concerned, and under no circumstances should a Scout Officer urge Scouts to attend places of worship other than those of their own form of religion.
3.6 Gatherings of Scouts, known by the term Scouts' Own, are held for the worship of God and to promote a fuller realisation of the Scout Law and Pledge, but these are supplementary to, and not in substitution for, the religious observances outlined in this religious policy.

4. POLITICS & MILITARISM.
4.1 The Association does not support, and is not supported by, any political party.
4.2 The Association encourages; loyalty to the Community and Nation in which we live; statesmanship above political positions; and members to make their own open enquiries in their training and exercising of citizenship, especially those of an age to vote. As a positive measure of responsible citizenship the Association encourages support to organisations that are concerned with; the welfare of young people; international friendship; the disadvantaged; and the environment, as being examples of knight errantry in practice.
4.3 The Association is not connected with any military organisation and the use of drill, military titles etc,. should not be taken to imply that the Association is a military movement.

5. FINANCE.
5.1 The Association shall appoint a Treasurer who shall inform the Executive Committee at every meeting about the financial state of the Association.
5.2 An Auditor shall be appointed by the Executive Committee to Audit the Associations Accounts, which shall be presented at the Association's Annual General Meeting, following the end of the financial year.
5.3 The Executive Committee shall levy annual registration fees for members under the following categories at rates set by the Executive Committee.
Corporate: Scout Groups or Companies.
Individual: Lone Scouts, Lone Senior Scouts, Lone Rover Scouts, Life Associates and Scout Officers who do not belong to a Group or Company.
5.4 The Assets of the BBS & BGS (Monies, Equipment, Property, Uniform, Badges, and Manuals) shall only be that as held by the Executive Committee, as Trustees of the Association.
5.5 With the exception of monies, the details of all Assets held by the Trustees shall be entered into an Inventory and Terrier Log Book. Monies shall be accounted for by the Association's Treasurer.
5.6 Each Group or Company shall adopt a Trust Deed based on guide-lines issued by the Executive Committee from time to time, provided that such Trust Deed does not infringe or alter the charitable status of the Association.

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5.7 In the case of the winding up of a local Group or Company that is registered with the Association and in the absence of instructions to the contrary, all remaining assets shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of current legislation by the Association's Executive Committee.
5.8 Donors to GHQ funds, of a fixed rate and upwards as set by the Executive Committee from time to time, are regarded as Life Associates of the British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts Association.
5.9 Groups or Companies, and District Associations are expected to support themselves locally; but no unit may make any appeal outside of its own area.
5.10 Groups or Companies may only issue a general appeal if authorised to do so by the local Commissioner.
5.11 The spirit of the Association is, that on the part of the young people themselves, money should be earned and not solicited.
5.12 Members of the Association may assist National Registered Charities in fund raising activities.
5.13 Fund raising by members shall be carried out within the law of the land.
5.14 Annual Accounts for the BBS & BGS GHQ, Extra-Provincial Organisations, District Associations and Groups/Companies must be prepared in accordance with current legislation as applicable to Charities registered with the Charity Commission. Accounts and reports must be kept for at least seven years.
5.15 Copies of the annual accounts of Groups/Companies must be submitted to the Group/Company Sponsoring Authority without application, and to the Association's Headquarters only upon request.
5.16 Copies of the annual accounts of District Associations and Extra-Provincial Organisations must be submitted to the Association's Headquarters upon request.

PART 2. GENERAL ORGANISATION.

1. LEGAL STATUS.
1.1 The British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts Association was founded May 24th 1909 as the British Boy Scouts. It was founded and remains as an un-incorporated society. The Association was registered as a Charity at Law, 6th March 1984, Registration Number 288631.
1.2 The Trustees of the Charity shall consist of all members of the Executive Committee.
1.3 In the event of winding up the Association, after the payment of all Creditors;
(a) all assets shall be given to charitable Bone fide Youth organisations,
(b) all records to be deposited with The Youth Movement Archive, University College, Cardiff, with a catalogue of such items to be deposited in The Scout Association Archives to be kept alongside other records on the British Boy Scouts.
(c) the rights to the titles of the Association (Brotherhood of British Scouts, British Boy Scouts, British Girl Scouts, National Peace Scouts, Order of World Scouts Etc), shall be given to The Scout Association, and that The Scout Association be requested within their own publications to publicise the fact that the BBS & BGS has wound up, to prevent the use of the title or titles by any individual or organisation.
1.4 For the purposes of winding up all badges and regalia, peculiar to BBS & BGS are to be regarded as records.
1.5 The Constitution can be amended by the Executive Committee and only if the amendments carry 90 per cent majority, provided that no amendment shall be made, the effect of which would cause the Association to cease to be a Charity at Law.

2. MEMBERSHIP.
2.1 The membership of the British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts Association shall be open to all British subjects of every class and creed, on the understanding that they accept, that the Association subscribes to the advancement of the Christian Faith.
2.2 Foreign subjects may join, on the understanding outlined in 2.1 above, but will modify the Pledge by replacing the words "the Queen" with "the Country in which I am living" the words "the Queen and" are omitted from Law number 2.
2.3 The following are considered members of the Association while they are properly serving in the ranks or positions enumerated:-
(a) Members of Registered Groups or Companies. Registered; Lone Scouts, Lone Senior Scouts, Lone Rover Scouts and other Individual Members.
(b) Scout Officers.
(c) Persons holding Non-warranted or Honorary rank.
(d) Members of Group/Company Committees.
(e) Members of District Associations.
(f) Members of the Executive Committee.

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2.4 The Executive Committee shall have power to include or exclude from membership of the Association, any person without being called upon to assign any reason for its decision. Any decision for exclusion does not need to be final and permission may be given for further applications.

3. GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP.
3.1 The details of Uniform, Drill, Regulations, Organisation, etc. shall be kept in accordance within the scheme laid down in the Association's Constitution, Handbooks and Manuals.
3.2 Any person desirous of acting under the Association shall conform to this Constitution and the Association Handbooks and Manuals, and shall do nothing to infringe the Rules and Regulations, or alter the charitable status, of the Association. Only members and if authorised, affiliated members of the Association shall have the right to wear badges or regalia peculiar to the Association.
3.3 No member of the BBS & BGS shall make any decisions, or undertake any agreements or contracts, on behalf of, or binding upon either the Executive Committee, or the Association as a whole, unless specifically authorised, in writing, to do so by the Executive Committee.
3.4 No person who has a criminal conviction (whether legally 'spent' or not) in connection with offences against young people shall be Warranted as a Leader, or hold any position, at Headquarters, District or Group/Company Level.

4. EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS.
4.1 The Association desires co-operation with other youth organisations of similar aims.
4.2 The constitution, organisation and finances of other Scout organisations, and the Girl Guides are entirely separate from the British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts Association.
4.3 Co-operation between the Association and other organisations that are based on the original Scout Law and Promise formulated by Baden-Powell will be sought as fully as possible. Members of these organisations will be accepted as brother and sister Scouts.
4.4 Where circumstances are suitable, joint training may be undertaken with youth organisations with similar aims, but with Association members acting under the regulations provided in the Associations Handbooks and Manuals.
4.5 The Association may affiliate to, and form alliances with, other organisations, if such affiliations and alliances will assist the Association in achieving its aims, and providing such affiliations are not incompatible with the charitable status of the Association.
4.6 Scout Troops/Groups/Organisations that operate under their own constitution may affiliate to the BBS & BGS, providing that such affiliations are not incompatible with the charitable status of the BBS & BGS. Each affiliated organisation may send a representative to the BBS & BGS AGM, and its members wear such BBS & BGS badges as is determined by the BBS & BGS Executive Committee.

5. GENERAL SCHEME.
5.1 The general scheme of organisation is set out in an accompanying chart.

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6. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS; ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
6.1 The Executive Committee shall convene an Annual General Meeting each year, providing at least 30 days notice.
6.2 All members of the Association (as defined in Part 2 Rules 2.3 (a)-(f) are entitled to attend the AGM.
6.3 The purpose of the AGM is;
(a) to formally publish the Audited Annual Accounts and a Record of the Charity's Activities for the past year.
(b) to provide contact between Scout Groups/Companies and to promote Christian fellowship and the scout spirit amongst members.
(c) to provide a forum for discussion on matters which are of interest to the Association and its development.
(d) to allow a vote on matters of importance which the Executive Committee place before the AGM.
6.5 The Agenda for each meeting shall be sent out with the notice.
6.6 Voting on any decisions of importance shall be allowed by postal ballot in lieu of attendance.
6.7 The Executive Committee may also call a Special General Meeting at any time providing 30 days notice, subject to the provisions of 6.2 to 6.6 above.

7. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS; EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
7.1 The Executive Committee shall consist of a minimum of 3 members eligible to vote (see Rule 7.10 of this Section), and a maximum of 12 members. The posts held by Executive Committee members will be;
Chief Commissioner, Assistant Chief Commissioner/(s), Headquarters Commissioners, Treasurer, and other posts as deemed necessary. Posts may be held in plurality.
7.2 The General Government of the Association shall be invested in the Executive Committee. All debatable points should be brought before the members of that committee for final decision. The Executive Committee shall meet at least once a year, to decide any changes within the Handbook and Manuals, to discuss appointments of Commissioners and Scout Officers, and to receive any suggestions that may benefit the Association.
The Chief Commissioner and any assistant Chief Commissioners shall be responsible for the day to day running of the affairs of the Association.
7.3 Committee meetings shall be convened upon the request of the Chairman with at least 21 days notice in writing to the members. The Agenda for each meeting to be sent out with the notice.
7.4 Voting on any decisions of importance to be allowed by postal ballot in lieu of attendance. A quorum to legitimise Executive Committee Meetings shall be at least 51 per cent of the members.
7.5 The tenure for Office of the Chief Commissioner shall be for life excepting resignation, and ineligibility due to Part 2 Section 3 and Rule 7.10 of this Section.
7.6 Other Executive Committee members shall cease their membership of the Executive Committee if they resign in writing, to the Chief Commissioner; or are dismissed from the Executive Committee by the Chief Commissioner in consultation with other members of the Executive Committee and the Grand Scoutmaster; or are ineligible by virtue of Part 2 Section 3 and Rule 7.10 of this Section.
7.7 Where a vacancy occurs the Chief Commissioner is appointed by the members of the Executive Committee in consultation with the Grand Scoutmaster.
7.8 Other new members of the Executive Committee may be appointed upon the agreement of the Chief Commissioner and all other Executive Committee members.
7.9 All Members or potential Members, of the Executive Committee must;
(a) be willing to maintain the specific Christian character and witness of the Association and;
(b) sign in the minute book of the Association a declaration of acceptance and a willingness to act in the trusts of the Association.
(c) in normal circumstances have served a minimum of 3 years as an Officer of the Association.
7.10 No person can be a Member of the Executive Committee if they;
(a) are in the full time employment of the Association.
(b) have been convicted at any time of any offence involving deception or dishonesty, unless the conviction is legally regarded as spent; or have at any time been removed by the Charity Commissioners or by Court in England, Wales or Scotland from being a Trustee of a Charity because of misconduct.
(c) become incapable by reason of mental disorder, illness or injury of managing and administering their own affairs.
7.11 Any Member of the Executive Committee who is an undischarged bankrupt; or who has made compositions with their creditors and has not been discharged; or who is disqualified from being a company director; or who is subject to an order made under Section 429(2)(b) of the Insolvency Act 1986 shall cease to be a Trustee of the Association, but may remain on the Executive Committee as a non-voting member.
7.12 The Chief Commissioner shall be Chairman of both the AGM and the Executive Committee.

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7.13 The Executive Committee may sponsor various sub-committees and Scout Officer Conferences from time to time to deal with specific issues within the Association, consisting of co-opted members and chaired by an Executive Committee member. Resolutions and findings will be presented to the Executive Committee for discussion and final decision.
7.14 The Executive Committee may appoint Headquarters staff, for various tasks, such as a Camp Chief, Secretaries, Publicity, Field Commissioners etc.

8. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS; GRAND SCOUTMASTER.
8.1 Upon the vacancy of the position of Grand Scoutmaster, the succeeding Grand Scoutmaster shall be appointed by the Chief Commissioner of England in agreement with the Executive Committee, and the Chief Commissioners and Executive Committees of the member organisations in the Order of World Scouts, to which he is also the Grand Scoutmaster.
8.2 The tenure of office shall be for life, excepting that the office of Grand Scout may be vacated by resignation, or the Executive Committee by unanimous vote in accordance with Part 2 Rule 7.4, determine the vacancy of office for a sufficiently good reason.
8.3 The qualification for appointment shall be a willingness to maintain the specific Christian character and witness of the Association and either;
(a) long service to the Scout Movement in general and/or to the Association in particular, or
(b) past membership of the Scout Movement and/or an interest in supporting the aims of, and furthering, the Movement, and
(c) sufficient age and social standing as to be able to represent and further the interests of the Scout Movement in general and the Association in particular.
(d) no impediment due to Part 2 Section 3 or Part 2 Rule 7.10.
8.4 Upon appointment, in the absence of previous membership of the Scout movement, the Grand Scoutmaster shall make the Scout Pledge as in Part 1 Rule 2.1
8.5 It shall be the responsibility of the Chief Commissioner to keep the Grand Scout informed about the decisions of the Executive Committee and about the state of the Association.
8.6 The Grand Scoutmaster may attend the Association's General Meetings and meetings of the Executive Committee.

