Transcript Slide 1
Module 09 of the series for Group Leaders NEXT 09 About this self tutoring module This interactive module is based on the New Zealand publication called “ An Operating Guide for Managing a Scout Group”. There are 9 of these interactive modules in the series and they 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 NEXT 09 Protecting Scout Assets Some of these topics have been explained or touched upon in earlier modules, but it’s worth mentioning them again. As you review the information in this module reflect on what is happening in your Group and think about any changes that might be beneficial. Group Leaders are in many ways the ‘Gatekeepers’ of the Movement because they are working at the coal face of Scouting. The topics are: 1. Brand image 2. Financial procedures 3. Property management 4. Equipment management 5. Graffiti Control 6. Group Insurance 7. Equipment Insurance 8. Risk Management system There is no one better placed to encourage observance of the rules and procedures designed to keep our members and assets safe. BACK NEXT 09 Brand Image SCOUTS has developed a solid brand over the last 100 years and is serious about protecting it and the images that support it. If in doubt about how to use the branding appropriately, contact your Zone Leader and seek guidance. The current brand images were updated and launched in March 2009 using the ‘ADVENTURE PLUS’ tagline, ‘SCOUTS New Zealand’ and the ‘World Scout Logo’. A document called “Brand Guidelines” is available from the Regional Service Centre and the SCOUTS Web Site. It sets out how the brand, logos and other images are used in books, newsletters, correspondence, slide shows, business cards, signs and press releases etc. (Remember to logon) BACK Uniforms are part of the brand image and should be worn correctly so that our members always look smart in public. NEXT 09 Protecting Group Finances Finance is probably the asset that causes the most concern for the Movement. Groups and leaders can be very casual in the way they handle finances and often leave room for treasurers and leaders who are under some financial stress to “borrow” Group funds. Needless to say this always leads to ‘tears’ and in most cases the involvement of the Police. SCOUTS New Zealand have very good ‘Fact Sheets’ on managing funds (Fact Sheet 1205 Security of Cheques, and Fact Sheet 1220 Managing of Bank Accounts). BACK These are available on the web site under ‘Resources’ and is recommended reading for Zone Leaders and Group Leaders. Ignore the advice given in the fact sheets at your peril. A point worth considering is to make the Group bank account a ‘Business Account’ so that the treasurer can set up payments online, and the Group Leader can then go online and approve them. While you are at it, allow all leaders and Committee members access in ‘View Only’ mode so finances are totally transparent. NEXT 09 Protecting Group Finances Some of the key requirements for handling SCOUTS funds are listed below: 1. All bank accounts are to be named in the format: “The Scout Association of New Zealand XXXXXXX Group”. 2. All cheques must be signed by two signatories. No exceptions. 3. All funds received must be receipted and banked. 4. Annual accounts showing the Group financial position as at the 30th September each year must be completed, checked by a qualified person and a copy given to the Zone Treasurer or the Zone Leader no later than 1st December each year. BACK 5. The pre-signing of cheques is not to occur under any circumstances. 6. Separate accounts for Kea, Cub Scout and Venturer sections are to be sub accounts of the main Group Bank Account and the Group Treasurer must be one of the signatories. Usually two leaders in the section are also given signing authority. Warning: A Scout Group cannot legally loan money to a leader or other member of SCOUTS. NEXT 09 Protecting Buildings and Halls Buildings and the signage displayed on them are in effect our shop window. Regrettably, many of the Scout owned buildings are now becoming very old and shabby and do not reflect well upon the Movement. Group Leaders with old and shabby buildings situated on Local Body reserves will find they quickly get on to a first name basis with the Local Council Property Manager, especially when leases are due for renewal. Needless to say, the Property Managers do not like shabby halls on council reserves and have the authority to request us to remove the unsightly hall from their land. SCOUTS have a standard for hall signage. Most Regional Service Centres have an arrangement with a local signwriter to produce signs of about 1500mm x 1000m on Alucobond Sheet as shown below. The price range varies between $200 and $300 per sign. (You may need up to $15,000 to demolish a hall). BACK NEXT 09 Graffiti Control We need to be proactive and remove graffiti immediately, wash or repaint the buildings and signs, preferably the same day. Also keep the lawns mown. Ideally a person on the Group Committee should be appointed to manage the building and to co-opt people to assist when needed. Some Councils have a team paid to paint out Graffiti so you may choose to use them. Consider planting hedge like plants trimmed to 1.6m high or a climbing rose along the sides of the hall to make the walls unappealing to vandals. BACK Sets of wide steps up and into a porch at the hall are a perfect place for local youth to congregate and get in to mischief. Eliminate the ‘gathering space’ with a security gate, particularly if the space is covered by a veranda , and it will usually minimise the vandalism. Note: Where our halls are in public view, the ‘anti graffiti’ painters will usually repaint it immediately. If the hall is on a reserve and out of site, it will seldom get