Branch Fellowship
Overview
The Branch Fellowship Team is made up of experienced and passionate members of the Scouting community who wish to continue supporting Scouts in a non-uniformed, volunteer capacity. Often including former leaders, adult members, and long-time supporters, the team plays a valuable role in preserving Scouting traditions, sharing knowledge, and assisting with events and activities.
Their involvement might include mentoring younger leaders, helping at major Scouting events, providing behind-the-scenes support, or contributing to community projects. While they may no longer be active in frontline roles, their experience and commitment continue to strengthen and enrich the Scouting movement.
FAQ’s
Why have I been transferred to Fellowship when I have resigned?
Leaders who relinquish their active roles are transferred to the Fellowship Team for the remainder of their membership term.
What is the benefit from being in Fellowship?
Sometimes leaders just need a break from their former duties and Fellowship offers the opportunity to remain connected with the possibility to try new roles on an ad hoc basis and maybe find a new permanent role further down the track.
How long can a leader remain in Fellowship?
There is no time limit providing Fellowship members pay their annual membership renewal to head office and maintain their mandatory clearances and online training ie:
- National Police Clearance (NPC)
- Working With Children Check (WWCC)
- All mandatory National online modules
While I am a leader in Fellowship, can I take on other permanent scouting roles/appointments?
A Fellowship leader cannot take on a permanent role anywhere else in the branch and remain in Fellowship. If you find an alternative role in scouting, and we encourage you to do so, you must advise the Branch Leader Fellowship who will arrange for you to be transferred to your new role and formation.
Can a Fellowship leader assist at any activities?
Fellowship leaders are very welcome to assist with activities at group, district and branch level including jamborees, Cohen Cup, etc. You just need to advise the Branch Leader Fellowship of your intended involvement. This is part of what the Fellowship Team exists for.
I have Outdoor Adventure Skills I have trained for, what happens to those qualifications now?
Your OAS qualifications will remain current and subject to the regular requirements of those qualifications to maintain them through log booking and periodic retraining. Related skills would be, but not limited to Apply First Aid, Archery, Boating, Bushwalking, Caving, Land Yachting, Motorsport, Paddling, Rock Climbing & Sub Aqua.
Will my service in Fellowship be acknowledged on my record for Long Service and Adult Recognition awards?
Your time spent with Fellowship will be recorded, however, only those leaders who actively participate in activities, or administration roles will qualify for these awards. To qualify, Fellowship leaders must complete at least four activities per year and must notify the Branch Leader Fellowship who will record your activity service.
An activity is defined as any daytime, or nighttime activity that the relevant leader in charge has approval for. An overnight activity where the leader is in attendance for two days (or three days) would count towards two (or three) activities.
Many scout groups and even District teams struggle for daily support in maintaining the roles of treasurer, hall grounds person and the like and these roles can also be addressed by Fellowship leaders and acknowledged.
The two appointments for Fellowship leaders
Upon being transferred to Fellowship your appointment will be changed to Fellowship Affiliate and if you decide you would like a more active role as outlined above you will be reappointed as an Activity Leader within the Fellowship team. The choice of which appointment suits you is entirely yours.
Further Information
If you have any questions on how Fellowship works, or how it can work for you, please contact the Branch Leader Fellowship via bl.fellowship@sa.scouts.com.au