9. TRAINING SCHEME, UNIFORM AND GENERAL PROVISIONS.
9.1 The training scheme as laid down by the Association's Handbooks has been developed from the scheme in 'Scouting for Boys' Baden-Powell Horace Cox 1908, and from the adaptations of this scheme in; 'How to become a British Boy Scout' Cassell & Co 1909, 'Official Handbook and Guide of the Brotherhood of British Scouts', Brotherhood of British Scouts 1932, and other training literature of the Boy Scout movement in the UK.
9.2 The present scheme of training of the Association shall be that as published in 'The British Scout' ISSN 0266-2264 April/May 1992 Pages 1-3, as amended by this Constitution, the Association's Handbooks, Manuals, and as advised by the Association's Journal 'The British Scout'. No amendments or changes shall be made, that will substantially depart from that scheme.
9.3 The scheme of organisation of the Association shall be that as contained in this Constitution, the Association's current Handbooks, Manuals, and as advised by the Association's Journal 'The British Scout'.
9.4 The British Boy Scouts (BBS), and British Girl Scouts (BGS), are parallel divisions of the Association, each with their own distinctive Membership badge. Both follow the same training scheme and are organised under the same General Headquarters. The differences in Uniform and nomenclature are as stated in the Association Handbooks and Manuals. Joint activities between the British Boy Scouts, and British Girl Scouts may take place including joint/combined age section meetings with the condition that;
(a) Scout Officers of both sexes are present, except for those activities that exclusively involve those of 18 years of age and above, and;
(b) the young people are organised by single sex patrols. Those in direct charge of young people must be of the same sex with the exception that women may be warranted for work with those under 15 years of age, either for boys activities or for joint/combined activities with girls.

10. CORRESPONDENCE.
10.1 Correspondence shall be reduced to the minimum necessary in the conduct of the Association's affairs.
10.2 All communications to GHQ are to be addressed to the Chief Commissioner, unless otherwise directed.
10.3 All correspondence will normally follow the lines indicated by the organisational chart, except otherwise directed or in special cases or matters of extreme urgency.
10.4 All correspondence concerning the registration of Groups or Companies and the issue of Warrants for District and Group/Company Scout Officers should be send direct to the Chief Commissioner, except otherwise directed.

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10.5 Correspondence relating to Scout matters must not be addressed to any Royal Personage, or to any Department of State, or to any Embassy or Legation at home or abroad, except through GHQ.
10.6 No member of the Association may express opinions in the public press on any matter of Scout policy or principle, or be concerned in any sound or television broadcast referring or relating to the Scout movement without previous approval of GHQ.

11. CENSUS.
11.1 Each Scout Group/Company shall send to the Association's General Headquartersí, a yearly report of the numbers of members in their Group or Company, with the names and addresses of the Officers.
11.2 The necessary forms and instructions will be issued without application.

PART 3 WARRANTS & APPOINTMENTS

1. ABBREVIATIONS.
ACC=Assistant County Commissioner, AChC=Assistant Chief Commissioner,
ADC=Assistant District Commissioner, ARSL=Assistant Rover Scout Leader,
ASM=Assistant Scoutmaster, BBS=British Boy Scouts, BGS=British Girl Scouts,
CC=County Commissioner, ChC=Chief Commissioner, CmpCpt=Company Captain,
Cpt=Captain, DC=District Commissioner, DCpt=District Captain,
DSM=District Scoutmaster, GSM=Group Scoutmaster,
HQC=Headquarter's Commissioner, Ltn=Lieutenant, RSL=Rover Scout Leader,
SM=Scoutmaster.

2. APPOINTMENT OF A PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENTS.
2.1 The Executive Committee shall have power to appoint a President and Vice Presidents as honorary positions.

3. ALL APPOINTMENTS.
3.1 All members of the BBS over the age of 16 years.
(a) All members of the BBS, over the age of 16 years, working, or in contact with children and young people, must provide evidence of a police check within the last three years, that does not identify them as an offended against young people, or as a person on the sexual offenders register. The police check must be renewed every three years.
(b) Before making, or ratifying any appointment, the Executive Committee reserves the right to make such enquiries as are necessary concerning the suitability of the applicant, and all applicants must disclose in writing any offence committed against young people, whether considered 'spent' or not.
(c) All members of the BBS, over the age of 16 years, working, or in contact with children and young people, must provide two personal referees.
3.2 Commissioners.
(a) The appointment of Commissioners to aid and assist Local and District Scout Officers and to provide a link with Headquarters, will be made by the the Chief Commissioner with the approval of the Executive Committee. They will act on behalf of the Headquarters in the local District.
(b) All Headquarters staff rank as Honorary Commissioners.
3.3 Scout Officers.
(a) The appointment of all Scout Officers made shall be the responsibility of the Chief Commissioner, an appointed deputy or the appropriate Headquarters Commissioner.
(b) Before any Warrant is issued ratifying an appointment, the Chief Commissioner, an appointed deputy or the appropriate Headquarters Commissioner shall seek to establish the applicant's bone-fides.
(c) The application forms for Scout Officer Warrants shall be forwarded to the Chief Commissioners Office unless otherwise directed. No Warrant shall be issued without the approval of the Chief Commissioner.
3.4 Lay Adult Help.
(a) The appointment of Lay Adult Helper shall be the responsibility of the the appropriate Headquarters Commissioner.
Note: See also Part 6, Section 6 REGISTRATION OF A GROUP/COMPANY.

4. AGE QUALIFICATION FOR WARRANT HOLDERS.
4.1 Commissioners should be in normal Circumstances at least 30.
4.2 DSM, DCpt, GSM, CmpCpt, should be in normal circumstances at least 30.
4.3 RSL, should be at least 25. ARSL, 21.
4.4 SM, Cpt, at least 21. ASM Ltn 18.
4.5 SM, Cpt, for the Junior and pre-Junior sections at least 20. Assistants 18.

5. GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR ALL WARRANT HOLDERS.
5.1 Before a Warrant is issued the applicant should have read 'Scouting for Boys'; the 'Official Handbook and Guide of the British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts Association', (especially the General Conditions for Membership, the General Conditions for all Warrant Holders and General Rules: Regulations for Activities); the relevant Scout literature and Sectional Handbook (Junior Scouts, Scouts/Senior Scouts and Rover Scouts); 'Safety in Outdoor Education', published by the Department of Education and Science, HMSO; 'First Aid Manual' (joint First Aid Societies) and 'First Aid for Children Fast' published by Dorling Kindersley; relevant codes of practice for outdoor activities as appropriate.

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5.2 Each Warrant Holder must have read and understood the Regulations on; Discipline, Child Abuse, and All Activities especially Hazardous Activities, as laid down in Part 9, Sections 1 - 3 of the Official Handbook.
5.3 Applicants should possess sufficient experience to perform the duties of the post for which the Warrant will be issued.
5.4 Warrants are issued on a probationary period initially for six months. Permanent issue to be ratified by the Executive Committee and continue in force, so long as the Warrant holder is registered by the annual registration.
5.5 Applicants for Group/Company Scout Officer Warrants should be approved by both the Group or Company Council, and the Sponsoring Authority.
5.6 If a Group/Company ceases to be registered with the Association, the Scout Officer Warrants associated with that Group/Company cease to be valid.
5.7 Each Warrant holder should have a willingness to avail themselves of any facilities offered for training appropriate to his/her rank.
5.8 If deemed necessary Warrants can be cancelled by the Chief Commissioner or an appointed deputy, in consultation with members of the Executive Committee.
5.9 The Warrant ceases to be effective on the holder ceases or fails to perform the duties for which it was issued.
5.10 All Warrants are the property of the BBS & BGS and must be returned upon demand.
5.11 If a Warrant holder alters his or her rank he or she must return the warrant for amendment.

PART 4 EXTRA PROVINCIAL ORGANISATION.

1. GENERAL.
1.1 A Church Denomination or Christian Organisation may form their own organisation of Scouts within the BBS & BGS.
A Commissioner in-charge shall be appointed and will hold the rank of Headquarter's Commissioner.
1.2 The Commissioner in-charge will act as a Deputy to the Chief Commissioner and make appointments or issue Warrants in accordance with Part 3 (Warrants & Appointments) of this manual.

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1.3 The relationship between a conventional BBS & BGS district and an extra-provincial district, or a conventional BBS & BGS district and an extra-provincial Troop or Group/Company within that district (and vice versa) shall be by mutual association. If desired by the Officers or Commissioners concerned.
1.4 For the purposes of Part 2 Rule 11 (Census) of the Constitution, the Commissioner in-charge of an extra-provincial organisation shall act as Scoutmaster or Captain for all of the Troops or Groups/Companies concerned.
1.5 If conventional BBS & BGS districts or Troops/Groups/Companies, wish to invite extra-provincial Troops/Groups/Companies to events in their area (or vice versa) a list of such Troops/Groups/Companies, can be gained from the General Headquarters.
1.6 Annual Accounts for Extra-Provincial Organisations must be prepared in accordance with current legislation as applicable to Charities registered with the Charity Commission. Accounts and reports must be kept for at least seven years.
1.7 Copies of the annual accounts of Extra-Provincial Organisations must be submitted to the Association's Headquarters upon request.

PART 5 DISTRICT ORGANISATION.

1. GENERAL.
1.1 The Designations of 'Province','County' or 'Area' may be used instead of 'District', and in the BBS & BGS Manuals 'District' or derivations of this word, may be read as 'Province', 'County','Area' or their derivations.
1.2 Where more than one Group/Company exists in an area, these Groups or Companies may form a BBS & BGS District Association.
Where desired by these Groups or Companies, two or more adjacent civic districts may be counted as a single district. The designated name of the administrative District may be a combination of existing names or a previous historic name, which includes those districts, this choice being directed by the Executive Committee.
1.3 The members of the District Association shall consist of the members of the local Groups or Companies, which form the District Association, or any BBS & BGS member living in the geographical area of the District, who applies to join the District Association and is accepted for membership.
1.4 Each District shall work as a self-governing unit, subject the acceptance of the Association's Constitution.
1.5 No District Association of the BBS & BGS shall make any decisions, or undertake any agreements or contracts, on behalf of, or binding upon either the Executive Committee, or the Association as a whole, unless specifically authorised, in writing, to do so by the Executive Committee.

2. DISTRICT AGM.
2.1 The District Association shall hold an AGM to consider an Annual Report, applications for membership by local Groups or Companies or individual BBS & BGS members, and the formation of an Executive Committee, and election of its Officers.
2.2 The AGM will appoint or affirm one of the Scoutmasters or Captains (preferably a GSM or CmpCpt) as a District Scoutmaster or Captain, and consider other District Ranks such as; Deputy Camp Chief, Instructor, Examiner, Chaplain, Surgeon, Service Auxiliary and Quartermaster.
2.3 The AGM may fix a membership subscription on all Groups or Companies and individual members.

3. DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
3.1 Where a BBS & BGS District Association has been formed, an Executive Committee may be formed consisting of all BBS & BGS Officers who are Group/Company Scout Officers, in the District, together with such members as may be co-opted by them, to organise the movement in the District.
3.2 All Commissioners within the District shall be ex-officio members and the Commissioner responsible for the District shall be ex-officio President of the Executive Committee.
3.3 The Committee shall appoint a Chairman, Secretary and where necessary a Treasurer.
3.4 Annual Accounts for the District Association must be prepared in accordance with current legislation as applicable to Charities registered with the Charity Commission. Accounts and reports must be kept for at least seven years.
3.5 Copies of the annual accounts of the District Association must be submitted to the Association's Headquarters upon request.

4. DISTRICT COMMISSIONER.
4.1 If there are sufficient Groups or Companies in a District Association a District Commissioner may be appointed.
4.2 The Commissioner who is responsible for the District shall be ex-officio the President of any District Committee.

PART 6. THE SCOUT GROUP OR COMPANY.

1. GENERAL SCHEME.
The basic unit in the BBS & BGS is the Scout Group (BBS) or Scout Company (BGS). The general scheme of organisation is included in the chart contained within the constitution.

2. GROUP SCOUTMASTER OR COMPANY CAPTAIN.
2.1 Where more than one section exists, an Officer should be appointed senior to the section Officers, who would rank as Group Scoutmaster (BBS) or Company Captain (BGS). It is preferable that the senior Officer is not a section Officer.
2.2 Duties of the GSM or CmpCpt.
a) Where a Group or Company does not contain all the age sections, to encourage the development of a complete Group or Company.
b) To exercise general supervision over all Sections and to co-ordinate their activities whilst delegating the fullest amount of responsibility to the Sectional Officers.
c) To chair both the Group/Company Council and liaise with the supporters Committee.
d) To represent the BBS & BGS in the local area.

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3. BBS & BGS GROUPS & COMPANIES.
3.1 The Sections making up a BBS & BGS Group or Company.
The training scheme of the BBS & BGS caters for the age of 5 upwards to the adult. For a workable programme this wide age range is broken down into workable age sections.

