Dear Suffolk Scouters,
Many groups in the County will have been experiencing their first Summer Camp for two years albeit still with some restrictions. Overall, now that we are at the “Yellow” readiness level it is quite possible to offer nights away activities in a safe manner. Hopefully we can all look forward to offering a near normal programme in the Autumn term.
Module 38 (Skills for Residential Experiences)
This module is for Section Leaders and Supporters who may organise or support residential experiences for young people as part of their role in Scouting. If you would like a place on this useful training module, it will be running at Hallowtree from the 3rd to 5th September. Please see the Bookwhen link on the County website. Upcoming events – Booking by Bookwhen. Note: Use the ‘Show more’ link to open the month up to all the available modules.
Training Academy 16th and 17th October
This is an opportunity to tick off a number of essential training activities, all in one weekend. Details about the modules on offer, including the Module 10b First Aid training is also available on the County Website. Upcoming events – Booking by Bookwhen. Note: Use the ‘Show more’ link to open the month up to all the available modules.
Community Project Grants
If you are located in or near an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there is up to £60,000 of grant support for projects that will lead to the further conservation and enhancement of these areas. Many groups, particularly in the east of the county, will be located in these areas. You can get further information from AONgrants@suffolk.gov.uk
Health and Safety Updates
1. Managing buildings. HQ has issued updated guidance and some very good templates for how we manage our buildings. All those responsible for scout premises are required to read the new publications and strongly advised to maintain the records it recommends and provides. Please ensure that your building is checked by a professional for the status on asbestos you can read a copy here of the recent email sent by HQ to members.
2. Driving and Minibus permits. Groups are reminded that anyone driving a minibus for scouts must have obtained a minibus permit from scouts to do so. Groups that own minibuses are reminded that laws relating to tyres changed in February 21. Meaning tyres over 10 years old are not permitted. This includes spares. More info is available on the scout website.
3. Safety training. Suffolk is doing well ensuring all adults complete this. Going forward this effort must be maintained as a priority.
4. Risk Assessments. These need to be done for all activities and some I’ve read through have been very complicated and unrealistic. Risk assessments should be simple, user friendly, identify tangible hazards and explain what you will do to prevent the risk. Many groups use OSM for planning and communicating with each other and parents. It therefore makes absolute sense to include RA on OSM, which helps you meet your obligations to share information.
5. Safety Policy Update. In the last newsletter we explained that TSA has updated its safety policy and explained that every adult in scouting should take time to read the new policy and arrangements. Districts and Groups should in turn review their own written policies and references, especially those displayed in buildings, to ensure they are up to date and in line with the revised scout policy.
Suffolk Artlink
Local arts charity Suffolk Artlink is hosting a Garden Party Fundraiser on Sunday the 19th of September at Laffitts Hall, Pettaugh. There will be catering provided by Rural Coffee Caravan, live music all afternoon, free art workshops and lots more to do – the event will raise money for local projects with all proceeds going directly back into the community. Book your tickets for all the family here: www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/gardenparty/
Suffolk Police
Suffolk Police Community Engagement Officers are happy to continue to offer visits to scout groups throughout Suffolk. If any groups in Suffolk would like a visit/talk from a police officer, please get in touch with their local Community Engagement officer via their Community webpage
Best wishes
Mark Pearson
County Commissioner – Suffolk