Volunteers Week - Wednesday

Author: Ellie Compton

Published: June 3, 2020

The mechanics of Scouting just wouldn’t run smoothly without you – our decision makers, direction setters and arrangers of Scouts locally. 

We’re so grateful that all of you give your time to ensure that the groups, districts and county continues to meet its charitable purpose: safely and legally. When you do what you do, we know there will be enough money for the volunteers to deliver the programme and that equipment like tents and activity materials are available and safe to use. 

Thank you for being such a dedicated bunch of volunteers in your Executive Committees and making sure that young people get the best possible experience in your area.
During the current period where Scouting cannot happen face to face there are a number of additional considerations, risks and financial impacts to consider

The Coronavirus Support on our website will help navigate through the key areas that have been affected. You’ll find a button to this area in the bottom right of the screen, wherever you are on our website at the moment but the first reference is always the government advice and Scouts UK direction.

All of our delivery whether it is a section based indoor activity or sledging the slopes of the Alps needs a Risk Assessment. Assessing risk in order to reduce or remove it is at the heart of safe Scouting and is present in everything we do. Risk assessment is something we all do every day in deciding to cross a road or get out of the car, so no one should be scared of doing a risk assessment within Scouting. If you want to help your delivery teams with risk assessment there is useful information here.

Trustees may have a big part in the accountability for ensuring that accurate Finance records are maintained but it is everyone’s responsibility . Whether it is maintaining records of monies received (e.g. for activities, camps, membership subscriptions, donations) and money spent (e.g. on bills, fees for activities, volunteer expenses, approving payments from a Scouting bank account or contributing to the creation and management of a budget.

You can find an easy Budget Planner here  and information on bank accounts, funds and online banking here.

To carry out these tasks effectively you will need to ensure that you keep relevant receipts, invoices, bank statements and balance sheets as appropriate, to ensure that there is a clear audit trail to explain any financial records

Member calls and emails are not just for those who Scout directly with young people. Please make sure that your contact details are correct on Compass and if you can join or listen later on membership calls, There are some great signposts to information that is relevant to trustees, especially now.

You maybe have received recently, or will soon receive, an email from the Scout Association advising you that your DBS check is overdue and non-completion could lead to your membership being suspended.

Please disregard this message and any subsequent reminders. You will not be suspended, even though your DBS has expired.

Early in March the decision was made to stop DBS checking to relieve the pressure on the local Police service and Scout Association staff who are working from home. No members will be suspended in the current situation.

Unfortunately, it was not possible to reprogram the membership admin system to stop sending these emails but you are assured your membership status is secure.

A number of local Funding sources have been identified by HQ and central information on grants can be found here.

In the current situation, longer term planning and reviewing process can help identify any pinch points likely in group, district or county finances. If you think that you have some difficult areas to cover in the next twelve months please do discuss that with others. Groups can be supported by Districts and Districts assisted by County where possible and working on this together ensures everyone can access the support they need at the right time.

Gift Aid is one of the easy ways to maximise the donations and raise extra funds. You must be registered with HMRC to claim Gift Aid but asking your donors to tick the Gift Aid boxes on your sponsorship forms or your online giving page can raise an additional 25p in every £1. Find out more here.

During our Scouting activities we find out a whole lot of useful information. Some of it is from the things that go really well and some is from the things that could have gone better. To gain all we need to know for ourselves would take a lifetime but collectively we can pool that experience and every day become a little better than we were before. The new Shared Experience area on the website will give you some neutral statements based on leader learning that can help you expect the unexpected and boost your risk assessments.

Make a difference. Be a trustee. You may pick up new skills to enhance your CV or be able to share your existing skills with us. You are not expected to be an expert in every area, but using reasonable care and your experience the group, district or county will be all the richer for your input.

If you or someone you know have skills in management, administration, finance, human resources, legal knowledge, problem solving/teamwork or social skills or just have strengths facilitating a group, we'd love to welcome you as a trustee. Please contact the county office and we can link you to your local group or district.

Being an  Executive  Committee member carries legal responsibilities that should be understood before taking on the role but the difference you make to young people is a hugely rewarding and a challenging way to support Scouting.


Just ask one of our existing trustees. they are truly amazing and without them we couldn't empower so many young people to make a positive contribution to society.

Thank you for using your skills to make such a difference to others finding theirs.

By Howard Nelson June 10, 2025
What Trustees do, really makes a difference. Lincolnshire Scouts are looking for a new Trustee for a 3 year term starting from September 2025. We need your experience and wisdom to help us make sure we’re well governed and managed.
June 6, 2025
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue: From the County Lead Volunteer Brew It Forward Winners Announced! Chill Out - Groups and Staff Lincs Fest - Bookings open Inclusion Survey Join the Support Team New Lead Volunteer for Sleaford Needed From the County Youth Lead William Swift - Chief Scout’s Unsung Hero Award Winner Safety training Vacancies in County Section Support team National Scout Archery Competition
By Howard Nelson May 12, 2025
Congratulations to William of 7th Grantham for being 1 of 20 unsung heroes to receive an award from Chief Scout Dwayne Fields
By Howard Nelson May 7, 2025
World Scout Jamboree Leader Applications
May 2, 2025
☕ Brew it Forward – Nominate a Volunteer for a Well-Earned Cuppa!
May 1, 2025
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue: From the County Lead Volunteer Brew it forward! Chill Out Membership System Programme Team Youth Shaped Safety Making plans for the future New Lead Volunteer for Sleaford needed Poacher 2026 Jamboree and County Internationals
April 26, 2025
We want to hear from YOU!
By Howard Nelson April 24, 2025
Adam Jacklin will be stepping down from his role as District Lead Volunteer for Sleaford District on 4 November 2025. As Adam prepares to step down as District Lead Volunteer for Sleaford this November, I would like to take the opportunity to offer my thanks for the energy, dedication, and leadership he has brought to the role. Adam has been a driving force behind many positive developments within the District, always bringing a thoughtful and steady approach to everything he does. Throughout his term, Adam has consistently put young people at the centre of our work. His collaborative style has helped build strong teams and foster a real sense of community among our volunteers. Whether supporting events, shaping strategy, or mentoring others, Adam has been generous with his time and tireless in his commitment to the values of Scouting. While Adam is stepping back from the DLV role, I know his involvement with the District and County will continue. I look forward to seeing the next chapter of his Scouting journey and extend our warmest thanks for the significant contribution he has made over the years. We are looking a new District Lead Volunteer roles for Sleaford District. As a result we are now recruiting for its next inspirational volunteer (or team of volunteers) to lead Sleaford District. Please click to download the pack which contains detailed information about the role as well as 2 application forms which volunteers can use to either express their interest in the role or to nominate someone else for consideration. We would love to hear from you if you would like to apply or if you would like to find out more information about the role. The deadline for all applications is 1 July 2025. Interviews will be held in July. Please contact malcolm.moore@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk or howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk if you have any questions. The application form and more information about the role is enclosed here . Applications should be sent to malcolm.moore@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk Deadline for Applications: 23:59 1 July 2025
Show More