1) Pre-Juniors 5/6 - 7/8
2) Junior Scout Troop 7/8 - 11
3) Scout Troop 11 - 15 ] The Scout Troop and Senior Scout
4) Senior Scout Troop 15 - 18 ] Troop can be run as a single unit.
5) Rover Scout Crew 17+

3.2 Where one or more age sections exists this or these shall rank as a Group in the case of the BBS, or Company in the case of the BGS.
3.3 Each Group or Company registered will be assigned a number, which will identify the district or area. The Group or Company name tapes will contain this designation followed by the initials 'BBS' in the case of a Group, or 'BGS' in the case of a Company. Groups or Companies may keep any original designations previously adopted.

3.4 OLD SCOUTS.
(a) Once invested by taking the Scout Pledge, a member can remain a Scout until any age.
(b) The status of 'Old Scout' may be granted by GHQ on the recommendation of a Scout Officer to any Scout, Senior Scout or Rover Scout of not less than 2 years service, provided that the member can be trusted to maintain the credit of the Scout Movement but has a good and sufficient reason for not remaining an active member.
(c) Each 'Old Scout' will automatically br registered as a BBS & BGS Guild Member (See Part 11, Section 2).

4. SCOUT OFFICERS.
4.1 For each age section it is essential that the Officer in charge of each section is assisted by other officers, and/or competent adult lay helpers. The ratio of adults to children is given in Section 11.
4.2 The Officer in Charge would rank as a Scoutmaster (BBS) or Captain (BGS). The Assistants would rank as Assistant Scoutmaster (BBS) or Lieutenant (BGS). They should be able to take charge if necessary.
4.3 The Officer in Charge of a Rover Scout Crew ranks as Rover Scout Leader (BBS & BGS). The Assistants rank as Assistant Rover Scout Leaders.

5. SPONSORING AUTHORITY.
5.1 Each Group or Company must have a sponsoring authority (a board of reference). The sponsoring authority can be a Church Council, Minister, School, or other institution. In lieu of this, two Leading local citizens can be approached to act as Referees for the Scout Group/Company.
5.2 The role of the Sponsoring Authority is to vouchsafe the bone-fides of the Scout Group or Company and for approving applications for Scout Officer Warrants.
5.3 There must be a real releationship between the sponsoring authority and the Scout Group or Company with regular contact.

6. REGISTRATION OF A GROUP/COMPANY.
6.1 Provided that the Executive Committee is satisfied that a Group/Company seeking registration will be properly conducted, will meet the requirements of the BBS & BGS Constitution, that suitable Scout Officers are forthcoming, and that the prospective Scout Officer in Charge accepts the aims, methods, and policies of the BBS & BGS and undertakes to abide by the regulations contained in the BBS & BGS manuals applicable to the development of a Scout Group or Company, registration may take place. Each Group/Company must re-register each year
6.2 The application for Scout Officer Warrant(s) must accompany the application for the registration of a new Group/Company. Neither will be considered in isolation. Once the Group/Company has gained successful registration and the initial Scout Officer Warrant(s) issued, further applications for additional/replacement Scout Officer Warrants will be considered, without the need to re-register the Group/Company at the same time. Note: See Part 3, Section 3. ALL APPOINTMENTS.
6.3 All application forms must be return to the Chief Commissioner, an appointed deputy or the appropriate Headquarters Commissioner.
6.4 No Certificate of Group/Company Membership shall be issued without the approval of the Chief Commissioner.
6.5 The Executive Committee shall have power to refuse or cancel Group/Company registration without being called upon to assign any reason for its decision. Any decision for non-registration does not need to be final and permission may be given for further applications.

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6.6 If a Group/Company ceases to be registered with the Association, the Scout Officer Warrants associated with that Group/Company cease to be valid.

7. GROUP OR COMPANY ADMINISTRATION.
7.1 Each Group or Company shall work as a self-governing unit, subject the acceptance of the Association's Constitution.
7.2 Each Group or Company shall adopt a Trust Deed based on guide-lines issued by the Executive Committee from time to time, provided that such Trust Deed does not infringe or alter the charitable status of the Association.
7.3 Each Scout Group or Company is required to be covered by Legal Liability Insurance Policy (also known as Third Party, or Public Liability Insurance) for all activities it undertakes.

8. GROUP/COMPANY COUNCIL.
8.1 Each Group or Company comprising of more than one age Section shall form a Group/Company Council, consisting of Scout Officers and others who shall help in the direct running of the Group or Company to be Chaired by the GSM/CmpCpt.

9. GROUP/COMPANY COMMITTEE.
9.1 Each Group or Company should have a small Group/Company Committee to assist in raising funds for the running of the Group/Company, with the exception, that if the Group/Company owns no property, and/or has no income except that which is received from its members as subscriptions, the formation of a Committee is not necessary.
9.2 The Group/Company Committee may either be composed of Scout Parents, former Scouts, Sponsoring Authority Representatives and others interested in the welfare of the Group/Company, or may be another group acting in that role, eg, a Church Council.
9.3 The GSM/CmpCpt is responsible for liaising with this Committee.
9.4 The Group/Company Committee shall be in charge of the Groups/Companies property.

10. MONIES (& PROPERTY) BELONGING TO THE GROUP/COMPANY.
10.1 All money, except that given as subscriptions by the Scouts/Junior Scouts etc, received by or on behalf of the Group/Company must be administered by the Group/Company Committee acting in consultation with the Group/Company Council, and must be paid into a Bank, Building Society, or Post Office Account, in the name of the Group/Company and operated by a minimum of two Committee members who do not belong to the same household.
10.2 Each Group or Company Committee must have a Treasurer to responsible for the accounts.
10.3 Subscriptions paid by the Scouts/Junior Scouts etc., alongside any sums allotted by the Group/Company Committee may be administered, either by the Section concerned or by the Group/Company as a whole, and used for current expenses (ie use of hall, purchase of uniform and badges etc.). If these accounts are kept separately from those of the Group/Company Committee, they must be included in the Annual accounts of the Group or Company.
10.4 Annual Accounts for Groups/Companies must be prepared in accordance with current legislation as applicable to Charities registered with the Charity Commission. Accounts and reports must be kept for at least seven years.
10.5 Copies of the annual accounts of Groups/Companies must be submitted to the Group/Company Sponsoring Authority without application, and to the Association's Headquarters only upon request.
10.6 In the case of the winding up of a local Group or Company that is registered with the Association and in the absence of instructions to the contrary, all remaining assets shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of current legislation by the Association's Executive Committee.

11. AGE SECTIONS AND SECTIONAL LEADERS.

11.1 MAXIMUM NUMBERS PERMITTED IN ALL SECTIONS.
(a) The maximum number of members in all Sections will be 36.
(b) The Chief Commissioner or an appointed deputy may authorise exceptions to the above. However the following must be observed;
(i) for sections of 11 years of age upwards, an officer to young person ratio of at least 1 to 16 exists for low risk activities (troop meeting, standing camps etc.), and the advice in 'Safety in Outdoor Education' on leader/young person ratios is followed for all other activities.
(ii) for sections of 10 years of age and younger, and officer to young person ration of at least 1 to 6 exists for all low risk activities, and the advice in 'Safety in Outdoor Education' on leader/young person ratios is followed for all other activities.

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(c) In the case of Junior and Pre-Junior sections, ie, for children aged 7 or younger, the requirements of The Children Act 1989 must be followed. With meetings of more than 2 hours, the officer to children ratio is 1 to 8. If the section has 20+ children, an additional officer to this ratio is required, who will be the Officer in charge. Further guidance is contained in 'The children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations' Volume 2 HMSO 1991 ISBN 0-11-321372-7.
(d) for the meaning of 'officer' for 11.3 (b) & (c) is taken to include competent adult lay help.

11.2 PRE-JUNIORS AND JUNIORS.
(a) Pre-Juniors are run as a single unit but may be separated into teams if thought necessary.
(b) Further information on Pre-Juniors and their training scheme is given in the Sectional Manual on Pre-Juniors.

11.3 JUNIOR SCOUT TROOP.
(a) A Junior Scout Troop is divided into Patrols of six, each Patrol consisting of up to six members, including the Sixer and Second.
(b) A member of each Patrol will be appointed Sixer (a Junior Scout who is in charge of a Patrol), a further member of each Patrol will be appointed Seconder (to assist the Sixer and to deputise in his absence).
(c) A member of the Troop may be appointed Senior Sixer.
(d) The Patrols within a Junior Troop belongs to will be identified by the name of a colour.
All members of that Patrol will wear a small triangular patch of felt of the Patrol colour, at the top of the left sleeve, immediately below the shoulder, with the point upwards.
(e) Further information on Junior Scouts and their training scheme is given in the Sectional Manual 'Junior Scouts'.

11.4 SCOUT AND SENIOR SCOUT TROOP.
(a) A BBS & BGS Troop/Company consists of two or more Patrols, six to eight Scouts forming a Patrol. The Scout Patrol being the basic unit should form the basis for training and all activities.
(b) A member of each Patrol will be appointed Patrol Leader (a Scout who is in charge of a Patrol), a further member of each Patrol will be appointed Patrol Second (to assist the Patrol Leader and to deputise in his absence). A member of the Troop experienced as a Patrol Leader who has gained his/her First Class Badge may be appointed Troop Leader.
(c) A Group or Company need not form a Senior Scout Troop. Scouts of 15 and over will be ranked as Senior Scouts and may Provide Patrol Leaders and Seconds for the Scout Troop. They will be presented with Plain Maroon Epaulettes.
(d) Each Patrol is identified by a Patrol name. A Shoulder Knot of identifying colours is worn by each member of the Patrol. The Patrol Knot consists of two pieces of braid 2.5cms wide, 27cms in length, laid together and folded in half. The list of permitted Scout Patrol names is included in the Scout/Senior Scout sectional manual.
(e) Senior Scouts may be organised by a Separate Troop, or Patrols, (the Patrol may be part of a Scout Troop). Each Patrol must consist of not less than three, and not more than seven, Senior Scouts. Before being invested as a Senior Scout, he/she must either hold the First Class Badge or complete the Senior Scout Initial Test as included in the Scout/Senior Scout sectional manual. Invested Senior Scouts wear Maroon Epaulettes with gold fleur-de-lys. Senior Scouts in their own Patrols, replace the shoulder knot with a shoulder patch (3.5cms square) of two colours divided diagonally. The list of permitted Senior Scout Patrol names is included in the Scout/Senior Scout sectional manual.

11.5 COURT OF HONOUR.
(a) In each Scout Troop and Senior Scout Troop there should be a Court of Honour consisting of the Troop Leader (if one is appointed), Patrol Leaders and if desired, Patrol Seconds. The Court of Honour is responsible with the Scout Officers for; Guarding the honour of the Troop; Arranging the Troop programme; Troop administration; Appointment of Patrol Leaders, Seconds and Troop Leader.
(b) Further information on Scouts and Senior Scouts and their training scheme is given in the Sectional Manual 'Scouts and Senior Scouts'.

11.6 ROVER SCOUT CREW.
(a) A person becomes a Rover Scout after a probationary period (for those under 24 years of age - a period as a Rover Squire) and is Invested as a Rover Scout after some process of self-examination.
(b) Rover Scout Crews are run as a single unit. The Rover Scout Crew may be divided into teams or Patrols as and when necessary for any particular purpose.

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(c) A member of the Crew is elected annually as Rover Mate. Additional Mates may be elected to provide one Rover Mate to every four to six Rovers.
(d) A member of the Crew experienced as a Rover Mate may be elected Senior Rover Mate. Any person elected as a Rover Mate must meet the approval of the RSL.
(e) Where the size of the Crew makes it desirable, a Crew Council may be formed, consisting of Warranted Rover Scout Officers, the Mates and other such Rovers as may be elected, to deal with internal matters of discipline, administration and expenditure of funds.
(f) Where the size of the Crew does not warrant setting up a Crew Council, the whole Crew shall exercise the functions of such a Council.
(g) Further information on Rover Scouts and their training scheme is given in the Sectional Manual 'Rover Scouts'.

11.7 SCOUT ORDERLY.
An outstanding and helpful member of a Junior Scout Troop, Scout Troop or Senior Scout Troop, may be appointed to the Rank of Scout Orderly at the discretion of the Scout Officer in charge of the section.

11.8 LONE SCOUTS, LONE SENIOR SCOUTS, LONE ROVER SCOUTS.
(a) Where a person over the age of 11 cannot have access to membership of a BBS & BGS Group or Company because of distance, or other special circumstance, that person may be registered as a Lone Scout, Lone Senior Scout, Lone Rover Scout according to age, experience and training.
(b) An Headquarters Commissioner appointed for the purpose will ensure such a person is given guidance with the training scheme, and that such a person and the nearest BBS & BGS Group, Company or District are placed in contact with each other.

11.8 TRAINING SECTIONS.
(a) Where possible, area meetings shall be encouraged between Officers of common age sections to discuss and share information and experience about the running of the training scheme.
(b) Periodic National meetings will be arranged by the Executive Committee for Scout Officers of the age sections to discuss the training scheme.

PART 7 UNIFORM.

1. GENERAL CONDITIONS.
1.1 In the description of uniform 'Scout Colours' refers to the traditional colours of Khaki, Blue, Green or Grey (with variation in shade allowed).
1.2 Where options are provided, with the exception of Officers the option chosen must be uniform within a Section.

