The following information was provided for our Centenary Displays in 2021/22 and relevant up until 2024 when the Structure of the Scout Association was overhauled.

What is the structure of the Scout Association?

• We all know there is a Structure but probably not aware of exactly how the various bits fit together.
• Like all structures, the one for the Scout Association has changed over the years – here’s how it works for Scotland in 2022:

The governance structure for Scouting is very strong so that it ensures there is support for everyone at every level.

In addition to having the Chief Scout, UK National Scouting has a range of Commissioners who are:

• UK Chief Commissioner
• UK Youth Commissioner
• UK Commissioner for Programme
• UK Commissioner for Adult Support

After UK National, the Scottish structure is:

• Chief Commissioner of Scotland
• Depute Chief Commissioners, one Commissioner for each of ‘People’, ‘Perception & Protect’, ‘Programme’
• Scotland Commissioner (Beavers)
• Scotland Commissioner (Cubs)
• Scotland Commissioner (Scouts)
• Scotland Commissioner (Network)
• Scotland Commissioner (Growth)
• Scotland Commissioner (Inclusion)
• Scotland Commissioner (Community Impact)
• Scotland Commissioner (Adult Training)*
• Scotland Commissioner (Outdoor and Adventure)
• Scotland Commissioner x 3 (Youth Involvement)
• Development Adviser (Additional Needs)
• Development Adviser (Muslim Communities)
• Safeguarding Awareness Coordinator
• Scotland Safety in Scouting Coordinator
• Scotland Commissioner (Scout Active Support)
• Manager of The Scottish Scout Active Support Unit
• Scotland Inclusion Adviser (LGBTQ)

At Regional level Commissioners have greater involvement with Groups.  This is where we see:

• Regional Commissioner
• Deputy Regional Commissioner
• Assistant Regional Commissioner (Adult Training) (Further details near the end of this section)
• Assistant Regional Commissioner (Communications)
• Assistant Regional Commissioner (Development)
• Regional Adviser (International)
• Regional Adviser (Activities)
• Regional Secretary
• Regional Treasurer

We’re West Region – it’s made up of 5 Districts which are:

• Argyll District
• Dunbartonshire District
• Greenock and District
• Paisley and District
• Renfrewshire District

District posts are:

• District Commissioner
• Deputy District Commissioner x 2
• Assistant District Commissioner (Leader Training)*
• Assistant District Commissioner (Communications)
• Assistant District Commissioner (Beavers)
• Assistant District Commissioner (Cubs)
• Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts)
• District Explorer Scout Commissioner
• District Scout Network Commissioner

Although there are a lot of posts for Scotland, Region and District, this level of governance ensures that Groups are well catered for in all aspects of Scouting.

District Commissioner involvement with Groups is very pertinent for us, as a number of our leaders have held District positions.  Some of our Group Scout Leaders (Douglas Killin and Alex Harvie) held District posts, but it’s important to note that many of our Scout Leaders did as well – they included John Graham (who, amongst other District posts, was an International Commissioner) and Alex McKillop.  Other leaders since those named here have also held District posts, some in a leader training capacity.

We’re delighted that Douglas retained much of his paperwork which was passed to us for our archive.  This paperwork included letters and cards confirming his appointments and we’re very fortunate to have such important records.  We also have excellent records of Scouting history of  John Graham, Alex Harvie, Douglas Killin and Alex McKillop, all of which shows their local, regional, area and worldwide reach.

We now get to what we’d call the foundation layer of the structure.  This is the one for our own Group.  It’s shown with titles only as we all know who leads our own section.

• Helpers, who can include parents or subject experts from the community, may be used on an occasional basis to help deliver the programme. They are not Warranted Leaders and do not attend on a weekly basis unless required for a specific purpose.
• We must not, of course, forget our ever important Treasurer.  Like our leaders, he’s a volunteer and does an excellent job ensuring our accounts are in order and we’re financially compliant.  Thanks very much for all your help John, you’re hugely appreciated.

• Adult Training

Training of leaders and occasional helpers is a very important aspect of Scouting.

The training ensures that holders of all posts are trained to the same standard. This is carried out by ongoing training which leaders are required to undertake to ensure that their skills are at a suitable level for them to provide the services they do to their Group members.

There is a structure for leader training so that leaders who complete one level will progress to the next to ensure their skills are enhanced.  Some topics are undertaken on an annual basis – Safeguarding (child protection) is one such module.

We’re very grateful to our leaders (remember all are volunteers) who undertake their training on a regular basis.  They often give up family time and all, or part, of weekends to ensure they’re up to date with the Scout Association’s requirements, thus ensuring our young people are well supported and provided for.

Thanks everyone!