Teams that won't continue

We want to thank all our volunteers in the Appointments Advisory Committees, Scout Active Support Units, and Training Teams for their support. Though these teams will no longer exist, there'll be new opportunities to continue using your skills and contributing to Scouts.

Other volunteers may see these changes as the end of their active journey with Scouts. We thank them for their dedication, and hope they consider taking on a Retired Member role.  

Appointments Advisory Committees

We're moving from Appointments Advisory Committees (AACs) to more personal welcome conversations. These will involve the Lead Volunteer, Team Leader or their delegate, and a Welcome Conversation Volunteer.

Most of the joining journey steps will happen on scouts.org.uk. But some of the AACs current responsibilities, such as managing adverse references and appeals, will be carried out by the Volunteer Safeguarding Lead or Lead Volunteer.

This change isn't happening yet, and until that point there's still a need for AACs to carry out their work.

Opportunities for Appointments Advisory Committee members

Talk with your Lead Volunteer about what would be right for you in the future. You may want to do something new, or if welcoming new volunteers is something you enjoy you could consider:

• Welcome Conversation Volunteer – if you also hold another active role
• Volunteering Development Team Member – look at the team description for information on how this role supports volunteers in their District or County
• Volunteer Safeguarding Lead – if you have the skills to manage safeguarding incidents and adverse criminal record checks / references, talk to your Lead Volunteers about this accreditation option

Scout Active Support Units

Instead of Scout Active Support Units (SASUs), we’ll be using sub-teams to organise our volunteers within our new team structure.

Opportunities for Scout Active Support Unit members

Some volunteers could move from a SASU to a sub-team, as many sub-teams might reflect our current SASUs. For example, a volunteer in a Hillwalking SASU could move to a Hillwalking Team (sub-team) within a Programme Team. But you might also find that new sub-teams are needed. 

Training Teams

We're moving from the Adult Training Scheme to our new way of delivering and managing learning.

Opportunities for Training Team members

If you're currently in a Training Team, talk with your relevant Lead Volunteer about what would be right for you in the future. If you’re looking to continue using the skills you’ve used in a training role, you could join the new Volunteering Development Teams. Some of their tasks include:   

• Helping volunteers find and access the learning they need
• Delivering great learning experiences to our volunteers – in-person or virtually
• Setting up or coordinating workshops, training sessions or other ways for our volunteers to learn
• Helping volunteers get recognised for learning based on prior learning and experience in our systems
• Helping volunteers achieve their Wood Badge