2. BRITISH BOY SCOUTS.
Shirt or Jersey; of Scout colour &
Shorts or Trousers (Officers); of Scout colour.
Shorts (BBS): of Scout colour.
Long Socks or Socks (Officers); of a suitable shade.
Garter Tabs; RSL, ARSL, Rover Scouts, Red; Senior Scouts, Maroon; all other ranks Green.
Headgear; Scout Hat (Khaki or Blue) or Beret (Green or Blue for all ranks except for Senior Scouts and their Officers for which Maroon is worn).

3. BRITISH GIRL SCOUTS.
Skirt and Shirt/Blouse or Sweater; of Scout colour &
Skirt or Culottes; of Scout colour.
or Dress, or Culottes & top combined; of Scout colour.
Lady's Stockings or Tights (Officer & Scouts over 15); of appropriate shade.
Long Socks (BGS); of a suitable shade.
Garter Tabs (for long socks); RSL, ARSL, Rover Scouts, Red; Senior Scouts, Maroon; all other ranks Green.
Headgear; Scout Hat (Khaki or Blue) or Beret (Green or Blue, Maroon for Senior Scouts and their Officers).

4. PRE-JUNIORS.
Uniform for members of Pre-Junior Sections is optional (excepting Officers) with the exception of a neckerchief.

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5. MARINE SCOUTS.
As British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts with the following variations;
Headgear (Officers & Rovers); Dark Blue Cap with black band and white cover.
Headgear (Scouts & Senior Scouts); Bluejacket's cap with a white cover and a ribbon inscribed 'Marine Scouts' or similar.
Shirt or Jersey; Dark blue, Jerseys with the words 'Marine Scout' or similar in white letters across the chest; or shirts with an anchor badge on the right breast.
White Shirt without badges (but with neckerchief) may be worn other than parade 1st May - 30th September.
Shorts or Trousers (Officers); Dark Blue.
Shorts (BBS), Skirts (BGS) on shore, Trousers, when afloat in bad or cold weather; Dark Blue.

6. AVIATION SCOUTS.
As British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts with the following variations;
Shirt or Jersey; Grey. An Aviation Scout Badge may be worn on the left breast above any service stars or medal ribbons. In place of this Aviation Scout Wings Badge is worn by those qualified as a pilot or equivalent.
Shorts or Trousers (Officers); Dark Blue
Shorts (BBS) Skirts (BGS); Dark Blue

7. NECKERCHIEF.
7.1 Scout Officers when they are with their Group or Company shall wear the neckerchief of the Group or Company.
7.2 When Scout Officers are not with their Group or Company they may wear either their Group or Company neckerchief or a Scout Green neckerchief.
7.3 Those authorised to do so may wear the Association's neckerchief of Navy Blue.
7.4 Rover Scouts, Senior Scouts, Scouts, Junior Scouts and Pre-Juniors wear the neckerchief of their section.

8. SHOES.
Shoes must be of appropriate colour and must be standard within a section.

9. ACCESSORIES.
Appropriate accessories can be worn suitable to any given occasion.

10. KNIVES.
10.1 Sheath Knives, must not be worn in public places, other than at Camp and as part of the Uniform.
10.2 Folding Pocket Knives may be carried at any time, provided the blade does not exceed 3 inches. Pocket Knives with longer blades must not be carried in public places.

11. KILTS.
11.1 Other than Ladies, Pre-Juniors,  and Juniors (including Wolf Cubs) the following may wear the kilt with a plain leather sporran;
(a) Any Scout Officer holding any rank in the movement in Scotland, or Ireland.
(b) Any Scout Officer of Scottish or Irish descent (at least one Grand Parent of Scottish, or Irish Blood).
(c) Members of any Troop/Group in Scotland or Ireland, provided all wear the Kilt.
(d) Members of any Troop/Group where all the members are of Scottish or Irish descent (at least one Grand Parent of Scottish, or Irish Blood) and provided all wear the Kilt.
11.2 Those entitled to wear the Kilt may also wear, as an alternative headgear, a Khaki Bonnet. Similarly Rover Scouts may wear a navy blue balmoral.

12. VARIATIONS
Any variation of Uniform other than the permitted options cannot take place unless such departure from the scheme has a sufficiently good reason and is authorised by the local Commissioner in consultation with GHQ.

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PART 8 BADGES OF RANK.

1. MEMBERSHIP BADGES.
1.1 BBS or BGS membership badge to be worn on the right sleeve mid point between shoulder and elbow.
1.2 Group or Company name tape to be worn on the right shoulder uppermost of the Shirt, Blouse or Jumper (or on both shoulders if it is the custom of the Group or Company).
1.3 Headquarter's Name Tapes (worn as the uppermost Name Tape right sleeve) may be worn by ChC AChC HQC and any other Headquarter's Staff.

2. TENDERFOOT BADGE.
2.1 The National Peace Scouts Fleur-de-lys Badge to be worn on the left breast of the Shirt, Blouse or Jumper.
2.2 The normal NPS Badge is on a blue ground, A Chaplain's is on a purple ground.

3. SHOULDER KNOTS, EPAULETTES & PLUMES.

3.1 SHOULDER KNOTS.
DSM, DCpt, GSM, CmpCpt;      White
SM, Cpt;                                     Green
ASM, Ltn;                                   Red
RSL, ARSL, Rover;                     Red Yellow & Green
Rover Squire;                               Yellow & Green
3.2 SHOULDER PATCHES.
3.2 Scout Officers in Charge of Senior Scout Sections replace the shoulder knot with a 3.5cms square patch of the colour appropriate to their rank.
3.3 EPAULETTES
Plain Maroon Epaulettes for Scouts over 15.
Maroon Epaulettes with gold fleur-de-lys for invested Senior Scouts and Senior Scout Officers. Green Epaulettes with gold fleur-de-lys for invested Rover Scouts and Rover Scout Officers.
3.4 PLUMES (worn on the front of the Beret or Scout Hat).
Grand Scoutmaster;                     Red, Yellow & Green
Commissioners;                           Purple
DSM, DCpt;                               White
GSM, CmpCpt;                          White & Green
RSL, SM, Cpt;                           Green
ARSL, ASM, Ltn ;                      Red
County Secretary;                       Blue & Black
District Secretary;                       Red & Black
Other Honorary ;                        Ranks Yellow

4 PROFICIENCY BADGES.
4.1 Scout Officers who are active members of a Rover Crew, who have earned the following may continue to wear them;
4.2 Grand Scoutmasters Crown, Ramblers Badge, Project Badges, Service Training Star, Scoutcraft Star, B-P Award, Rover Instructor Badge.
4.3 For additional authorised proficiency badges see Part 10 DECORARATIONS AND AWARDS.

PART 9 GENERAL RULES: REGULATIONS FOR ACTIVITIES.

1. DISCIPLINE.
1.1 All Scouts Officers must promote the policy of the BBS & BGS to ensure the well being of all members and to safeguard them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.
1.2 Joint activities between the British Boy Scouts, and British Girl Scouts may take place including joint/combined age section meetings with the condition that (a) Scout Officers of both sexes are present, except for those activities that exclusively involve those of 18 years of age and above, and (b) the young people are organised by single sex patrols. Those in direct charge of young people must be of the same sex with the exception that women may be warranted for work with those under 15 years of age, either for boys activities or for joint/combined activities with girls.

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1.3 For each age section the Officer in charge of each section should be assisted by other Officers, and/or competent adult lay helpers. If this is difficult the Scout Leader must seek at all times to gain the presence of another adult. If young people of both sexes are present, then the assistant leader, or adult person present, must be of the opposite sex to the Officer in charge.
1.4 At all activities that involve overnight stays, such as camps, separate tents or rooms must be used for the Scout Officers and young people, with the exception of Scout Officers camping with their families. Scout Officers must avoid being present when young people are dressing and undressing, and themselves not dress or undress in the presence of young people.
1.5 Separate toilet arrangements must be made for leaders and children. Where both sexes are present, separate arrangements must be made for males and females.
1.6 Where young people of both sexes are involved in overnight stays, separate tents, or rooms must be provided.
1.7 Scout Officers must not;
(a) use any form of Corporal punishment on young people in their charge.
(b) permit abusive youth peer activities (initiation rites, ridiculing, bullying etc.).
(c) play physical contact games with young people.
(d) have any inappropriate physical contact with others.
(e) be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour such as tantrums or crushes.
(f) show favouritism to any individual.
(g) make suggestive remarks or gestures.
1.8 Scout Officers must gain the written consent of Parents before taking photographs, cine or video recordings of young people.  Those making a record must avoid such scenes which may be (even unwittingly) sexually suggestive. Also  there must be a clear reason for making such a record (Group log book/historic records - copies of photographs to be made available for Parents to purchase, or a Parents evening etc) is noted. Wriiten consent may be by way of a general consent form for membership of the local group - see Appendix J.

2. CHILD PROTECTION.
2.1 If a child, or young person discloses to a Scout Officer that he or she has been abused, the Officer should;
(a) allow the child to speak without interruption. Whilst support should be shown to the child no judgement should be passed on the case. The Officer must inform the child that the information will be passed on.
(b) record the facts, as soon as possible thereafter and immediately inform the Commissioner responsible for the District concerned.
(c) report the matter to the local Social Services.
(d) make a record of the action undertaken and along with the record of the facts, forward copies to the local Commissioner, the General Headquarters, and the Sponsoring Authority.
(e) ensure no Scouting situation can continue, or arise, which could cause any further concern.
2.2 If a scout Officer suspects a child is being abused, the Officer should;
(a) record the facts, as soon as possible thereafter and immediately inform the Commissioner responsible for the District concerned.
(b) report the matter to the local Social Services.
(c) make a record of the action undertaken and along with the record of the facts, forward copies to the local Commissioner, the General Headquarters, and the Sponsoring Authority.
(d) ensure no Scouting situation can continue, or arise, which could cause any further concern.
2.3 If a Scout Officers receives an allegation concerning another adult, or about himself, or herself, the Officer should;
(a) record the facts, as soon as possible thereafter and immediately inform the Commissioner responsible for the District concerned.
(b) If considered advisable, report the matter to the local Social Services.
(c) make a record of the action undertaken and along with the record of the facts, forward a copies to the local Commissioner, the General Headquarters, and the Sponsoring Authority.
(d) seek to ensure that no one remains, or is placed in a position, which could cause any further compromise.
2.4 In all situations the Scout Officer must refer, and leave the matter to a Senior Officer and to the appropriate authorities. Scout Officers must not conduct their own investigations.

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3. ALL ACTIVITIES, ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS ACTIVITIES.
3.1 The Scout Officer in charge of a Scout Group/Company or section which seeks to undertake any proposed activity which has been regulated under the 'Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) Act 1995' must ensure that the regulations are observed by the activity provider.
3.2 For those activities not covered by the Regulations and Order issued under the 'Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) Act 1995', the BBS & BGS has adopted the 'Outdoor Adventure Activity Providers Code of Practice, and the guidance provided within 'Safety in Outdoor Education' (published by the Department of Education and Science, HMSO). Each Scout Officer is responsible for carrying out the Code of Practice, and to have read and follow the advice given in 'Safety in Outdoor Education' relevant, and prior, to any activity undertaken under their leadership.
3.3 If there is any discrepancy in standard between the BBS & BGS regulations as contained in the Official Handbook or Manuals, and the OAAP Code of Practice, and/or the advice of given in 'Safety in Outdoor Education', precedent is to be given to the advice in 'Safety in Outdoor Education'. Second in precedent is the OAAPC Code of Practice.
3.4 Before allowing any members of a Scout Group or Company to undertake any activity, especially those which might be considered hazardous (examples listed in Appendix I under the generic headings of; CAVING, CLIMBING, TREKKING, WATERSPORTS, AIRBORNRE ACTIVITIES, CONTACT SPORTS, PHYSICAL COMBAT SPORTS, WEAPONRY, LEISURE ACTIVITIES), the Scout Officer responsible must ensure that;
(a) the activity has the sanction of Parents.
(b) the Scout Group or Company is covered by a Legal Liability Insurance Policy (also known as Third Party, or Public Liability Insurance) applicable to the activity undertaken.
(c) the standard of care maintained by the leader is that of a prudent professional.
(d) a qualified instructor is present and is in charge of the activity.
(e) all the circumstances are carefully considered including the age, experience and reliability of the Young People interested in undertaking the activity.
(f) those undertaking the activity are acquainted, and comply with, any safety code or regulations governing the activity and that all necessary safety precautions are observed.
(g) they and any assistant leaders or auxiliary helpers, generally observe every precaution that would be taken by a reasonable and prudent parent.
(h) the Scout Group or Company is equipped with, and maintains in good order, a suitable First Aid Kit, and that such a Kit, or additional Kit is available and carried on all activities. Each First Aid Kit should be provided with the equipment listed in Appendix B of this manual.
(i) First Aid is rendered according to current practice of the First Aid Societies.
(j) each First Aid Kit contains an Incident Book in which each incident of injury is recorded with the details of the cause, person's name, First Aider, Date and Time and that the incident is also reported to the Scout Officer in charge. As soon as is practical the entry should be countersigned by a Parent or Guardian, if the person concerned is under 18.
(k) for all activities, involving young people staying away from home, a Parental Consent form must be signed. See Appendix C.

