Note: From April 2023, Groups must work towards transforming from the Group Executive model to the Group Trustee Board, as per POR rule 5. The information below is current only until such time as a Group makes this move.

The Role of the Group Executive

Group Executive Committee members can often be the invisible volunteers in scouting.  But, this said, they are trustees and are responsible for the management and governance of scouting within your scout group.

Our truestees work on our Executive Committees at every level (in Groups, Districts, Counties and nationally), to support our leaders and help make scouting happen. It might not be the most glamorous or visible role – but that doesn’t make it any less essential, in fact being part of an effective Group Executive can be a hugely rewarding role for any volunteers.

The Group Executive Committee exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment.

Members of the Executive Committee act collectively as charity Trustees of the Scout Group, and in the best interests of its members to:

• Comply with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association
• Protect and maintain the property and equipment owned by and/or used by the Group
• Look after the Groups money
• Ensure the Group has the necessary insurances
• Make sure the group has everything it needs to operate.  This includes, but is not limited to, supporting
  • recruitment
  • other adult support
  • fundraising activities
• Promote and support the development of scouting in the local area
• Ensure Scouting happens safely
• Ensure that a positive image of scouting exists in the local community
• Ensure that Young People are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels within the Group
• The opening, closure and amalgamation of Sections in the Group as necessary
• Present the Annual Report and Annual Accounts to the Scout Council at the Annual General Meeting.

The Executive Committee’s members consist of:

Ex-officio Members

There are several members of the Group Executive Committee who are members because of the role that they hold. They do not have to be nominated or voted onto the committee because their role means that they already have a place.

• The Group Chairman
• The Group Secretary
• The Group Treasurer
• The Group Scout Leader
• The Assistant Group Scout Leader
• The Sponsoring Authority or its nominee (if you are a sponsored group)
• All Section Leaders (i.e. individuals holding a Beaver Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader or Scout Leader role) subject to that Section Leader expressly indicating to the AGM (in writing or orally at the meeting) that they are willing to perform such a function

Nominated and Elected Members 

As well as ex officio members a Group Executive Committee is made up of of nominated and elected members.  Nominated members are nominated by the Group Scout Leader whereas elected members are elected by the Group Scout Council.

• All of these member are appointed at the Groups Annual General Meeting.
• The number of nominated members must not exceed that of elected members.
• The number of elected should be the subject of a resolution by the Group Scout Council.

Co-opted Members

Ideally, between the nominated members, elected members and co-opted members, the Group Executive should include a parent of at least one Member of each of the Sections in the Group.

Right of Attendance

• The District Commissioner and the District Chair have the right of attendance at meetings of the Group Executive Committee.

Sub-Committees

• The Group Executive Committee may also establish any sub-Committees that it deems necessary.

Only persons aged 18 and over may be full voting members of the Group Executive Committee because of their status as charity trustees.