Our Vision and Strategy: 2005-2008
A Growing Membership
Blue Sky Development Group
This group is called together by the County Commissioner on an ad-hoc basis to identify ways that Greater London North East can grow and develop. In the past the ideas that have come from this group have been very successful and helpful in shaping the future development of the County. In 2005 the Blue-Sky Development Group will meet again to look at a number of key areas for development as well as taking a wider look at the overarching development strategy of Greater London North East. Some of the areas for consideration are detailed throughout this document, others include: recognition for young people who do more than 50 nights camping, how the County celebrates our centenary, communication with leaders and appropriate recognition of adults.
Quarterly Figures
For two years now we have analysed our membership on a quarterly basis. This has been extremely successful in giving us management information that can be used to target and support the growth of the County. Unfortunately so far, the growth that we see month on month is not being replicated in the annual HQ census figures. We intend to continue the collection of membership figures on a quarterly basis and aim that in the future these figures will be a key management tool for all commissioners and managers in the County.
Target
Everyone in a management or support role (GSL, ADC, DC, ACC, CC, Executives) will take ownership of the membership figures and use them to support the growth of Greater London North East
Chartermarks
We will continue to award County Charter Marks annually to Groups and Districts who increase in membership, in recognition of their efforts to grow. This remains an excellent opportunity to thank leaders and group administrators for their hard work and promotes the importance of growth in the County. From 2005, we intend to expand this programme with the new “Pride Awards.” These awards will celebrate excellence for a wider range of criteria, for example these awards may look at increasing excellence in areas such as; programme, leadership, camping, quality of headquarters…
Target
To increase the number of Districts/Groups/Explorer Units receiving Charter Marks each year and to continually explore ways in which the Charter Mark Initiative can be expanded
Target
The County "Blue Sky" development group will propose ways to recognise and celebrate our successes as a part of the Pride Awards
Recruitment Officers
Our last plan set the foundations of the recruitment officer programme and now we have to manage this provision to achieve results. We must allow these new Recruitment Officers the opportunity to bed in then we should monitor their effectiveness, and review over the next few years. We must not be complacent, one person working in local areas is not going to be a panacea for the recruitment of adults and so everyone must continue to work to increase our membership numbers. We must, of course, work to recruit the right adults into Scouting, we need quality rather than simply quantity to help plug the gaps in adult provision. All leaders must work tirelessly to make new recruits feel welcome and valued. We must aim to offer new leaders support in their induction into Scouting and help them to become members of “the Club.” To support this, the County will produce welcome packs for all leaders, which can be customized to individual Groups needs. We must also ensure that we are looking towards the future. If there is a value in employing recruitment officers over the longer term we must now begin raising funds for years 4 to 6. The County will endeavour to make contingency plans for the future and to raise sufficient funds to ensure the continued employment of professional recruitment officers.
Target
To review the effectiveness, performance and results of the Recruitment Officer Initiative by December 2006 and make provision for future funding of this or a similar/alternative scheme.
Target
By December 2005, County will produce, high quality Welcome Packs for all new leaders/adults joining the movement
Looking to the Future
Greater London North East Scout County
Our Vision and Strategy 2005 -2008