4. CAMPING AND EXPEDITIONS.
4.1 No Scout Officer should run a camp unless:-
(a) he/she has had some form of training, either experience of Camping under other Officers or attended a training course covering camping skills.
(b) he/she has other adult help.
(c) enough sleeping bags or blankets are provided to enable each member of the camp to make up a separate bed.
(d) prior to arrival, the location of the nearest, telephone, casualty hospital and doctor are known.
4.2 For standing camps and expeditions away from the home area, an emergency contact point must be appointed in the home location (a homebase) to which information about the group can be provided by, and enquiries made about, the camp or expedition in the event of difficulties or mishaps.
4.3 The choice of a site for standing camps, should bear in mind the following points:-
(a) Toilet facilities.
(b) Water Supply.
(c) Telephone availability.
(d) Proximity of Shops.
(e) Proximity of other attractions and facilities.
(f) Wood Supply and Camp policy on open fires.
(g) Condition of site in wet weather.
(h) Storm shelter.
(i) Accessibility to Public Transport.
(j) Proximity to a local Church.

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5. BANDS.
5.1 Scout Bands must be so conducted as to avoid nuisance to the public and in particular, must not play when passing Hospitals, or any house where illness is known to be.
5.2 They must not play after 9.00pm in the streets, and bugle practice must not be carried out in open places within 550 metres of houses.

6. MARCHING.
6.1 Parties of Scouts on the March must have responsible traffic pickets at the head and rear. Such pickets at night must show a white light in front and a red light at the rear.

7. SHOOTING.
7.1 Scout Officers must not allow members of their Troops to practice rifle shooting or shoot matches except on an officially approved range, and no shooting must ever take place except under the superintendence of a competent adult who will be responsible that the range rules are strictly adhered to, and that such a person complies with any Act of Parliament governing Firearms.

8. HITCH-HIKING.
Hitch-hiking by all members of the BBS & BGS is prohibited.

9. JOINT ACTIVITIES BETWEEN BRITISH BOY SCOUTS AND BRITISH GIRL SCOUTS.
Joint activities between British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts may be run, including joint Troop/Crew meetings with the condition that Scout Officers of both sexes are present.

10. FLAGS.
10.1 The BBS & BGS can use any of the following:-
(a) The National Flags, The Union Flag, commonly called 'The Union Jack'; or at sea The Red Ensign.
(b) The St George Flag.
(c) Scout Flags. Normal background colours; Junior Scouts-Yellow; Scouts-Green; Senior Scouts-Maroon; Rovers-Red; Group/Company-Green. Alternative background colours can be used. The Flags can bear any design i.e. The BBS or BGS Arrow Badge, The National Peace Scout's Fleur-de-lys, A Patron's Badge or Shield. In addition the flag may bear the name of the Group or Company.
(d) Patrol Flags.
10.2 If flags are dedicated they must be treated with the greatest reverence at all times. It should not be moved uncased without an escort. Such a flag should not be used on a Scout camp.
10.3 When large flags are carried, the flag-pole should be either sloped over the right shoulder, the flag gathered in, or, when marching past, held vertical in the carrier, the flag flying free.
10.4 All the Flags described above with the exception of the Patrol Flag, will be lowered to the Queen, members of the Royal Family entitled to the prefix 'Royal Highness', representatives of Her Majesty in Dominions and Colonies, foreign Monarchs and Presidents of Republics.
10.5 Such Flags will not be lowered during the playing of the National Anthem unless one of the above persons is present.
10.6 Scout Flags only will be lowered to the Grand Scoutmaster of the BBS, and to any Presiding Scout of other Scouting Associations (See Part 2, Rule 4.3).

11. SALUTES.
11.1 Salutes are given either as a form of greeting or as a form of respect.
BBS & BGS members use the Scout salute and not the military form of salute.
11.2 The Scout Salute or Scout Sign is made with the three middle fingers. The little finger is bent toward the palm with the thumb holding it in place. The remaining three fingers being upright to the palm.
11.3 The Scout Salute is given by the right hand bent at the elbow and raised to the just touch the head, or front side of the Scout Hat or Beret. If a Thumb Stick is carried, this is passed to the left hand.
11.4 If a Staff is carried this remains in the right hand and the salute is given by the left hand, the upper-arm remaining downward and the forearm being placed across the body, palm down with the index finger touching the staff.
11.5 If both hands are occupied, the salute is by turning the head and eyes to the right or left, as the case may be.

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11.6 In Church, the salute is given by standing at the alert.
11.7 The Scout Sign is given by raising the right forearm level with the shoulder, palm to the front. If a Thumb Stick is carried, this is passed to the left hand. If a Staff is carried this remains in the right hand and the sign is given by the left hand.
11.8 Occasions for when the Salute or Sign is given.
(a) As a greeting. When Scouts in uniform meet for the first time in the day they should salute each other. The first to see the other should salute first irrespective of rank, or whether the head is bare or covered. If one or both Scouts meet each other with the head uncovered or in ordinary clothes, the Scout sign may be given instead.
(b) As a token of respect. A Salute shall be given; at the hoisting of the National Flag, at the playing of the National Anthem, to uncased colours, to Scout Flags, and to Funerals.
(c) During the making or re-affirming of the BBS & BGS Pledge the Scout Sign is made.
11.9 On all Parades of a public nature, except in Church the leader calls the Scouts to alert and he/she alone salutes.

12. MOURNING.
12.1 Mourning for all members of the BBS & BGS in uniform is a five centimetre black band worn round the left arm above the elbow.

13. LEFT HANDSHAKE.
13.1 It is the custom within the Scout movement that whenever a handshake is given between Scout this is done with the left hand, as a sign of fraternity.
13.2 An additional sign in this handshake is the interleaving of the little fingers.

14. COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BBS & BGS MEMBERS.
14.1 BBS & BGS members may conclude any letters to each other with the numerals '141' or in bidding each other goodbye may use the phrase 'one-four-one'
'141' stands for 'God be with you till we meet again' and derives from a tale about a Scout who was dying in hospital. His last words to his Scoutmaster were 'one-four-one'. When the Scoutmaster looked the number up in his hymnbook discovered the hymn 'God be with you till we meet again'.

PART 10 DECORATIONS AND AWARDS.

1. EMBLEMS.
1.1 The following emblems are permitted on BBS & BGS Uniform; County, Group/Company, Union Flag for visits abroad, Special Events, and if authorised by the ChC or AChC, cloth badges of other organisations concerned with Youth Work, Outward Bounds and the Environment.
1.2 A badge authorised for a Special Event, Gathering, Camp etc,. or for a visit abroad, may not be worn on the uniform after four weeks from the conclusion of the event, or in the case of an event or camp abroad, after four weeks from the return to the United Kingdom.
1.3 Badges of Sponsoring Organisations.
1.4 Badges awarded by other recognised Scouting Organisations provided this is not disallowed by the other organisation.
1.5 The emblems must be worn in one of the following places as approved by the ChC or AChC - on the shoulder, on the right breast, above the right breast or on the point of the neckerchief.
1.6 Those who possess the following awards are permitted to wear them;
Swimming Badges: Junior Scouts; any distance. Scouts and Seniors; distance awards over 50 metres. Rover Scouts and Officers; any distance 1 mile and over. All members; Life Saving Awards.
The above badges to be worn on the right sleeve just above the elbow.
1.7 First Aid Badges from an Ambulance or First Aid Association, provided the First Aid certificate is current. To be worn just below the Group/Company Name Tape, right sleeve.

2. YEAR STARS.
2.1 Year star to be worn above the left breast of the Shirt, Blouse or Jumper to indicate length of service in years.

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2.2 Junior Scouts wear stars on a yellow ground. Scouts - green ground, Seniors - Maroon ground, Rovers - Red ground. Members may continue to wear service stars from a previous age section.
2.3 Scout Officers may wear a year star to indicate the total length of service both as an Officer and as a member of the training sections - Khaki, Green or Blue ground.

3. LEADER TRAINING BADGES.
3.1 Leader Training Badge (BBS & BGS Membership Badge bearing the initials BBS & BGS) may be worn at the tip of the Association's neckerchief of Navy Blue, by those who are authorised to do so.
3.2 Other emblems may be used as Leader Training badges.
3.3 The Central Council of Physical Recreation's (CCPR), Basic Expedition Training Award (BETA), if held by Scout Officers, the BETA badge may be worn on the right shoulder above the BBS/BGS membership badge. Instructors to the BETA course may in addition wear a strip above the badge with the badge bearing the word 'Instructor'.

4. OTHER AWARDS.
4.1 Awards may be granted to any member for the following categories; Gallantry, Meritous Conduct.
4.2 Awards may be granted to Scout Officers for the following categories; Long Service, Good Services.

5. THANKS BADGE.
5.1 A BBS & BGS Thanks badge may be given to any person who is not an active member of the BBS & BGS for services rendered to members of the Association.

PART 11 ALTERNATIVES.

1. ACCEPTED ALTERNATIVES.
1.1 Wolf Cubs can be run as a Junior Section instead of Junior Scouts. Wolf Cubs will replace the NPS badge with a cloth badge embroidered with a wolf's head. The Appropriate Headgear for a Wolf-Cub is a Green Cap with yellow piping.
1.2 Beaver Cubs can be run as pre-Junior Sections.
1.3 The BBS & BGS Law and Pledge is based on the original Law and Promise given by Baden-Powell. Both are in essence the same. Groups/Companies especially those who have used the original Law and Promise or a similar Law and Promise based on the original may use that as an alternative.
1.4 This permitted alternative includes the 'Outlander Promise' which modifies the 'Duty to God' clause as it applies to adherents of different faiths.
Christians, Jews and Sikhs make the standard promise. Muslims substitute 'Allah' for 'God'. Hindus substitute 'my Dhama' for 'God'. Buddhists, Taoists, Confucians substitute 'my Religion' for 'God'.
The inclusion of the Outlander Promise is subject to Part 2, Rule 2.1 (Membership) of the Constitution.
1.5 Rover crews may replace the BBS/BGS Membership badge by the ISC (Imperial Scout Corps) Membership badge. The Imperial Scout Corps was the original section in 1910 for the senior age section of the BBS. Crews may also adopt the designation 'The Imperial Scout Corps' instead of 'Rover Crew'.

2.THE BBS & BGS GUILD.
2.1 Adults wishing to join the BBS & BGS and cannot belong to a local Group or Company can become individual members. A Headquarter's register will be kept of all such members.
2.2 Where sufficient individual members can practically meet together they may form a local Guild of the BBS. Such Guild shall elect a Chairman who shall rank as a Scoutmaster/Captain and such directions as are appropriate to Groups or Companies shall apply to the local Guilds.

FURTHER STIPULATIONS. Any further stipulations regarding the general organisation of the BBS & BGS, uniform, drill etc,. will be included in the Sectional Manuals or regulations will be issued by the Executive Committee from time to time and be published in 'The British Scout' ISSN 0266-2264.

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APPENDIX A.

THE NICENE CREED.
We believe in one God, the Father, the almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
*1Light from Light, true God from true God,
begotten not made, of one substance with the Father,
through him all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven;
and became incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man.
and was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
and suffered and was buried.
On the third day he rose again according to the scriptures;
and ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
and will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and whose Kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father*2.
With the Father and Son together is worshipped and glorified.
who spoke through the Prophets;

And in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.


NOTES:
*1 the "missing phrase" 'God of God' was not part of the original Creed but added only in the West in 589 at the third Council of Toledo.
*2 the "missing phrase" 'and from the Son' was not part of the original Creed but added only in the West in 447 at the Council of Toledo.

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APPENDIX B

First Aid Kits - Recommended Sizes

TYPES OF PACK

SH

SC

PK

EK

SR

BASIC HealTD & Safety Executive Kits = *

*

*

Guidance Notes

1

1

1

1

1

Adhesive Dressings Non Medicated (Plasters)

20

20

6

6

30

Sterile Eye Pad, wiTD attachment

2

2

2

Triangular Bandage

6

6

2

1

6

Safety Pins

6

6

2

1

6

Wound Dressing - M

6

6

6

6

6

Wound Dressing - L

2

2

1

1

2

Wound Dressing - XL

3

3

3

Cleansing Wipes

1pk

1pk

1pk

1pk

3pk

300m Saline Capsules

6

6

6

6

Incident Report Book

1

1

1

1

1

Pen

1

1

1

1

1
SUPPLEMENTARY ITEMS FOR CHILD CARE

Tuberguaze WiTD applicator

1

1

1

1

2

Applicator gauze

1

1

1

1

2

Roll of Hypo allergenic tape

1

1

1

1

2

Scissors

1

1

1

1

1

Tweezers

1

1

1

1

1
SUPPLEMENTARY ITEMS FOR EXPEDITIONS

Crepe Bandage (Sterile)

1

2

Forcepts

1

1

Melolin Gauze Squares

1pk

1pk

1pk

1pk

1pk

Zinc Oxide Plaster

1pk

1pk

1pk

1pk

1pk

Antiseptic Cream

1

1

1

2

Calamine Cream

1

1

1

2

Insect Repellent

1

1

1

2

Moleskin (Chiropodist Felt - Medium)

1

Foil Blanket

1

1

2

Whistle

2

1

1

4
SUPPLEMENTARY HYGIENE KIT

Disposable Gloves (pairs)

6

6

2

2

9

AIDS Kit

2

2

1

1

4

Yellow Medical Waste Disposal Bags

2

2

1

1

4

Legend: SH = Scout Hut, SC = Scout Camp, PK = Patrol Kit, EK= Expedition Kit, SR = Scout Rally.

