SDistrict Explorer Scout Administrator Training Pack Factsheet 1 of 8 Introduction - Being a District Explorer Scout Administrator

Item Code FS452021 March 08 Edition no 2 (103563) 0845 300 1818

The Scout Information Centre Gilwell Park Chingford London E4 7QW Tel + 44 (0)20 8433 7100 Fax + 44 (0)20 8433 7103 email info.centre@scout.org.uk www.scoutbase.org.uk

The role of a District Explorer Scout Administrator (DESA)

Explorer Scouts are young people in Scouting usually between the ages of 14 and 18. They have an exciting, vibrant programme, a challenging and fulfilling award scheme, and above all they have a great time.

The District Explorer Scout Administrator (often abbreviated to DESA) has an important role to play in Explorer Scouting in the District. He or she is the hub of communication, maintaining a free flow of information across the District to ensure that every Explorer Scout has access to the full District Explorer Scout programme. It can be a challenging and even demanding role, but a deeply rewarding one as you see your efforts transformed into better and better Explorer Scouting for more and more young people.

Let's take a closer look at what it means to be a DESA…

Who can be a DESA?

It would be wrong to say that anyone can fill the role of DESA - it is such an important role that finding the right person for the job is vital. However, there is no single "one size fits all" description of the ideal DESA. A DESA may come from a variety of backgrounds, and may well be recruited from outside Scouting. There are certain key requirements, and a suggested person specification is included overleaf, but here are the basic facts:

The DESA does not have to be a leader

The DESA may hold another appointment which involves a leadership role, for example many will also be Explorer Scout Leaders, but many will not. If the DESA does have another appointment it is important to make sure enough time is set aside to do justice to the DESA role.

The DESA is appointed by the District Explorer Scout Commissioner.

This is very important as the District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC) is the person with whom the DESA will work most closely, and this relationship is vital to the success of Explorer Scouting. Any appointment should be made in full consultation with District Commissioner.

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The appointment must comply with the Child Protection Policy of the Scout Association.

Other than this, the role can be agreed with the DESC according to local arrangements and needs, but there are obviously some useful characteristics which go together to make a good DESA, and these are outlined in the person specification.

*If the DESA does not a leader, he or she is not automatically covered by Scout Association Insurance. If this is deemed important, the District should declare the DESA as an Associate Member on the census return, and pay the appropriate membership fee. They must sign an Associate Member’s Declaration but do not make the promise.

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DISTRICT EXPLORER SCOUT ADMINISTRATOR

PERSON SPECIFICATION

DESCRIPTION ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

Personal Attributes

Able to work comfortably and effectively with a broad range

of individuals, both adults and young people.

Must comply with the Child Protection Policy of the Scout

Association.

Communication Skills

Able to communicate effectively with young people

and adults using a wide range of techniques.

Proficient with electronic mail and text messaging, as well as more traditional modes of

communication.

Experience and training

No specific Scouting experience required.

Some understanding of the aims and methods of

Scouting.

Specific skills

Good all-round organisational skills and a good memory.

Computer literacy and word processing skills.

Plenty of time to do devote to the role of DESA.

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ROLE OF THE DESA

What does the DESA do?

The role of the DESA can be subdivided into a number of key areas, but essentially what you will be required to do will be agreed with your DESC when you take up your appointment.

A suggested job description is included in this factsheet, along with a blank outline job description for you to fill in with your DESC. The various different tasks and roles will be explained in more detail in the other factsheets in this series, along with examples and ideas for fulfilling the role. You should meet with your DESC and agree the contents of your job description when (or preferably before) you take on your role. Remember it should be as much about identifying the help and support you will need (and any training needs you may have) as about what you will actually be doing.

Key areas of responsibility

Data collection and record keeping

Communicating with the adults involved in Explorer Scouting, and with the other Scouting sections

Communicating with young people

Moving in and Moving on (MiMo)

The tools for the job - what you might need

A telephone

Access to a personal computer

Access to the internet

An email address

Time…

A good sense of humour

A smile (this helps in any role)!

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SUGGESTED JOB DESCRIPTION

District Explorer Scout Administrator

This role is unique to Explorer Scouting, and is a vital source of support for the District Explorer Scout Commissioner and the Explorer Scout Leaders. The District Explorer Scout Administrator (DESA) needs to be an organised and efficient administrator, with time to develop and maintain the Explorer Scout database, and a good communicator with the ability to maintain a good working relationship with a number of people. The main components of the role are:

Development and upkeep of the district Explorer Scout Records.

This will usually mean access to a personal computer and adequate computer skills to maintain a database of all youth members in the section. The DESA also keeps a record of all Partnership Agreements and meetings held in the District.

Recruitment and retention.

The DESA has a key role in liaising with Group Scout Leaders and Scout Section Leaders in order to maintain a register of Scout Section members over the age of 13. The DESA should ensure that each potential Explorer Scout is made aware at an early stage of the opportunities available to them in Explorer Scouting. Likewise, the DESA should ensure that the County Scout Network Commissioner and local Scout Network Co-ordinators are aware of all Explorer Scouts over the age of 17 who are potential Network members.

Communication.

The DESA will help the DESC in maintaining a high level of communication between all parties, youth members and adult members, in the District.

Other duties assigned by the DESC.

These may include keeping minutes at Explorer Scout Leader meetings, District Explorer Scout Forum meetings and the District Explorer Scout Meeting. Other administrative duties, such as production of a newsletter, may also be agreed.