Scout Active Support Units
Discover what will replace Scout Active Support Units.
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What the changes mean for volunteers in Scout Active Support Units
We want to thank all our volunteers who have been members of Scout Active Support Units (SASUs), who've supported Scouts in a variety of ways. Whilst SASUs will no longer exist in their current form, there are several options for members of SASUs to continue volunteering.
Many units will become a sub-team, in the new team structure, which reflects what their current active support unit focuses on. For example, a volunteer in a Hillwalking SASU could move to a Hillwalking Team (a sub team) of a Programme Team.
Whilst this might mean things won't feel any different, it's a good opportunity to revisit what tasks people are doing and how you'll work together and with other teams.
Others might join a different team depending on what tasks they’d like to do or become a Retired member.
Here are a couple of examples to show how Scout Active Support Members roles might change, as we move to the new team structure:
Hill Valley District Scout Active Support Unit has 10 members, they organise and run several annual District events. The District Lead Volunteer has spoken with the members and agreed that they’ll form a “District Events” sub-team within the new District Programme Team.
New Hill District Scout Active Support Unit has 5 members, they maintain the District Campsite, manage the campsite bookings and when asked, they support Groups with meeting place maintenance jobs. After a conversation with the District Lead Volunteer, it was agreed that in the new structure:
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Annie would become a member of the District Support Team to continue to manage the campsite bookings,
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Bob, Lucy, Amir, would form a “campsite and maintenance” sub-team within the District Support Team and actively recruit new members.
- Joe's volunteering more at the local railway and wants to retire from Scouts, so he'll become a “Retired member”.
Riverdale District Scout Active Support Unit has reduced over the years. Jack and Bill are the only remaining members. They meet up every now and again, for a cuppa and a chat and haven’t had much luck recruiting new members. Bill’s happy to become a Retired member and Jack’s going to join the District Support Team. He’s great at networking, so his tasks will be building relationships and creating a positive image of Scouts with organisations and communities, to help Scouts grow. They still meet up for a cuppa!
Mayberry Scout Group has a Group Scout Active Support Unit with 25 members. They organise and run the annual Group Camp and maintain the Group’s meeting place and campsite. After discussing options with the Group Lead Volunteer, current Active Support members will form two new sub-teams within the Group Leadership Team, “Mayberry Group Events” and “Mayberry Maintenance”. Most volunteers will be part of one of these sub teams. Jackie and Usif will be members of both, because they cut the grass, keep the grounds looking beautiful and also organise the catering team for Group camp.
What can Scout Active Support members do now
Scout Active Support members who wish to change the way they volunteer or do different tasks as part of another team, will need to talk to their relevant Lead Volunteer to agree what would be right for them and if any learning is required.
Check out our tool to help find the right team for you.
Understand the volunteer teams - who's in them, and what they do.