Transcript Slide 1

Module 11 of the series
for Group Leaders
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11 About this self tutoring module
This interactive module
is based on the New
Zealand publication
called “ An Operating
Guide for Managing a
Scout Group”.
These interactive modules may be
downloaded free of charge from this
website:
region1.scouts.org.nz/
It is designed for Group Leaders
who are unable to attend a
training course, or who prefer to
learn at their own pace at home.
Note:
Click the BACK and NEXT buttons
to navigate through the module.
BACK
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11 What are the typical issues
There are some issues that are common
to many Scout Groups. If you are
unlucky, you may encounter some of the
uncommon ones, but we all hope not.
To be quite candid, uncommon issues are
usually common issues left to fester until
they explode.
There is an old saying that “A stitch in
time saves nine”, meaning quick action
now will save much greater remedial
action later. That also applies to human
relationships and of course, Scout
Groups.
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Typical issues in Scout Groups
• Not observing Scout standards and
the Scout Code of Conduct.
• Relationship breakdowns / affairs.
• Verbal abuse of children or adults.
• Dishonesty.
• Substance abuse.
• Unreliability.
• Poor timekeeping.
• Not supporting the leader team.
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11 Scouting Standards
What are the Scouting standards?
Here they are:
1. The Scout Promise
2. The Scout Law
3. The Code of Conduct
4. The Duty of Care
And do you know the good thing about
these? When your Leaders signed their
‘Warrant Application’, they agreed to
observe these standards.
And we know they are aware of them
because you took them through the
“Introduction to Scouting” booklet
where these are all explained. Right ?
BACK
If you have a need to ‘have a chat’
with a leader over an issue and they
have completed the “Introduction to
Scouting” session, you could try this
approach:
“Jim, I am quite concerned about the
way you use inappropriate language
when speaking to the Scouts. Do you
remember how this sits in relation to
the ‘Code of Conduct’ you agreed to
when you joined as a Leader?”
Most times you will get an apology
and hopefully a change of attitude.
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11 Who do we involve for guidance?
Who do we involve when a serious issue
arises?
1. Initially the Group Leader deals with issues as
they arise.
2. If the issue is thought to be serious enough
to involve dismissal, the Zone Leader is
involved and advice is sought.
3. If there is concern about the possible
outcome or if dismissal is a possibility, the
Regional Development Manager is involved
as they may have knowledge of similar issues
that could be helpful.
4. If the issue is likely to impact on the
Movement as a whole, and dismissal is
thought to be necessary, the National Service
Centre is involved.
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There is a flow chart on the next
two pages that may be helpful.
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11 Disciplinary process
Part 1
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11 Disciplinary process
Part 2
Click here to download the flow
chart in A4 page size.
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Please note: If there is the potential for a written warning or dismissal, the Group
Leader must discuss the issue with the Zone Leader or an appropriate Zone Team
member. It is the Zone Leader who escalates the issue to Region. The Regional
Development Manager escalates it to the National Development Manager.
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11 Documenting the issue
This is really critical if things escalate and
senior members of Scouting have to get
involved.
Always keep diary notes of incidents
involving discipline where a warning or
dismissal is a possible outcome.
Keep it factual.
• ‘A’ said or did,
• ‘B’ said or did,
• ‘A’ then said or did,
• ‘B’ then said or did,
Avoid taking sides in the early stages until
you have all the facts.
BACK
Once you have the facts, decide if you
are going to handle it, or if you are
going to consult the Zone Team for
advice and guidance.
Don’t hesitate to consult the Zone
Team as they are there to support
and guide you.
That is the reason for their existence.
Always err on the side of caution and
seek help if in doubt.
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11 Options for disciplinary issues
Firstly, you must understand that a Group
Leader can only suspend or dismiss a
leader when:
1. the process on the flow chart has been
followed, and
2. approval has been gained from the
National Service Centre through the
RDM and Zone Leader.
The following may be viable options for
issues that don’t warrant dismissal:
1. Mentoring with reference to the Duty of
Care, Code of Conduct or Promise and
Law.
2. Relocation to another section which is a
more comfortable fit with the leader.
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3. Relocation to another Group if
relationship breakdowns or ‘affairs’
are involved.
4. Training, if it has not been done, so
that the leader has a better
understanding of what is required
5. Re-training, but only if there is an
obvious lack of understanding or
knowledge. Do not push re-training
if there is an attitude problem. That
has to be dealt with by disciplinary
action.
6. Verbal warning
7. Written warning
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11 Check your understanding
Click what you believe is the correct statement
1. You want to impress on
your leaders the need to be
aware of the Scout
standards. Where will you
find them?
2. You are really concerned about
a leader issue in the Group and
need advice. Who can you go
to?
3. You are concerned about
the behaviour of a leader in
your Group and feel strongly
that the warrant should be
cancelled. What can you do?
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Listed under Scout Policies in the Rule Book.
They are part of the Scout Promise and Law, Code of Conduct
and Duty of Care documents.
The Zone leader or a member of the Zone Team in the first
instance.
Someone you feel you can rely on to give you good advice
and guidance.
List the facts in writing and discuss them with the Zone
Leader. Then recommend the warrant be cancelled and seek
approval to do so.
Suspend the Leader pending an investigation, and then
cancellation of the warrant if the facts support it.
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11 This module is now complete
Congratulations. You have completed
the Group Leaders training module 11
Please click on this link and advise the Zone Training Leader.
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The modules in this series are:
• GLs Support – 1. Scouts is a value based organisation
• GLs Support - 2. The Group, the committee, the AGM and you
• GLs Support - 3. Recruiting and inducting adult volunteers
• GLs Support - 4. Supporting your Group team
• GLs Support - 5. Leading by example
• GLs Support - 6. You are not alone
• GLs Support - 7. Communicating effectively
• GLs Support - 8. Planning and development
• GLs Support - 9. Protecting SCOUTS assets
• GLs Support – 10 Safety of Youth and Leaders
• GLs Support - 11 Dealing with difficult situations
• GLs Support - 12 Section Organisation
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Correct !!!
Well done, you understand SCOUTS approach on this.
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Sorry !!!
This is not the correct answer.
The Scout standards as such, are found in the Scout
Promise and Law, Code of Conduct and Duty of Care.
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Sorry !!! Not a good idea.
Having someone you can rely on is indeed
fortunate, but if there is a problem brewing,
the Zone Leader needs to know about it and
help you put a plan of action in place that
conforms to the rules and policies of the Scout
Movement.
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Sorry !!!
Group Leaders do not have the authority to suspend
leaders. Such an action must be approved by the
National Service Centre.
Experience shows that in many cases, suspending a
leader leads to a court case and significant expense
for the Movement. This could have been avoided by
systematically following the correct process and
involving the Zone Leader, and the Regional
Development Manager immediately.
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