You will have seen various news items on a regular basis in the weekly Scouting+ newsletter and on the Association and County’s websites.  I thought it would be helpful to gather some of the most interesting items here for ease of reference.  I thought I would also take the opportunity to update you on what I have been doing over the past few weeks.  As always, I look forward to hearing from you with any comments or questions that you may have.  The team and I are here to help and support you.  I hope you continue to find these blog posts a helpful source of news, views and information. Don’t be afraid to offer your own comments and questions. You certainly don’t have to say what you think I may want to hear.   I’m always keen to have your feedback – good or not so good.  

What we’ve been doing

During the past few weeks, I’ve continued to see Scouts in action.  I waved our Jamboree contingent off from Woodhouse Park with some rather emotional parents/carers. As they left, hundreds of other young people set off for camps in the UK and abroad for a summer of adventure.  Leaders and parents have written to tell me just what an impact it’s had on the young people.  Of course – it wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers who take time off work and spend hours planning to make it happen.  Thank you and well done to all of you.

With the support of the County Executive Committee, I’ve commissioned an initial review of our governance arrangements to check that we are properly fulfilling the requirements of POR as well as implementing good practice.  This is now well underway and there should be an initial report with any recommendations in September.

Alongside practical preparations for the AGM, I’ve seen a number of excellent potential nominees for the role of Chair and Trustees on the County Executive.  These followed extensive advertisement of the opportunities within and beyond Scouting.

As well as conducting a review of the services and support to programme provided at County level, Steve Smith (Deputy County Commissioner) has met with those interested in developing a provision for a county stage show.  I’ll share more information on this when we have it.

Evaluations of the recent large-scale County events (Jamboree and Bear Hunt) have been taking place, taking account of all of your feedback through the online surveys, in correspondence and face to face.  The event leaders will be compiling a report on the findings and learning points so we can do even better in future.  I’ll share the key findings with you when they are available.

As well as the appointments of new Deputy County Commissioners, we’ve seen a few other people changes with Chris Meadows (ACC Explorer Scouts) and Alan Watts (Acting ACC Scouts) moving on from these roles.  I would like to thank them both for their huge contribution in these roles and for supporting as This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it during this time of transition. 

We have continued to consider our strategy and plans and have a workshop planned on the 24-25 September after which we will be able to share more about these.  The focus remains on the long-term aims I’ve outlined several times in this blog and which I spoke about during my visits to District AGMs.  We’ve also taken a closer look at a more detailed analysis of the census which will also inform our plans.

I’ve met with a large number of members and supporters external to Scouting to discuss potential opportunities for development.  I am particularly glad to have secured the support of Dr. John Savage.  John has agreed to become an ambassador for our work and to provide practical support to certain aspects of our strategy – this will include engaging with business and organisations in our area to look at employee volunteering and other ways they can support us. I am also keen that we explore how we can set out a plan to increase the investment over the long term in our infrastructure. 

I met with the District Commissioner for Brunel (Lucy Holtum) and key members of leadership team for the 63^rd Bristol (St. Bartholomew’s) Scouts who have great plans to update their Scout centre.  I’ve also continued to meet with other members of my team to support them with their own training, development and plans.

If you’d like to hear any more about anything here, or something I’ve not mentioned here, please do This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

What’s new in the County?

New Deputy County Commissioners.  You will have seen that I have recently appointed two further Deputy County Commissioners to join Steve and I in leading and supporting growth and development across the County.  Their names are Jools Granville (Marketing and Communications) and Karla Forrest (Management and Development Support).  Find out more.

County AGM.  This takes place on 22^nd September at Patchway High School.  Each District nominates members of the County Scout Council to attend the meeting as their representatives.  The AGM includes the election of the County Executive Committee/board of trustees.  This year I have established a proactive process to identify my own nominees for these roles.  A number of very good potential nominees came forward.  Find out more.

Jamboree contingent returns.  36 young people and 4 leaders from Avon returned recently from the adventure of a life time at the World Jamboree in Sweden.  Why not invite them to your Group or District to tell other young people and volunteers about their experiences of the world of Scouting?  A great article about the event was recently featured in the Financial Times.  Find out more. 

Award nominations. With the help of the District Commissioners, we have submitted many nominations for the good service.  If you know somebody who deserves an award for their good service to Scouting discuss how a nomination can be made to the Awards Board with your District Commissioner.  It is so important that we recognise our volunteer’s service and achievements to show how much we value them.  Find out more.

Beaver Experiment Badge days.  Don’t forget to book your places for the events that take place on the 15-16 October.  Find out more.

One Night Stand.  This years’ event for Explorer Scouts is taking pace on 17^th September and is based on a circus theme.  Find out more.

The Archery and Shooting Competition takes place on the 25^th September and is open to Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Scout Network and adult leaders.  Find out more.

News from the South West region

Madagascar Trip.  There are still vacancies to take part in this adventure of a lifetime.  Find out more.

Cotswold Outdoor Partnership.  As well as the reductions on products available to members of the Movement, we’re working with our local stores to see how we can maximise opportunities for publicising and promoting Scouting.

Brief national news roundup

Wayne’s blog and Tim’s takeover.  The UK Chief Commissioner maintains a blog cover a wide range of Scouting issues.  It is a good way to keep in touch with national developments in Scouting.  This week his deputy Tim Kidd took over during Wayne’s absence.  He took the opportunity to reflect on the recent riots and then talk about who benefits from Scouting and how we can ensure the widest range and number of young people take part. Find out more.

Keeping the Programme up to date. What do you think?  Scouting+ asks everyone for their opinion. Please respond.  Find out more.  Section surveys allowing young people to give their views are also underway.  Find out more.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons.  To celebrate this national milestone, celebrations will take place during the weekend of 2-5 June.  Scouts can be involved in many ways, including by taking part in the Beacons Project.  Find out more.

Improved minibus cover.  Unity (Scout Insurance Services) is now offering short period minibus insurance. Not all Scout Groups own their own minibuses, and often hire one for camps and other activities – but it’s not been easy until now to get short term cover.  Find out more.

Help former Scouts stay in touch.  Scouts’ Campfire Circle is a great way for people to keep in touch with Scouting who are no longer actively involved.  Find out more.

Community involvement case studies wanted.  In the autumn the Association plan to profile a range of Scouting community work and are looking for Scout Groups doing great work in their community.  Find out more.

Association AGM.  The Scout Association takes place in London on 10^th September this year.  This will include elections to the Association’s Board of Trustees.  I will be attending along with other County representatives and will report back on afterwards.  Find out more.

Socially responsible investments.  The Association has developed its investment policy to ensure that it is as socially responsible as possible.  The policy seeks to maintain the optimum level of income tempered by the need to grow the capital available for future grant making.  The investments and investment products are chosen to meet its socially responsible investment principles – and fall in three categories: 1) negative screening where investments in specific companies or sectors are excluded because their activities/behaviours are considered unacceptable; 1) positive screening where investment in a specific company (but not normally sector) is explicitly included as their activities/behaviours are considered desirable; and 3) positive engagement where investment in a specific company or sector is permitted but where some of their activities/behaviour raise concerns. Here the investment/fund manager is required to raise these issues with the companies concerned and seek to persuade them to change their activities/behaviour.