The Scout Officer should not allow the administration of any medication (Aspirin, Paracetamol, etc.) to those under 18 years of age, unless either parental permission has been given in writing, or a parent accompanies the child or young person, or given under the authority of a qualified Medical Practitioner.

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APPENDIX C

PARENTAL CONSENT FORM

Scout Group/Company:

1. Details of Event/Camp/Activity

Journey to: __________________________________________________________________________________

From (Date/time):________________________________ To Date/time):__________________________________

Name of son/daughter__________________________________________________________________________

In signing this form, I agree to my son/daughter taking part in the above mentioned event and, having read the information sheet, I agree to his/her participation in any or all of the activities described. I acknowledge the need for obedient and sensible behaviour on his/her part.

2. Does your son/daughter suffer from any conditions that require medical treatment, including medication?

If YES please give brief details.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

3. To the best of your knowledge has your son/daughter been in contact with any contagious or infectious diseases, or suffered from anything in the last forty days that may be, or become contagious or infectious, including Aids/HIV, and Hepatitis. If YES please give brief details.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Is your son/daughter allergic to any medication? If YES please specify;____________________________________

5. Has your son/daughter received a tetanus injection in the last five years? YES/NO

Please outline any special dietary requirements of your son/daughter;

____________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Declaration.
I agree to my son/daughter receiving emergency treatment. including anaesthetic. as considered necessary by the medical authorities present. I understand the extent and limitations of the insurance cover provided. I undertake to inform the Scout Officer in charge as soon as possible of any change in the medical circumstances between the date signed and the commencement of the event.

I may be contacted, by telephoning the following numbers;

Work: _______________________________________ Home:________________________________________

My home address is:

____________________________________________________________________________________________

If not available at the above, please contact:

Name:_______________________________________________________________________________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name, address and telephone number of your son/daughters Doctor:

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Signed_______________________________________________________ Date:___________________________

NOTE: COPY RETAINED BY GSM OR RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY AND COPY HELD BY THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE EVENT

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APPENDIX D

A HISTORY OF THE BRITISH BOY SCOUTS

The British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts are a real part of the Scout Movement and their origins are part of the origins of the Scout Movement. If you lived in 1910 you would have had a good chance of meeting a British Boy Scout. The Boy Scouts Association's membership in that year stood at around 100,000. The membership of the BBS was around 50,000. In other words, there was a one in three chance, that if you were a scout in that year, it would be a British Boy Scout ! At the same time there was an organisation called the National Peace Scouts' with a membership of 85,000, who were these ? Early Scout histories mention the Empire Scouts, who were these ?

You may know that Wolf Cubs developed from Junior Scouts and they began in 1913/14. Did you know that there were Junior Scouts from 1909 ? You may know that Baden-Powell started a training section for older scouts during the First World War, eventually to become Rover Scouts, but did you know that there was a Scout Scheme for those 17 years and over in 1910 ? Did you know that there was a World Scout Council in 1911 ?

The answers to these questions are found in the history of the British Boy Scouts. The formation of the BBS owes itself to those who were discontented over the emerging organisation and were disgruntled with the bureaucracy of the Scout Headquarters and alleged overt influence from the National Service League (A pressure group canvassing Parliament for compulsory Military Conscription).

H Moore secretary of the Battersea Scouts writes to HQ "the brief statement of our grievances is this that the B-P Boy Scouts as at present administrated is run on such lines and is intimately connected with other schemes so foreign to the spirit of the movement we feel we are unable to remain in it" May 7th 1909. The reference to the "other schemes so foreign" may be a reference to the National Service League.

Within the month, on May 24th (Empire Day) 1909 the Battersea Boy Scouts had become the British Boy Scouts. The BBS managed to secure the assistance of Cassell & Co the publishers of a Boy's paper CHUMS. Some 20 months earlier, in September 1907 CHUMS had covered B-P's experimental Camp and had reported that an experimental corps was to be formed by Baden-Powell. In February 1908 a CHUMS reader had written in to say he had read B-P's 'Scouting for Boys' and was interested in forming a Scout Patrol. In the following edition the Editor said he would discuss with Baden-Powell, the request of a number of CHUMS readers to form the 'CHUMS league of Scouts'. The next edition published an article on the Brownsea Island Camp with a promise of more information on the CHUMS league of Scouts. Nothing further appeared on Scouting until June of 1909 when the Editor reported that the CHUMS Patrols were still going strong and that a scheme was being launched to draw the various CHUMS Patrol into closer union. The proposed scheme for this 'closer union' was the national launching of the BBS through the pages of CHUMS as a definite peace movement (June 21st 1909). Thus the BBS incorporated the CHUMS Scout Patrols founded in February 1908.

The first President appointed by the BBS was Colonel Frederick Charles Keyser (1841-1920) followed by Sir Frances Vane Bt (1861-1934). Sir Francis had been the Honorary Organiser for B-P in London, and who held the rank of County Commissioner. On advice from Baden-Powell, Vane sought to heal the breach, insisting on the fact that the Scouts were not military. Such was his conviction, that he had brought the Cadbury's and other eminent Quakers into the movement. The BBS were reconciled through Sir Francis' mediation and became an affiliated organisation (as were such as the London Diocesan Boy Scout Corps). In October 1909 a Conference was held amongst all the Boy Scouts organisations, at which it was agreed that the B-P training tests would become the standard tests.

Friction soon arose over Sir Frances' style of operation, that HQ abolished his post, without considering his popularity with the Scoutmasters, especially in working class districts. On the 16th November at a protest meeting Vane secured a vote of 198-2 in his favour and B-P promised that Vane should continue, only to dismiss Vane by letter 6 days later. At a further meeting of London Scoutmasters, Vane joined the British Boy Scouts taking with him numerous Scoutmasters and the Quakers. Some of the trouble had surrounded the fact that Vane advocated a more democratic government and was unhappy about the appointment of National Service League members to the Scout HQ.

Page 24

By late December, it was reported in CHUMS that the BBS had spread to Australia, Africa, and Canada. In February 1910 the BBS linked up with the Boy's Life Brigade to form 'The National Peace Scouts' with a combined membership of 85, 000 (45,000 BBS 40,000 BLB). Because the BBS were the principle members, the term 'The National Peace Scouts' was practically synonymous with 'The British Boy Scouts'. The interest in Scouting within the BLB was never very great and the BLB remained 'silent partners' in the National Peace Scouts.

By May 1910, Vane had pushed up the membership of the BBS to 50,000, and was responsible for the creation or further expansion of Scouting in other Countries. In Italy, the home of his wife, Vane founded the Italian Boy Scouts (1910-The Exploratori) and gained for them Royal patronage. Vane also linked with others abroad, E P Carter and H C Edwards-Carter in South Africa. E P Carter had been running an organisation called 'The Boys' Guide Brigade', based on Woodcraft and Cadet Corp drill. He wrote to B-P about his scheme as early as 1902. Besides the Italian and South African Scouts, other Scout organisations abroad linked with Vane (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, India, South America, USA, France, Egypt). All these organisations with the BBS formed 'The Order of World Scouts' in 1911. The Order was launched on November 11th 1911. This pre-dated the Boy Scouts Association's World Organisation by some 9 years. Baden-Powell was keen to establish such an organisation to follow in Vane's steps, but the events of 1914-18 prevented this.

From the beginning of the BBS in 1909 both Girl Scout and Junior Scout sections were a full part of the BBS. Due to public criticisms over the issue of Girl Scouts, the BBS formed 'The British Girls' Nursing Corps' in December 1909 as an alternative. However, through the intervention of Sir Francis Vane, a number of Girl Scout Troops continued under their original title, to become by 1913, the only Girls section within the BBS. From the start of the movement the younger boy had been attracted by Scouting, and to allow younger boys to join, Junior Scout Troops were formed late 1909 for boys 7 - 11 years of age. Attention was given six months later to the other end of the age scale. The BBS Leadership thought that lads 17 and over should be given their own training scheme and the Imperial Scout Corps (or Empire Scouts) was formed in May 1910.

Probably due to disagreements with Vane, the original leaders of the BBS, H Moore and W G Whitby disappear from the scene mid 1911, alongside this was the BBS's disappearance from the pages of CHUMS. Vane set up a new Headquarters at 124 New Bond Street. Owing to of the loss of the main financier - W G Whitby, by mid 1912, Vane was in financial difficulties and was declared bankrupt due to his financing of the BBS. This brought the BBS into turmoil. Individual Troops under Captain Masterman joined the B-P Scouts at the end of 1912. In 1913 Mr Barrow Cadbury led a number of troops, as a corporate organisation into the Boys' Life Brigade, forming the BLB Scouts. By the 1920's these Troops had formed ordinary BLB Companies. Masterman's defection along with the Troops he sponsored had introduced into the Boy Scouts' Association a number of Junior Scout Sections. This practice extended until numerous Juniors Scouts existed, and they were provided with their own training scheme and identity 'Wolf Cubs'.

After the losses to the Boy Scouts' Association and to the Boys Life Brigade, about 100 BBS Troops continued to exist under the leadership of Albert Jones Knighton (1860-1947), the Grand Scoutmaster (a title used by Vane). Jones Knighton continued within the Order of World Scouts, led by Vane until the Order's demise with the advent of the First World War. Vane maintained some contact with the BBS as in 1915, he visited and inspected a London Troop in Balham run by a London Commissioner Mr Percy Herbert Pooley (1886-1971). From 1913 onwards the title 'The British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts Association' was used. Through Vane's influence the BBS attracted Christian men and women, and through the leadership of Jones Knighton and Pooley, the BBS became a definite Christian Association.

After the War Vane moved back to Italy where he continued to work for the Italian Boy Scouts. He regained contact with Baden-Powell through the work of the Italian Scouts and its contact with the World Scout Bureau, founded by Baden-Powell's movement in 1921. Despite this Vane never regained B-P's friendship, and the Italian Scouts were denied membership of the World Bureau. A smaller non-Catholic organisation founded in 1912 'The National Scouts' was granted membership instead. In 1927, Vane also sought to pursued B-P to extend a hand of friendship to the BBS, to incorporate them into the main movement, but the Boy Scouts Association failed to offer the BBS any hand of friendship. Other means of bringing the BBS to an end were being employed. In 1921 the Boy Scouts Association gained sponsors for a Bill in Parliament 'The Boy Scouts (Protection of Name and Uniform) Bill'. It sought to outlaw such organisations as the BBS from using the name 'Boy Scouts' and from wearing Scout uniform and badges. The Bill failed as it was seen to specially favour the Boy Scouts Association. Work continued behind the scenes and in a broader approach to legislation, 'The Chartered Associations (Protection of Names and Uniforms) Act" was passed in 1926.

Page 25

As a result of the passing of the 1926 Act, Jones Knighton, the BBS Grand Scout resigned to avoid further friction and formed a non-scouting organisation called 'The British Boy Sentinels' encouraging the other BBS Leaders and Troops to follow. The main number of Troops were under the control of P H Pooley, an Evangelical Churchman, who disagreed with the action of Jones Knighton, and took over as Chief Commissioner with the support of the BBS Executive Committee and appointed the Rt Hon Lord Alington (1851-1935) as the Grand Scoutmaster. In the same year, Scout Troops based in Shoreditch, East Ham and Lewisham, which had broken away from the main Association, formed with the BBS, 'The Independent Scout Alliance'. By 1932 all of the 'break-away' Troops had returned.

In the same year as the formation of the Independent Scout Alliance (1926), the Boys' Life Brigade amalgamated with the Boys' Brigade, and a number of BLB Companies declined to join the Boys' Brigade and instead formed the 'Young Life Pioneers' affiliating to the BBS. By the 1930's the YLP Companies had either joined the Boys' Brigade or had become Scout Troops within the BBS. The BBS strength in the UK in the late 1930s was around 40 Troops mainly sponsored by Free Churches. Isolated BBS Troops appeared to be in existence in Australia. The 1920 BBS Letterhead gives Jones Knighton's title as Grand Scoutmaster of England and Australia. Gilbert Rowntree and Roye 'Sped' Johnson ran a BBS Troop from around 1923 into the 1930s in the basement of the Friends Meeting House in Murray Street, Hobart, Tasmania. No further information exists to indicate how extensive any BBS organisation was in Australia, or if it ever extended beyond the 1930s.

It was not only the B-P Headquarters that had been working hard behind the scenes in creating legislation. The BBS also had its people in high places. Herbert Dunnico a Labour MP, and a BBS Scoutmaster had at the Committee stage of the Chartered Associations Bill had successfully inserted a clause exempting 'bona fide national organisations' from ceasing to use such uniform, badges or titles, if they had been in regular use at the time of the passing of the Act. Thus the BBS still enjoyed its freedom to use 'Boy Scout' as part of its title. After 1931, Dunnico was no longer an MP and the Boy Scouts Association sought to use the claims of the Act as there was no longer any person of substance behind the BBS. In November 1931 Samuel N Manning (1889-1967) was appointed Grand Scout. In 1932 as a result of discussions between Manning, Pooley and the Boy Scouts' Association, the BBS changed its name to 'The Brotherhood of British Scouts', to avoid further conflict, but more to the point, to avoid costly legal fees in the BBS's defence. The change of name did not find agreement with all the Leaders within the BBS and W Hanley, Assistant Chief Commissioner led some Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire Troops as a break-away organisation under the original name. The break-away only lasted a year with many Troops subsequently returning under Pooley's leadership.

