I hope you have had a great summer and it’s now an exciting time for us to get back to some face to face Scouting. We are now at a stage where groups and sections in Suffolk are again able to start meeting. Whilst scouting might look a little different from what we were doing 6 months ago, there are lots of activities that we can enjoy. With your enthusiasm and ingenuity, interesting and fulfilling programmes can be created.
Don’t forget you can follow our news and ideas at https://www.suffolkscouts.org.uk/coronovirus as well as a jam packed UK Scouts website full of useful programme ideas for face to face as well as continued Scouting at home. Links for each section below.
· Beavers
· Cubs
· Scouts
· Network
The situation with Covid19 continues to change so do keep up to date with national events on The Scouts website here.
Latest Updates
Despite the recent change this week to social gathering restrictions in England, the government has confirmed that youth sector activity can continue unchanged (under the Amber readiness rules). Groups and sections must follow the restart guidance which is in line with COVID secure and National Youth Agency standards.
Risk Assessments
The process of submitting risk assessments in Suffolk is well underway.
This need not be a daunting prospect as you will already be familiar with writing risk assessments for a range of activities. What is required here is just a specific risk assessment detailing the measures that you will apply to reduce the risk of Covid transmission.
You do not need to submit your normal activity risk assessments for every single activity that you undertake, these should still be produced and shared with your GSL and Chair and Executive for approval in the normal way.
As you may be aware headquarters updated the guidance for the way we can operate and the type of activities we can undertake on September 3rd. You can read this new guidance here.
You can access a template for completing a risk assessment here. It contains some ideas and tips for producing your own document.
If you need support or help with this process, your district team will be happy to offer advice. Remember the reason that your assessment needs to be approved is not to catch you out or to critique your skills in writing a risk assessment, but to help to keep you, your leaders, and your young people safe.
Ipswich Gang Show
It has been decided that due to the difficulties in holding auditions, rehearsals, and the performances there will not be a Gang Show in 2021 with the hope that it will return in 2022.
Suffolk County Scout Council – Vote Now!
A reminder to those members of the Suffolk County Scout Council reading this Newsletter. Please remember to cast your vote in connection with the adoption of the proposed Suffolk County Scout Council Constitution. Voting closes at mid-night on Wednesday 16 September next. Be part of it, cast your vote (with the option to approve, reject or abstain) and make your vote count! If as a member of the Suffolk Scout Council you haven’t received the email with the voting link please contact the Carl Gloess on county.admin@suffolkscouts.org.uk.
Lockdown Heroes – Final Call
If you’d like to nominate any young people or adult volunteers for what they have done during the pandemic so far please drop me a line. They will join our growing band of heroes who’ve been in receipt of the Commissioners Commendation. Nominations by 30th September.
Best wishes
County Commissioner – Suffolk
