British Scouting Overseas wants to appoint two trustees, to serve for an initial term of three years, starting in September 2026. Our trustee board provides collective leadership and oversight of the charity, in support of our volunteers who deliver our programme to young people around the world.
Trustees may be of any nationality and live in any part of the world – the only condition is that you are willing and able to carry out the duties of a trustee and to bring a constructive and independent-minded approach to the role.
The main requirement is a commitment to Scout values and willingness to do the best you can to help the Board carry out their role. It’s a bonus if you can bring some personal skills or experience in a particular area, such as any of the following:
- Administration and meeting management
- Data protection - policy and practice
- Development planning in a voluntary group
- Finance and budgeting - oversight
- Governance
- Media and public affairs
- Risk management - policy and practice
- Safety - policy and practice
We are also keen to include young adults (for example, under twenty fives).
The role of trustee is a volunteer one, but reasonable authorised expenses may be claimed. Trustees serve for three year terms, up to a maximum of nine years, after which they must stand down.
Trustees may only be appointed if they are not disqualified under UK law from being a trustee of a registered charity. Successful candidates will be required to sign a statement confirming that they are not disqualified. There is some mandatory online learning for our trustees.
The Board meets four times a year, plus the annual general meeting. There are additional ad hoc meetings from time to time. Meetings are usually held online via Microsoft Teams.
Appointment requirements
- Hold or obtain membership of The Scout Association in accordance with appointment requirements
- Complete The Scouts Joining Journey and membership declaration.
- Follow our code of conduct for members of the BSO Board
- Communicate with purpose and efficiency
- Always act with integrity and in the best interests of the charity
- Champion our vision, mission and values
- Accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a Trustee and adhere to the ethical standards outlined in the Nolan principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
- Take on training and development that will help you in your role
Responsible to
Area Chair and British Scouting Overseas Scout Council
Main tasks and responsibilities
- To be a full and active participant in Trustee Board meetings and activities
- To uphold the responsibilities of a Trustee Board as outlined in The Scout Association’s Policy Organisation and Rules
- Contribute to the strategic aims and future development of the Area
- An understanding of their own role, and the role of others on the Trustee Board
- A commitment to understanding and forming opinions on the key discussion points and responsibilities of the Trustee Board
- Willingness to complete various tasks which support the work of the Trustee Board and the aims of the Area
Skills for a trustee
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Strong communication skills
- Able to think creatively and solve problems
- Able to handle and resolve conflict effectively
- Willing to speak one’s mind and listen to the views of others
- Able to maintain independent and objective judgement
- Willing to actively design and contribute to the strategic vision of the Area
- Willingness to take decisions which will further the work of the Area
- Willingness and eligibility to act as a charity trustee for the Area
Time commitment
The estimated time commitment is:
- 4 Board meetings a year
- 1 AGM
- Other commitments as required to fulfil the role
- Meetings are normally online using Microsoft Teams
About BSO
BSO is a part of the UK Scout Association with headquarters in Gilwell Park, London. BSO members have access to the same resources, support and programme as UK based Scout groups. BSO exists to support British families living overseas in the provision of a UK Scouting programme to expatriate British children and to several British Overseas Territories.
We aim to ensure that all our members have the opportunity to feel and experience high quality UK Scouting whilst providing support and advice to adult members no matter where they are in the world. BSO undertakes Scouting activities in a safe and secure environment with flexibility to adapt to both local customs and guidelines set out within The Scout Association's policies and rules.
BSO operates 60 Scout Groups, 25 Explorer Units and 3 Scout Networks, with an impressive 3,138 young people supported by 1473 adult volunteer leaders across 29 countries around the world.
Whilst most adult volunteer members are delivering programme activities with our young people, many volunteers are also based in the UK offering support, training, mentoring, governance and resources in a variety of different roles from trustee to marketing and event support to skills assessors.
BSO is fully inclusive and open to all who share our fundamental values. BSO exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Application Process
You can apply for the role yourself using the application form
A search group has been put together to oversee this process and will review all applications and nominations in order to make decisions as to who to invite to attend the selection stage of this process.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet the selection panel to discuss the work of the charity and their application. This will be on a date agreed with the candidate and will be conducted online on Microsoft Teams.
Key Dates
Closing Date: 15 May 2025 (8pm UK)
Interview Date: TBC
For more information
For more information, or for an informal char about this vacancy, please contact
Jane Warne, Area Chair
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