The War years saw a fast erosion to the number of BBS Troops. A number of Troops existed in London where the evacuation of young people and the calling up of Scoutmasters had reduced the BBS to emerge from the War with only 8 Troops. By 1950 this had reduced to about 4 Troops. In 1953 a Boy Scouts Association Troop 10th Lewisham (St Stephen's) located at Loampit Hill under the Leadership of Charles A Brown. Brown worked closely with Manning (who ran his own troop at Wimbledon), living nearer to him than did Pooley who was a distance away at Cirencester. In 1966 Manning appointed Brown as Assistant Chief Commissioner being a younger man than Pooley now aged 81. Brown became firmly in control of the administration of the BBS. Manning died in 1967 but no further appointment of a Grand Scout was made. P H Pooley died in 1971 at 85 years of age and after sixty years of service to the BBS. Charles A Brown took over as the Chief Commissioner. In April 1982 an Old Boys Association was formed and held a re-union at Cirencester hosted by Ron Holden. A further re-union was held in 1985.

In 1978 a further Group joined the BBS, 30th Oxford (St Stephen's House) which became in 1979 the Oxford University Rover Crew. The Rover Scout Leader was Michael Foster. Other BBS Groups resulted from the University Crew, such as the North/East London Rover Crew in 1981. When as a Priest within the Church of England the Reverend Michael Foster was Vicar of Holy Trinity Church at Clifton, Nottingham, Brown appointed him as Chief Commissioner handing over to him the administration of the BBS in 1983. Brown took over the long vacant office of Grand Scout. From 1983 onwards new Troops were launched (Nottingham 1983, Aylesbury 1986, Forest Gate in the East End of London 1988, Oxford 1989, Lydbrook 1989, 1st Phoenix Beaumont Scouts (Leyton), Frenni Ventures (Senior Scout Troop) Wales 1996, 1st Winterton-on-Sea 1998, 1st Dorset 2001. In 1985 an Independent Scout Group (1st Waltham Forest) affiliated with the BBS, and the Outlanders (an Independent Scouting Charity founded in 1979) amalgamated with the BBS in 1988.

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In the 1990s a number of Troops belonging to the break-away Baden-Powell Scouts Association (created in 1970 by disgruntled Troops from the B-P Headquarters post 1967 termed 'The Scout Association') joined the BBS. 1992: 1st Norwich (St Marks) and 8th Wavertree (183rd Liverpool), 1993: 18th Midland (Longridge Methodist Church), 18th Midland (Cofton Community Centre), 1st Dormansland, 1994: 2nd Goring and Streatley Scout Group, 1995: 3rd Tyneside Scout Group, 1997: 21st Derby (St. Albans), 1998: 1st Hill Lane, Briercliff, Lancashire.

Charles Brown, the Grand Scout died in November 1992 and Ted Scott, a member of the BBS since 1926 and a life long friend of Mr Pooley, became Grand Scout, in January 1993. After serving 7 years, well into his 80s Ted became Grand Scout Emeritus, with the Reverend Michael Foster taking over as Grand Scout, with David Cooksley taking on the office as Chief Commissioner.

In the 1990s a revival of the Order of World Scouts began. On the 22nd April 1991, a BBS Commissioner was appointed for Australia. On June 24th 1991, Robert Campbell was promoted to Chief Commissioner of the BBS & BGS in Australia. On the 24th June 1992, the Association was incorporated as 'Scouts of Australia'. Eight years later, Bill Nangle was appointed Chief Commissioner of the BBS & BGS in Canada 27th August 1999. The name adopted for the Canadian counterparts was the Canadian Independent Scout Association. In addition to the Australian and Canadian members, other individual members exist abroad in such countries as Ireland and Hawaii.

The beginnings of the BBS saw rapid expansion at the cost of a turbulent history that was to follow. The BBS settled down to become a Christian youth movement. Despite its turbulent history the foundation principles of the BBS, that of serving the Kingdom of God by promoting the Brotherhood of Man through its uniformed youth work have ensured it's continuing part within British youth work. In addition to the troops that exist today there is a wider group of individual members, some of whom were members of troops as long ago as the 1920s and who still take an active interest.

Order of World Scouts, main Office Holders

Grand Scoutmaster.

President.

Sir Francis Vane bt 1911-1912

Colonel Frederick Charles Keyser 1909

Albert Jones Knighton 1913-1926

Sir Francis Vane bt 1909-1913

Rt Hon Lord Alington 1926-1932

Samuel Nalty Manning 1932-1967

Vice President.

Percy Herbert Pooley in-charge 1967-1971

Prince Di Cassano of Italy

Charles A Brown in-charge 1971-1983

Charles A Brown 1983-1992

Honorary President.

Edward E Scott 1993-2000

Mrs G White Brebble 1932.

Rev'd Michael John Foster 2000-

Viscount Milton 1939.

The Rt Hon The Earl of Fitzwilliam 1948.

Assistant Grand Scoutmaster, Britain.

The Reverend Bill Dowling 1997.

Captain Masterman 1911-1912.

L C Hobbs 1914-1926.

Chief Commissioner for Britain.

W G Whitby 1909-1911

Assistant Grand Scoutmaster, South Australia.

Percy Herbert Pooley 1926-1971

Joseph Regis-Coory 1911-1914

Charles A Brown 1971-1983

Rev'd Michael John Foster 1983-2000

Assistant Grand Scoutmaster, South Africa.

David Cooksely 2000-
H C Edwards-Carter 1911-1914
Chief Commissioner for Australia.
Assistant Grand Scoutmaster, France. Robert Cambell 1991-
Monsieur Augustin Dufresne 1911-1914
Chief Commissioner for Canada.
Bill Nangle 1999-


Notes:
Vane introduced the title of  'Grand Scoutmaster'. The office of Assistant Grand Scoutmaster replaced that of Chief Commissioner but this was restored under P H Pooley. The title of President (lapsed with Vane) was re-introduced by Manning and Pooley as an honorary position.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BBS History 21st Edition March 2001. Details from research by; Dr John Springhall, David Grace, Edward Shields, Tim Jeal, Fr Michael Foster, Peter Dudley, Alec Radwell, Robert Campbell. Archives consulted; The Scout Association, The British Boy Scouts, The Boys' Brigade, The Girls Brigade, The Society of Friends, The British Library, The Public Record Office.

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APPENDIX E

THE NATIONAL PEACE SCOUTS.

The National Peace Scouts were formed in February 1910 by Sir Frances Vane. The member organisations were, the British Boy Scouts, The Boys Life Brigade, The British Girls Nursing Corps and a number of Cadet Corps.
By 1914 the National Peace Scouts could be wholly identified with the British Boy Scouts.

The work amongst girls in the BBS covered by the British Girls Nursing corps was replaced by the British Girl Scouts (introduced at the end of 1909 to become the only Girls section. The Cadet Corps became Scout Troops within the BBS. The Troops organised by the Quakers, Cadbury and Rowntree, owing to Vane's resignation left the BBS to form the Boys' Life Brigade Scouts. The Reverend Albert Jones Knighton continued as the leader of the Peace Scout movement, as the Grand Scoutmaster of the BBS.

In 1985 was the 'International Youth Year' with one of the themes being peace, due to this, the Executive Committee of the BBS decided that this was a suitable point to re-introduce the title of the National Peace Scouts opening up membership to other organisations.

CONSTITUTION OF THE NATIONAL PEACE SCOUTS.

1. Name.
That the organisation be called 'The National Peace Scouts'.

2. Aims Objects and Methods.
That the aims objects and methods of the National Peace Scouts to be identical with those of the British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts Association (herein after BBS &BGS) with the addition of a further object To promote the cause of peace through education amongst young people and by working with similar Youth organisations world wide which share similar ideals.

3. Scout Oath.
That the principles of the National Peace Scouts be based on the Peace Scout Oath:-
l. To serve God the Queen and my Country.
2. To help others whatever it may cost me.
3. To trust the word of mg brother/sister Scout.
4. To respect mg Parents
5. To be a friend to all and to be a brother/sister to every other Scout.
6. To be courteous to all.
7. To be kind to animals and to save them from pain.
8. To take trouble with a trusting grace.
9. To be thrifty but never mean.

4. Membership.
That the membership shall be open to Scouting or other bone-fide uniformed Youth organisation or groups and, members of such organisation where the parent organisation is not in membership.
All those seeking membership must accept the constitution.

5. Rights to membership.
That the council of the National Peace Scouts shall have power to include or exclude from membership any person without being called upon to assign any reason for it's decision.
Any decision for exclusion need not be final and permission may be given for further applications.

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6. General Government.
That the General Government of the National Peace Scouts be vested in the Council which shall consist of the Executive Committee of the BBS & BGS, one representative from each member organisation, together with such members as may be co-opted by them. The frequency of Council meetings to be decided amongst Council members.

7. Treasury.
That the treasury be dealt with by the BBS & BGS the sub account of which shall be presented at the end of the financial gear to the membership.

8. Organisation.
That all matters of all organisation not covered by the council to be dealt with by the Executive Committee of the BBS & BGS.

9. Subscriptions.
That such subscriptions are levied amongst the membership by the Council as are necessary to reimburse expenditure to the BBS & BGS on items authorised jointly by the Council and Member Organisations.

10. Records.
That all records of the National Peace Scouts and rights to the title shall belong to the BBS & BGS.

11. Winding up.
That the Executive Committee of the BBS & BGS shall have the power to wind up the National Peace Scouts.

12. Constitution.
That the constitution can only be amended by a two thirds majority of the Executive Committee of the BBS & BGS, provided that no amendment shall be made the effect of which would cause the National Peace Scouts to cease to be a Charity at Law.

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APPENDIX F

MODEL TRUST DEED FOR SCOUT GROUPS/COMPANIES.

1) NAME.
(Name of Group entered here)

2) AIMS AND OBJECTS.
The aim of the Group is to develop good citizenship among young people by forming their character; training them in habits of observation, obedience and self-reliance; inculcating loyalty and thoughtfulness for others; teaching them services useful to the public, and handicrafts useful to themselves; promoting their physical, mental, and spiritual development.

3) METHODS.
The methods employed for the attainment of the aims of the Group shall be, the creation of a desired fraternity of which the young person shall be a member, which guided by adult leadership is increasingly self-governing in its successive age-groups, by opening to the young person a succession of congenial activities and achievements in a largely outdoor setting and opportunities of service to others; by putting upon the young person progressively increasing measures of responsibilities for himself or herself and others so that he or she acquires competence, self reliance, character, dependability and powers both of co-operation and leadership.

4) PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES.
The principles and practices of the Group shall be based on the Scout Law and Promise.

5) SCOUT LAW AND PROMISE.
(The Scout Law and Promise as adopted by the Group is entered here)

6) MEMBERSHIP.
The membership of the Group shall be open to all British subjects of every class and creed. Foreign subjects may join, but will modify the Promise by replacing the words "the Queen" with "the Country in which I am living" the words "the Queen and" are omitted from Law number 2.

7) GROUP COUNCIL.
The general government of the group shall be vested in the Group Council consisting of all Scout Officers. The specific government of the Group shall be according to Officer Rank. The Group Council shall appoint an independent Auditor who shall be independent from the membership of the Group.

8) FINANCES.
All monies and assets presented to the group shall be accepted on the basis that they will be used in pursuance of the Aims and Objects as outlined in clause 2) of this Trust Deed, for the benefit of the group named in clause 1) of this Trust Deed.
All financial transactions shall be accounted for, and audited annual accounts along with a report of the groups activities, shall be prepared and submitted to a General Meeting of the Group, which shall be open to the general public.

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9) TRUSTEES.
The ownership of all assets owned by the Group shall be vested in;

(Name the Trustees i.e. The Group Committee, the Local Minister and Group Scoutmaster, or the Group Scout Officers)

The Trustees shall allow all the assets of the Group to be used in pursuance of the Aims and Objects as outlined in clause 2) of this Trust Deed, for the benefit of the group named In clause 1) of this Trust Dead. Copies of this Trust Deed shall be deposited with;
(i.e. the local Library, the Local Church, etc. This offers evidence of a Trust Deed held by the Group.)

10) AFFILIATION.
The Group may affiliate to; or be an associate of, or be a corporate member of, any bone fide charitable organisation, and/or organisations, which will assist the group in pursuing its aims and objects as outlined in clause 2) of this Trust Deed.
(Present affiliations can be recorded on a sheet appendixed to the Trust Deed, with notations on any amendments)

11) WINDING UP.
In the event of winding up the Group, after the payment of all Creditors; all assets shall be;
(i.e. given to a local charitable youth organisation with similar aims, or held in Trust by the BBS & BGS for a future BBS & BGS Group in the Area, for BBS & BGS General funds, for another local Scout group etc.)

12) AMENDMENT OF THIS TRUST DEED.
The Trust Deed can only be emended by the Group Council if;
a) the amendments carry 90 per cent majority of the Group Council,
b) the Trustees accept the proposed amendments,
c) no amendment shall be made, the effect of which would cause the Group to cease to posses charitable status.
(or any variation deemed appropriate.)

