Hi Suffolk Scouters,
This is my last newsletter as County Commissioner. I would like to thank Colin Winter for ably writing the newsletters and Carl Gloess for the prompt dispatch of them. I would also like to thank all those who have called and emailed me with such kind words over the past few days since the announcement that I was stepping down at the end of the month.
I am pleased to say we are making good progress on a few fronts namely World Scout Jamboree, with a selection day this Sunday, best of luck to all those attending. I have now confirmed two Squirrel Advisors for Suffolk who will be working directly with the District Commissioners to provide help and advice. And finally I am pleased to announce three new appointments. Karen Butcher has been appointed ACC Beavers and Sam Rowland and Jayne Vaughan have been appointed as Local Training Managers for Wolsey and Deben Districts respectively. Very best of luck in your new roles
New ‘You Shape’ Award for All Sections
A new award will be launching on the 5th of October with 4 parts for each section. Young people will be able to choose the activities they wish to undertake in order to gain each segment. This award is designed to support Youth Shaped Scouting by allowing young people to design their activities, and in conjunction with a leader, decide when they have achieved their objective. Look out for more information on this exciting new initiative as we get closer to the launch date.
Training Academy 16th and 17th October
Don’t forget the Training Academy in October. Details on the County Website. Upcoming events - Booking by Bookwhen. Currently there are spaces for Modules 8, 9, 13,16 and 17.
Building Safety Asbestos Management
This is just a reminder to Executive Committees that there is a need to have a management plan for any asbestos in buildings. The County can support you by putting you in touch with organisations who can help draw up asbestos management plans. There is also guidance on the scout website, you can read this here.
Programme Support Event
The County Team is planning to host a Programme Support Event at Hallowtree Campsite over the weekend of 20 /21 November. This will be open to all leaders in the county and hopes to offer a wide range of activities, advice and programme ideas. More details soon.
Nights Away - COVID Risk Changes
Following today’s announcement on changes to COVID-19 measures we provide the following clarifications.
There is no requirement to undertake a separate COVID risk assessment for approval by a relevant commissioner for the purposes of nights away notification but COVID risk measures need to be included in the Event Risk Assessment that is sent with the NAN form to your commissioner.
When planning nights away, you must continue to consider COVID security measures in line with the requirements and guidance of Scouts, and include measures taken as part of the Event Risk Assessment, incorporating measures into aspects of the experience in the same way you would any other hazard.
It is important to remember that there are regional variations to the guidance, that will impact how you plan and deliver your event even within the UK nations. Questions on COVID measures necessary for residential experiences should be passed to your DC in the first instance, as they are responsible for authorising the event.
Best wishes
Mark Pearson
County Commissioner – Suffolk