Natter with Nathan March 2020

March 25, 2020

This awful pandemic has re-written the way that we interact and the ways in which we go about our daily lives. We are facing challenging and uncertain times and as Scout Leaders I believe we have a moral obligation to do all we can to continue to provide exciting and adventurous Scouting programmes which ensures we enhance the mental and physical resilience of our members during this really difficult time. We are stepping up to deliver online programmes and we should be proud that BSO is living up to our Scouting values. Our comms team has worked tirelessly to massively enhance our communication tools which is enabling you to adapt your programmes for online delivery.

There are three inter-related challenges and opportunities facing us all.

Firstly, we must look after our adult volunteers. This means looking out for one another by speaking regularly to your team perhaps over a coffee.
Secondly, we must do everything we can to ensure that young people can still participate in Scout activities and gain badges and awards in recognition of their efforts.
Thirdly, where it is safe to do so – and within the context of both national and local public health guidance – we must empower young people to do more than just participate. With appropriate adult guidance we can turn our volunteering into providing the vital support that their own communities need to be resilient in these unprecedented times. Already we are hearing of Scouts ensuring that those who are isolated receive a phone chat or receive a written letter.

There has never been a time when working together has been more important. With this in mind we are providing common Microsoft collaboration tools which will enable our Groups to interconnect across Districts and across the Area. We have several Groups in the Area that are trying to do their ‘own thing’ and operate independently. I say with utmost respect – This is not the time to operate in isolation – We are part of a big team and we need everyone to pull together with the same tools which will enable you to interconnect right across BSO.

We will be endeavouring to keep everyone informed and connected through regular newsletters and in the BSO Adult Forum Facebook Group. In particular, we want to share stories, insights and ideas to give all our leaders support and inspiration so we can continue to make a positive difference and deliver skills for life.

Finally, It’s been wonderful seeing us all learning totally new processes and systems to deliver great Scouting. I have never been more proud to be part of the movement and I am full of gratitude to everyone one of you for all you are doing to ensure our young people continue to enjoy and benefit from Scouting.

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Open Call: Could you be one of BSO's Trustees

By Jane Warne • April 14, 2026

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 W illingness 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.

Good Service Awards

By Graham Eden • April 14, 2026

Congratulations to our Good Service Award Recipients

Vacancy: Could you be our next Chair?

By Graham Eden • March 13, 2026

About the role The Chair of British Scouting Overseas’ (BSO) will provide inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees. The Chair will ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the BSO Lead Volunteer (and their team) to achieve agreed objectives and oversight. The chair will focus on BSO’s governance and regulatory compliance long-term sustainability, enabling young people to gain skills for life.