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County of Greater London South West
Annual Reports and Accounts 2002

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Chairman's Report

As I write this, my fifth Annual Report, I am reminded of three main elements namely; development, preparation for the new programme and recognising Scouting as a business.

Development

This is not simply a well-prepared five-year action plan but is an all-embracing concept to match the needs of our young people in an ever-changing society. I know from speaking with some District and Group Chairmen and their Executives that "Development" is on their agenda. At County level we have, after two years, achieved our aim by employing our very own paid County Development Officer (CDO). Jo Launchbury. Jo commenced work on December 4th 2001 and we warmly welcomed her to a very 'different' and challenging job! Jo is supported by the part time Project Manager, Roger Cooke (Chairman of Greater London South). We are fortunate to secure Roger in this role since he has experience, having undertaken a similar position for the Greater London Inner and East Counties. Please read their items elsewhere in this report. To hear the Scout Association's concept on Development I am delighted that John May, Chairman of the Programme and Development Directorate at Headquarters, has accepted my invitation to be the Keynote speaker at this year's Annual General Meeting. His theme will be, "Better Scouting for More Young People".

New Programme

The launch of the Programme Review Implementation (PRI) next year cannot come fast enough. Naturally there has been frustration in awaiting the details, but if the end result meets expectations then the waiting will have been worthwhile. (Obviously as I write this Report the launches have been completed with great enthusiasm - more details next year). I am mindful of the enormous extra workload, which has been placed on the shoulders of the County Commissioner, his County Support Team and all the Leaders. Executive Committees have a key role in this too with giving administrative and financial support to the District Commissioners and Group Scout Leaders. I thank you all for your anticipated acceptance of the additional work.

The 'Business' Side Of Scouting

During the past year we have been faced with legislation on Health & Safety and the Charities Act to name but two areas promoting the need to put Scouting on a business footing. However when trying to incorporate more business know how we tread a precarious path for we must never overlook the value of our volunteer Leaders, Instructors and Helpers. One area which has taken tremendous strides since having a more professional approach has been in Communications. I applaud the success of the Communications Committee, ably led by Christopher Feltham, in updating our website archive.glswscouts.org.uk. Have you joined as a subscriber where you can get up to date information on activities, jamboree and Focus Newsletter etc? With a total of over 10,000 members and helpers we will continue to endeavour to communicate with them all regularly. Another significant success in the year was the National campaign to prevent the Government introducing a fee for security clearance applications via the Criminal Records Bureau. Thanks go to all of you who wrote to your Members of Parliament and other people who had influence culminating in the charging proposal being withdrawn. (Note: there are now new guidance notes, 'Dealing with disclosure application forms' issued by the Criminal Records Bureau). Please take time to read the separate Sub- Committee Reports enclosed within the Annual Report. They give a very clear picture of just how much is going on in the County and the variety of activities, which are on offer.

Finally I would pay tribute to all the Leaders and Adult Supporters in Greater London South West for their commitment and sheer hard work. In thanking them all I must make special mention of Roger Hurrion who, by our Annual General Meeting on July 3rd 2002, will have completed five years as County Commissioner. It has been a privilege to work with him over this period and to see first hand his ability to juggle family, work and Scouting and still retain a sense of humour!

On a personal note I look forward to writing this report in a year's time because it's going to be a great year. Optimism reigns.