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APPENDIX G

BRITISH BOY SCOUTS AND BRITISH GIRL SCOUTS ASSOCIATION
Founded Empire Day, May 24th 1909
Registered Charity at Law No. 288631

GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
Grand Scout : The Reverend Michael John Foster SSC MIWO
Grand Scout Emeritus: Edward D Scott Esq
Chief Commissioner: David Cooksley Esq

Executive Committee: Mike Foster, David Cooksley, Amanda Foster, Andy Morris, Sydney Graham, Iain MacIver.

General Headquarters Address: The Rectory, Church Hill, Tarrant Hinton, Dorset, DT11 8JB. Telephone: 01258 830764

Chief Commissioner Address: Oaklands, Theale Road, Burghfield, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 3TN . Telephone: 0118 983 3225

Please note all correspondence should be directed through the Chief Commissioner in the first instance.

LOCAL HELP
Chief Commissioner: The Reverend Michael Foster. The Rectory, Church Hill, Tarrant Hinton, Dorset, DT11 8JB. Telephone: 01258 830764
Northumberland & Cumbria HQ Commissioner: Sydney Graham. 5 Alexandra Way, Cramlington, Northumbria, NE23 6EA. Telephone: 01670 731196
Yorkshire, Lancashire and Lincolnshire HQ Commissioner: Iain MacIver. The Briary 160 Marston Road, Burnley, Lancashire, BB10 2QP. Telephone: 01282 453986
South of England HQ Commissioner: David Cooksley. Oaklands, Theale Road, Burghfield, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 3TN . Telephone: 0118 983 3225
Midlands HQ Commissioner: Andy K Morris, 34 Oakland Avenue, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 7BU. Telephone: 01905 775243

LEADER TRAINING
Camp Chief:

BADGE SECRETARY
David Cooksley, Oaklands, Theale Road, Burghfield, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 3TN. Telephone: 0118 983 3225

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APPENDIX H

CONSTITUTION OF THE ORDER OF WORLD SCOUTS

1) NAME.
The Order of World Scouts.

2) FOUNDATION HISTORY.
The Order of World Scouts was founded by Sir Francis Vane bt, November 11th 1911 and launched at Toynbee Hall, London. Member organisations included: The British Boy Scouts (United Kingdom) The British Boy Scouts (Australia), The British Boy Scouts (Canada), The British Boy Scouts (New Zealand), The British Boy Scouts (South Africa), The British Boy Scouts (India), The British Boy Scouts (Creillos, South America), The British Boy Scouts (Egypt), The Italian Boy Scouts (The Esploratori) The American Boy Scout (known later as The United States Boy Scout) and French Scouts. The Order's membership was reduced with the advent of the First World War. The British Scouts in Australia continued to exists until the late 1930s with the remaining organisation in the World Order being the founding organisation of which Sir Francis Vane was the Grand Scoutmaster: The British Boy Scouts.

3) MEMBERSHIP.
Membership shall consist of the members of registered organisations which require their members to make the Scout Promise and abide by the Scout Law based on, or similar to, the version in this Constitution and which abide by the minimum standards stipulated within this constitution.
Registration of organisations is by written application to the Secretariat of the Order with a request to be entered on the membership roll, which will be circulated to registered organisations, providing freedom of association between members.

4) AIMS.
a) To provide a means of international friendship and co-operation between member organisations. The achievement of the aims to be by international gatherings under the titles; Jamborees, Moots, Rallies, Corroborees and Conferences; or other such titles as in use by the various national scouting organisation world-wide.
b) To promote Scouting throughout the world.

5) SCOUT PROMISE AND LAW.

The Scout Promise.
On my honour, I promise that I will do my best;
To do my duty to God and my Country.
To help other people at all times,
To keep the Scout Law.

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The Scout Law.
1. A Scout's honour is to be trusted
2. A Scout is Loyal to his Country, his Officers, his Parents, his Employers and to those under him.
3. A Scout's duty is to be useful and to help others
4. A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other scout no matter to what country class or creed the other may belong
5. A Scout is Courteous
6. A Scout is a friend to animals
7. A Scout obeys orders of his parents, patrol leader, or scoutmaster without question.
8. A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties.
9. A Scout is thrifty.
10. A Scout is clean in thought in word and deed.

6) MINIMUM STANDARDS.
Each member Association should maintain these minimum standards;
1) To have in place measures to protect young people from abuse (physical, mental, sexual).
2) To carry insurance to cover legal liability claims.
3) To demonstrate by teaching and example of life, the Christian Faith.

7) GENERAL GOVERNMENT.
The Secretariat of the Order shall be provided by a member organisation nominated by common agreement of member organisations.
Member organisations may organise international events under auspices of the Order of World Scouts.

8) THE GRAND SCOUTMASTER.
8.1 Upon the vacancy of the position of Grand Scoutmaster, the succeeding Grand Scoutmaster shall be appointed by the Chief Commissioner of England in agreement with the Executive Committee, and the Chief Commissioners and Executive Committees of the member organisations in the Order of World Scouts, to which he is also the Grand Scoutmaster.
8.2 The tenure of office shall be for life, excepting that the office of Grand Scout may be vacated by resignation, or the Executive Committee by unanimous vote by postal ballot, and in consultation with member Association of the Order of World Scouts, determine the vacancy of office for a sufficiently good reason.
8.3 The qualification for appointment shall be a willingness to maintain the specific Christian character and witness of the Association and either;
(a) long service to the Scout Movement in general and/or to the Association in particular, or
(b) past membership of the Scout Movement and/or an interest in supporting the aims of, and furthering, the Movement, and
(c) sufficient age and social standing as to be able to represent and further the interests of the Scout Movement in general and the Association in particular.
(d) no impediment due to Criminal Convictions, Bankruptcy, or unable to conduct his own affairs.
8.4 Upon appointment, in the absence of previous membership of the Scout movement, the Grand Scoutmaster shall make the Scout Promise, as in this Constitution.
8.5 It shall be the responsibility of the Chief Commissioners of the member Associations of the Order of World Scouts to keep the Grand Scoutmaster informed about the decisions of the Executive Committee and about the state of the Association.
8.6 The Grand Scoutmaster may attend the General Meetings and meetings of the Executive Committee meetings of the member Associations of the Order of World Scouts.

9) FINANACES.
The Order of World Scouts shall have no funds of its own. Expenses of the Secretariat, shall be kept to a minimum and defrayed by voluntary subscriptions from the other member organisations.

10) CONSTITUTION.
The Constitution can only be amended by unanimous agreement of all member organisations.

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APPENDIX I

DEFINITIONS OF HAZARDOUS ACTIVITIES.

Recent circulars from the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Education and Employment C19:96 26th March 1996 and 102/96 No 6785 26th March 1996 define Adventure Activities under four headings;

CAVING which includes: Pot-holing, Mine exploration, Cave diving.
CLIMBING which includes: Rock climbing, Ice climbing, Abseiling, Gorge walking, Ghyll scrambling, Sea level traversing.
TREKKING (more than 30 minutes travelling time from the nearest road or refuge), which includes: Walking, Fell running, Orienteering, Pony trekking, Mountain biking, Off-piste skiing, Off-piste snowboarding, Skating, Sledging.
WATERSPORTS which includes: Canoeing, Kayaking, Dragon boating, Wave skiing, White-water rafting, Improvised rafting, Sailing, Sailboarding.

Airborne activities would be considered as hazardous but come under the authority of the Civil Aviation Authority.
AIRBORNRE ACTIVITIES which includes: Flying, Gliding, Ballooning, Hang Gliding, Paragliding, Parascending and Parachuting.

Insurers also list activities they call hazardous which includes those above but also encompasses other activities not included in the regulations following the Activity Centres (Young Persons' Safety) Act 1995.

WATER SPORTS which includes: Swimming, Snorkelling, Sub Aqua Swimming, etc.
TREKKING which includes: Sand yachting, Skate boarding, Quad bikes, Quasars, Go carting, Hovercraft Projects, Pony trap, Pony riding, Horse riding, Motor Cars (off road), Motor cycle scrambling, Racing or timed competition in wheeled vehicles, etc.
CONTACT SPORTS which includes: Football, Rugby football, American football, Netball, Basketball, Hockey, Roller hockey, Ice hockey, etc.
PHYSICAL COMBAT SPORTS which includes: Boxing, Kick boxing, Wrestling, Judo, Karate, Jujitsu, etc.
WEAPONRY which includes, Shooting, Clay pigeon shoots, Paintball guns and games, Fencing, Archery, etc.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES which includes, Bouncy Castle, Bungee Jumps, etc.

From the above the general principle seems to be, a hazardous activity where children or young people are concerned, could be defined as "any activity that requires some form of skilled supervision." i.e., swimming - the presence of a qualified Lifeguard. Another definition would be "an activity which carries risk or hazard above that which is accepted in every day living".

In terms of Scouting, the only activities that should be undertaken are those which have the sanction of the Parents, and are insurable.

If Scout Officers are in any doubt about any activity they should contact the Insurers.

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APPENDIX J

GROUP INFORMATION AND MEMBERSHIP FORM

The British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts Association
Founded May 24th Empire Day 1909. Registered Charity at Law No. 288631

Chief Commissioner : David Cooksley

Name of Scout Group

Leaderís name, address and telephone number.

Dear Parents / Guardians

We welcome your son or daughter to our Scout Group. Membership of the Group will provide every opportunity of self-development. The spirit of Scouting, with its emphasis on the open-air life, practical uniform, games which develop co-operation and team work, badges which assist in developing skills are all part of the activities which will assist toward this end. Your support of our Group will be invaluable as we seek to provide the best for your son or daughter. We hope that your son or daughter will take full advantage of the opportunities now open to him or her in The British Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Association and fulfil an active role within our Scout Group and the Scout Movement, in order to achieve the maximum benefits that it can offer, especially throughout the formative years and into adulthood.

The [- which ever section applies Senior Scouts (15-18)/Scouts (11-15)/ Junior Scouts/ Wolf Cubs (7-11)/ Beavers (5-7)] meet weekly at the (hutl/hall - address to be inserted) on the following evenings and times (details given)

Subscriptions are (insert amount) per week/term

There is in addition an annual membership fee of (insert amount - if applicable) paid on joining and renewable annual each (insert month - if applicable).

Camps and other trips are charged in addition, the charge being dependant upon the nature of the event and costs involved. Any cheque payments are to be made payable to the (insert your full Scout Group's title) and not to any individual(s).

Details of uniform and costs of uniform items are available from the Scout Officer. Smartness of uniform is a very important principle of Scouting, so please ensure that your uniform is always correct, kept clean and smart on all occasions.

The Scout Group possesses legal liability insurance that has a limit of indemnity recommended and agreed with the insurance provider as a minimum, it should be noted that this does not include `Personal Accident Cover' for members of the Scout Group.

Parents /Guardians are advised to inspect the Scout Group's current `Certificate of Insurance' periodically to satisfy themselves of the limitations of the policy, which the Scout Group will be pleased to make available for such inspections.

Parents / Guardians are required to provide at least two emergency contact telephone numbers and addresses for the Scout Group for and during all activities undertaken and too ensure that the Scout Group is regularly updated on these should changes or alternatives be deemed necessary. In an emergency, parents / guardians must give consent to the Scout Officer in charge of any particular activity to act `Loco Parentis', should the parents / guardians or notified contact persons be unavailable for contact at the time of the incident by telephone.

From time to time, as is normal with youth organisations, photographs or Video-tapes may be taken and used for Scout Group records, log-books; public displays, exhibitions, Scouting magazines, newsletters, and as news items in newspapers or similar. Such photographs or Video-tapes may be reproduced for sale to the members or their parentsí, especially after such events as Summer camp. In order for this to continue, the British Boy and Girl Scouts Association in compliance with current good practice recommended for organisations catering for young people require that parents / guardians agree and give consent. This is sought along with the general consent required for your son or daughterís membership of the Scout Group.

Please complete and return the attached consent form overleaf as soon as possible, in order for your son/daughter to be accepted as a member of our Scout Group.

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CONSENT FORM FOR MEMBERSHIP OF A SCOUT GROUP

Full Name of Son or Daughter:____________________________ Date of Birth:________________

Address:________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________ Telephone Number:__________________

Name & Address of Doctor:_________________________________________________________

____________________________________ National Health Service No._____________________

Medical history / specific health problems or disabilities, if any :________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

School attended:_______________________________ Religion:____________________________

Emergency Contact Person No.1: Name:_______________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________ Telephone No.___________________

Relationship to applicant:___________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact Person No.2: Name:_______________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________ Telephone No.___________________

Relationship to applicant:___________________________________________________________

CONSENTS AND AGREEMENTS :
* I/We hereby give consent to the Scout Officer in Charge of the (insert title of Scout Group) for any Scouting, camping or other activity undertaken by the Scout Group, to act in the capacity of `Loco Parentis' for my/our Son/Daughter named above in a deemed emergency situation, when the emergency contact persons supplied by myself/ourselves cannot be contacted when telephoned at the time of the incident in question.

* I/We acknowledge the need for obedient and sensible behaviour of my son or daughter as a member of the Scout Group.

* I/We hereby give consent to the Officers and Leaders taking photographs or cine/video films of my/our Son/Daughter named above during Scouting activities, either for Group historic records, and/or from which to make copies for Parents.

SIGNED:________________________________ PRINT NAME:___________________________

Parent / Guardian

DATED:_________________________________

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