FAQs for Commissioners who Support Scout Network (DC/ CC / DSNC / ACC SN)

Can we have multiple Scout Networks in our District?
Every District should have only one District Scout Network. We believe that this will make the pathway from Explorer Scouts to Scout Network clearer, as well as providing one point of contact for those seeking to join Scout Network from outside Scouting.
 
Does membership of a Scout Network count towards adult service awards?
No. Adult service awards are for time given to holding an adult appointment not a youth role which Scout Network membership is considered.
 
Can our District Scout Network be linked with a local Activity Centre?
Scout Network members involved in supporting local activity centres should be members of a District Scout Network. Their volunteering with local activity centres should be done through projects associated with the programme.
  
Who appoints the District Scout Network Commissioner?
The District Commissioner.

District Scout Network Comissioner role description
 
Can the role of District Scout Network Commissioner be shared with the District Explorer Scout Commissioner?
Flexible volunteering could mean that in some Districts it may be appropriate to combine the role of District Explorer Scout Commissioner and District Scout Network Commissioner. The individual will be required to have both roles added to their membership record.
 
Can the role of District Scout Network Commissioner be shared with another District?
Ideally, every District should have a District Scout Network and a District Scout Network Commissioner.  There is an exception process that will need to be followed if this structure cannot be put in place for your District.
Can we appoint District Scout Network Leaders?
No. Moving forward, the role of District Scout Network Leader is being discontinued.
 
Is the District Scout Network Commissioner a Member of the District Team?
Yes, and should work closely with the District Explorer Scout Commissioner.
 
Is the District Scout Network Commissioner a Member of the District Executive?
Yes.
 
What do we do for Air Scouts/Sea Scouts?
Scout Network members involved in Air Scouting or Sea Scouting are Members of the District Scout Network like all other young adults aged 18-25. Given the specific interests in air and sea activities, these Scout Network members may focus their activities through projects related to air and sea. They can continue to wear the Air and Sea Scout Network uniform.
 
SSAGO – Student Scout and Guide Organisation
Members of The Student Scout and Guide Organisation (SSAGO) are welcome to join the Scout Network, either through local District Scout Networks or the UK Scout Network if they don't have a connection with a District. District Scout Network Commissioners together with ACCs (Scout Network) should look to raise awareness of the Scout Network amongst student populations. www.ssago.org.uk

 
What are the options for people who have held County Scout Network Commissioner and Network Leader Roles? 
These roles will be closed after the transition period. Scout Network will be supported by a District Scout Network Commissioner and an Assistant County Commissioner (Scout Network). If members express an interest in these roles they will need to follow the existing appointment process. 

How do I run a joint Explorer Scout and Scout Network expedition within the rules of the Nights Away Permit Scheme?

You should be aware of the following information:

1. A Nights Away Permit holder has responsibility for any night’s away activities where under 18s are present (POR 9.56a).
2. Where adults are present at the event the permit holder must be onsite. Therefore meaning, in a joint Explorer Scout and Scout Network event a night’s away permit holder must be onsite and you cannot operate under Event Passports.
3. A minimum of two Scout Network members must have a full adult role (in order to meet the Explorer Scout ratios outlined in POR 4.7j) and appropriate vetting checks (as per POR 3.26b and 3.26m) and one must have the relevant level of Nights Away Permit.
4. Although Scout Network members are youth members, where they could be considered to be in a leadership position or during overnight activities where no leaders are present, they would be considered to be adults. Therefore subject to the appointment requirements as explained in point 3.
5. A Scout Network member cannot hold a Nights Away Permit without a full adult role, this could be a Skills Instructor or an Active Support Member, both of which can hold a permit unlike an Occasional Helper.
6. The Nights Away Permit must be relevant to the type of accommodation used and the Nights Away Adviser can make recommendations for restrictions to suit the experience and competence of the individual.
7. The issuing Commissioner must be satisfied the Scout Network member understands their responsibility as the permit holder (and adult). The permit only needs to be held by one of the two over 18s. Outside the two with adult roles, the other over 18’s can attend within their Scout Network roles. 
8.  A young person who turns 18 during an event or residential activity (of no more than one month’s duration) shall be treated as under 18, and be subject to all rules applicable to under 18 year olds, for the duration of that event (POR 4.7l).
9. The adults are therefore responsible for ensuring the policies and rules of The Scout Association are followed, including adherence with the Yellow Card, Green Card etc.

Therefore (as an example):

What rules apply when an Explorer Scout turns 18 during an event?

A young person who turns 18 during an event or residential activity (of no more than one month’s duration) shall be treated as under 18, and be subject to all rules applicable to under 18 year olds, for the duration of that event (POR 4.7l).