painted promptly, if at all. NEXT 09 Property Maintenance An approach that seems to work well is to select two families who are prepared to share the mowing of the lawns, washing the paint and signs and replacing light bulbs etc. These families are then offered a discount on their fees, usually the same fee as paid by leaders for their children. The older halls do not usually need a “Warrant of Fitness” unless having a specified system, e.g. Fire Alarm, or have undergone recent alterations requiring a building permit, but any new halls built need to have an annual ‘Warrant of Fitness’ which is required by the local council. Families suffering from economic stress often respond positively to an approach like this as it’s a ‘win win’ situation for all parties. It works particularly well for parents with bigger families. If your hall periodically hosts 100 + people, you will need to complete a formal evacuation plan and register it with the NZ Fire Service. (See their web site for more details). Your Zone Leader can get help to complete this. BACK NEXT 09 Protecting Equipment The amount of equipment held by SCOUTS is amazing. Most Groups have a range of camping equipment including at least 4 or 5 tents and a myriad of pots, pans, cooking utensils, barbeques and water containers etc. Others have sailing cutters and canoes along with sails, oars, paddles and lifejackets. The potential for this equipment to go missing is quite high, but past Group Leaders were generally the people who raised the funds to purchase the gear and they tended to keep a close and possessive eye on it. BACK A list of all assets of the Group should be attached to the annual accounts with the date of purchase if known and the purchase price. It’s prudent to review the age of the equipment each year and prompt the committee to make plans for replacing items nearing the end of their life cycle. NEXT 09 Group Insurance Groups must not let insurance policies lapse. Scout Halls are usually located on reserves or on isolated areas away from dwellings and as such are vulnerable to breaking and entering and arson attacks. Most Scout Halls are currently insured either with an insurance broker (Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ltd) who has an arrangement with the National Office, or with a scheme managed by the Regional Scout Office based in Auckland and with NZI. Both are similarly priced and competitive. BACK New halls are generally insured for replacement value, but old halls that SCOUTS would not normally replace are usually insured for a fixed sum (Indemnity). The cost of demolishing a hall damaged by arson may be around $15,000 (2014 terms) so insurance for at least $30,000 or so on very old halls is essential in order to cover equipment lost as well. Each year it’s getting more difficult and more expensive to arrange insurance cover for Scout Halls. Be aware that before long SCOUTS will have to find ways of making halls more secure and less prone to arson and burglary as full insurance cover may become a luxury. NEXT 09 Equipment Insurance Sailing cutters, Sunburst yachts, kayaks, patrol boats, trailers and related items are insured under a marine policy. Some policies have exclusions for insurance cover on boats when they are racing. New camping equipment should be insured for the first five years or so. Contacts for insurance quotes: Jardine Lloyd Thompson Ltd - phone 03 366 4866 Scout Service Centre Auckland – phone 09 827 5519 BACK NEXT 09 Risk Management System Training on the Scout Risk Management System is carried out during the Initial Training all Leaders are required to undertake. The Group Leader checks and approves each Activity Intention Sheet, seeking guidance from experienced leaders and advisors when needed. The training includes the following: 1. Awareness of the risks applicable in Scouting. 2. The Activity Intention Form. (AIS) 3. The RAMS form. 4. An incident reporting form. For adventurous activities with significant risk factors, the AIS is forwarded to the Zone Leader for a double check and approval. BACK Activities taking place in another Zone need to be forwarded to the Zone Leader for that Zone five days prior to the event taking place. NEXT 09 Check your understanding Click what you believe is the correct statement 1. Can Scouts do online payments from their bank accounts? No they cannot because they need two signatures and this cannot be achieved online. Yes they can if they change the account to a business account with a payment approval step. 2. Can a Group modify a Scout Logo for their Group? No they cannot. The logos and banners must not be changed or amended. Yes they can. 3. Is Insurance for Scout halls now optional? All Scout owned halls must be insured for either full or indemnity cover. Yes it is optional due to the high cost. BACK NEXT 09 This module is complete Congratulations. You have completed the Group Leaders training module 9 Please click on this link and advise the Zone Training Leader. 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 BACK EXIT Correct !!! Well done, you understand SCOUTS approach on this. BACK Sorry !!! This is not the best answer. A bank business account has a two step approval process that is the electronic equivalent of the two signatures. Note however, that not all banks offer this facility to SCOUTS. BACK Sorry !!! Scouts are very protective of their brand and public image. Do not change a logo or the colours when using SCOUTS branding. BACK Sorry !!! SCOUTS property must be insured for either indemnity insurance of about $15,000 or more to cover removal of the building and reinstatement of the site in the event of an earthquake or fire, or for a sum that will cover replacement of the building if it is damaged. BACK