Natter with Nathan May 2020

May 23, 2020

It is unfortunate that BSO has probably been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic more than any other part of the UK Scout Association. In January we had the first China-based BSO Groups forced shut by the pandemic and I’m pretty sure that BSO Groups will be the last to reopen, possibly long after UK-based Scouting restarts.


The health of BSO has always been inextricably linked with the global economy and I’m afraid that another sad aspect of this pandemic is that the job security of the expatriate population will be hardest-hit in any global recession. I have asked District Commissioners to consider the impact this could have on their Scout Groups so we can manage any contraction in numbers. This is a horrible time for families and if job security is an issue, then please reach out to your Scouting friends for support as we must help each other and please keep your Group Scout Leaders informed if it looks likely you will be forced to move away.


And there have been some positives! We should all be proud of the impact that we’re having within the wider Scout Association. Whilst some of our Groups were closed a full three months earlier than the UK, we were able to develop and deliver online programmes across all sections. This demonstrated to the rest of the Association what virtual Scouting could look like and we were able to provide best-practice guidance across the UK.

 

The other positive is that we now have several countries where BSO operates that are starting to emerge from the lockdown. Local Governments and national Scout Organisations are providing guidance on how organisations like ours can restart providing face-to-face meetings and activities. This is providing some invaluable insight into how some 8,000 UK-based Scout Groups could be restarted.  However, please remember that we are all part of a much bigger, UK-based organisation and our Groups are covered by the UK Scout Association’s rules, regulations, charity law and insurance. We are in a tough place as we are required to conform to both UK Scout Association regulations and your local regulations. The current ruling from The Scout Association is that no face-to-face meetings can take place without specific permission from the Area (via District Commissioners). We really want to see our Groups restarting and will champion your case to reopen when the time comes but we must abide also by the Scout Association’s rules. Restarting section meetings without permission introduces significant legal and insurance risk which is why our Scout Groups must seek written/email permission from the Area before restarting section meetings.


When the lockdown commenced, many of us jumped right in with an admirable enthusiasm to the creation of online programmes and virtual meetings. We’ve seen loo-rolls and scarves being thrown in every direction, an Area-wide St George’s Day camp (with a Uke playing AC!), Middle East and RoW District camps, virtual Area-wide Everest climbs, campsites in living rooms, balconies, gardens (and in one case a raft on a swimming pool!), scavenger hunts and much, much more. The effort that have gone into this is both fantastic and inspirational. I have enjoyed seeing the amazing parental feedback and their gratitude on the activities you’re delivering. I consistently hear that the online meetings are the highlight of the week for their child and for that you should be very proud.


I would like to finish by directly quoting part of a beautifully worded email sent to Middle East District members by the DC, Jane Warne, just a few days ago which echoes my thoughts exactly…


I would like to send my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you, for the time and dedication you have given and continue to give to this amazing movement that we all belong to. Being an adult volunteer with The Scouts is a wonderful thing, please do not ever forget that or under estimate the impact that you have on a young person’s life. Our movement follows a set of guiding principles that are embedded in over 100 years of history, each of which is wrapped around the development of young people. Scouting is about embedding skills for life, not just as a hashtag, but as a genuine investment that makes a very real difference to the confidence, personal development and prospects of young people.


But for me, scouting is so much more than that. For me, it is about you. You the adult volunteers, who tirelessly give up your time to run those meeting nights and push yourselves out of your own comfort zones, in order to support young people. It is about friendships that are made and can last a lifetime. It is about your personal development and the laughter you have in your scouting journey. It is about investing in people and recognising all that you do, week in, week out.


Yours in Scouting

Nathan

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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.
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