Natter with Nathan November 2020

November 10, 2020

It’s been wonderful to see many parts of BSO reopen in line with local government guidance, including a small number of summer camps. Despite continuing restrictions, it’s been hugely motivating to see the hive of activity happening across all parts of BSO. I’m hugely grateful and in awe of our Area training teams who continue to enhance, develop and deliver excellent training to our Leaders which in turn ensures we are delivering brilliant and engaging programmes. Please keep an eye out and sign up for any of the many BSO training webinars that are on offer.


Those who have ever been camping with me will have had the pleasure of listening to my early morning wake up bugle call! I write this on Remembrance Day, and this is the first time ever that I have not played the Last Post and Reveille and I was feeling quite lost earlier today (I usually play in Fulham London and later at the war memorial for Scouts in Westminster District). Just then, a notification popped up from the Rest of World District Facebook page and I spent the next 30 minutes in Singapore on a virtual Remembrance Sunday Service and then with the 1st and 2nd Singapore as the recited the deeply moving poem For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon (thank you Emma Perrin for sharing). It has been wonderful to see how our Groups around the world have been marking Remembrance Day either virtually or in-person. 


In September, we held our AGM… If you haven’t read it, I would highly recommend that you read the BSO Annual Report 2019-20 which will give you an excellent overview of the massive amount of activities that we undertook over the year in our Districts, at the Area level, with our World Jamboree Unit and also includes reports from all our Assistant Area Commissioners which will show you what they do and hopefully give you an idea of the support that the Area team can provide to you (feel free to contact any of them – they’re there to help).


According to our Getting back together status webpage, we have a total of 17 Groups currently open either outdoors and/or indoors. However, many parts of the world, especially Europe, are now in a second wave and lockdowns are being reinstated. Many of our Groups continue to have amazing programmes being run on Zoom but for others this has been a bit harder for all sorts of reasons which are totally okay. I would ask that we all work together to support our fellow leaders who have been unable to provide online activities so far. Maybe you could host another section in the same time zone as you and give the other Leaders some pointers on how to run a programme or perhaps two same-age sections could take it in turn to host one another? Young people thrive on variety so why not invite someone from your District team, the Area team (even me!) to run an activity or talk about what they do? 


So, the challenge is………
To aim for an online opportunity to be offered to every young person in your District at least once during November and December. If we could do that, it would be amazing and a great achievement!


As you may have seen, HQ have negotiated an extension of our FREE Zoom licences for a further 6 months; this is an amazing opportunity and enables online meetings to continue.


The impact of Covid-19 has had a massive impact on the young people from the poorest Areas of the UK and threatens the viability of at least 500 scout groups that are at risk of closing. Scouting in these areas make the biggest difference in the lives of Young people. One of our fundamental policies is that as Scouts, we promise to help others. We should do everything we can to fulfil this promise and I would urge you to push the new fundraising campaign from The Scouts called “Race Round the World”, which aims to support the 500+ groups hit hardest by COVID-19.


By virtually travelling around the world in teams led by Scouting ambassadors, everyone can help make sure that thousands of young people don’t miss the life-changing skills and experiences being a Scout can bring. All you need to do is get sponsored, complete your miles, and add them to your team’s grand total. Please help BSO make a difference.


Finally, I’d like to quote a recent post by Deputy UK Chief Commissioner, Graeme Hamilton: 

“Let’s remember we are a movement of values and strong purpose, let’s do the right things for our young people, let’s be visible in our communities looking after those who need us most whether online or face to face, and let’s remember that our predecessors back in 1914 and 1939 didn’t know they were facing a four and six year challenge respectively. BUT all through those years they delivered scouting; they looked after the young people; they faced the wider society challenges; and they, and Scouting, came through it all the stronger. WE CAN TOO”. 


Scouting continues to be harder to deliver and more than ever we need to live up to the sentiments behind our Scouting Ethos. I am grateful to every one of you, our amazing BSO volunteers, for everything you are doing to keep Scouting going in these difficult times. 


Finally, please remember to ensure you understand the latest HQ information for everything you need to know about the Covid responses, rules and regulations. Getting Everyone Back Together Safely.



Yours in British Scouting Overseas 

Nathan 

Area Commissioner 

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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.
By Graham Eden April 14, 2026
Congratulations to our Good Service Award Recipients
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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