04. Our structure

Northamptonshire is one of 160 Scout Counties across the UK. Each Scout County is divided into a number of Scout Districts. Within a Scout District there are a number of Scout Groups, Explorer Scout Units (14 to 18 years) and a Scout Network (18 to 25 years).

Northamptonshire Scouts supports Scouting in more than one hundred communities providing fun, challenges and adventure for more than 6,600 young people aged 6 to 25.

In Northamptonshire we have 10 Scout Districts:

  • Daventry & District
  • Glendon
  • Grafton
  • Nene Valley
  • Northampton
  • Wellingborough

Scout Groups are made up of our three youngest age groups (we call them Sections) – Beavers (6 to 8 years), Cubs (8 to 10 years) and Scouts (10 to 14 years). 

Our volunteer leaders are responsible for planning and delivering the programme to the young people in their Section. Beaver, Cub and Scout leaders are supported by a Group Scout Leader (GSL).

The Group Scout Leader is the lead volunteer in the Scout Group and is responsible for making sure the Group has a team of suitable adults who are well trained, supported with the resources they need to run amazing programmes.

The District Explorer Scout Commissioner is the lead volunteer and manager for all Explorer Units in the District and is responsible for making sure the District has a team of suitable adults who are well trained, supported with the resources they need to run amazing programmes.

The District Commissioner (DC), is the lead volunteer in the Scout District and is responsible for the provision of Scouting in the area the Scout District covers. The DC supports the GSLs and also leads a District Team which is responsible for supporting the leaders in the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scout sections. 

The County Commissioner (CC) and County Team provide support on adventurous activities, adult support and training, growth, volunteer recruitment, DofE Scheme, Youth Commissioners and YouShape. They provide programme support to Districts and for international activities,

The Executive Committee: each Group, District and County elects a body of trustees including a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and a number of Board Members. This group of volunteers is called the Executive Committee. They  make decisions and carry out administrative tasks to ensure that the best quality Scouting can be delivered to young people.

The Group, District or County Executive Committee works with the relevant volunteer manager (GSL, DC or CC), to ensure that the Scout County, District or Group operates in accordance with the Policies, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association and the rules of the UK Charity Commission.

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