Developing the plan

The Skills for Life vision and plan is the result of a collaborative process. We spent over 18 months speaking to and gathering the views of volunteers, young people, the wider public, and decision makers. 

Thank you to those who hosted discussions and fed back views that shaped the Skills for Life plan. 

Scouting for All 

Between 2014-2018, the movement worked towards the Scouting for All plan that focused on four strategic objectives: Growth, Inclusivity, Community Impact and Youth Shaped.

Research and consultation

• Sept 2016
  In 2016, over 5,000 adult volunteers took part in a survey to review Scouting for All and identify priorities for the next five years. There was a clear steer by volunteers to keep the four strategic objectives of the Scouting for All plan. 

• Oct 2016
  The Scouts Board of Trustees reviewed the adult volunteers’ survey results and agreed to develop the next strategic plan through further consultation and research with members and wider public.
   
• Nov 2016
  Discussions were held with Regional and County Commissioners in England and each of the Nations headquarters' teams to review the survey results and recommend areas of work to prioritise. It was agreed the four objectives would continue into the next strategic plan and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland would align their strategic plans to the same four objectives.

• Feb 2017
  Over 6,000 young people shaped the plan by telling us what they enjoyed most, what could be better, what they value most in their leaders, and what they get out of being involved in Scouts. The feedback was collected and submitted by leaders during YouShape month.

• We also asked members of the public to tell us what they think of Scouts and what we should do to stay relevant.

• April 2017
  600 adult volunteers (Commissioners) and young people aged 18-25 (including Youth Commissioners) attended our national conference Summit17 to discuss the consultation and research, and shape the new plan. There was strong support to focus on areas of work under programme, people and perception.

Headquarters staff also took part in a discussion to shape the direction of travel of the new plan.

• May 2017
  We asked politicians and funders what they thought of Scouts and what they thought our threats and opportunities were.

• We also carried out research into the impact of Scouting on young people. We surveyed 2,500 young people (14-17 year olds) in Scouting and 400 not in Scouting (matching them in terms of age, location and gender).

Draft plan shared with members for consultation 

• Aug 2017
  We created a draft plan for 2018-2023 and asked for feedback from young people and volunteers.

• Oct 2017
  Volunteers and young people took part in discussions locally, to gather feedback on the draft plan. 

• Final approval by Scouts Board (Jan 2018)
  The Scouts Board of Trustees approved the final version of the 2018-2023 strategic plan. 
  
  
• Strategic plan goes live (May 2018)
  Skills for Life: Our plan to prepare better futures 2018-2023 is live with supporting resources for members.