North Hambleton District Scouts is working in partnership with North Yorkshire Scouts to support Groups in delivering safe, fun and high‑quality Scouting. By working together, we provide a clear and consistent framework that supports volunteers, encourages sustainable growth, and enables more young people across North Hambleton to enjoy great Scouting.

We understand that Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) and national guidance can sometimes feel complex, to help Groups, we have developed a set of clear and achievable milestones which outline key expectations, these milestones are designed to guide and support Group development; however, they do not replace POR. Groups remain responsible for meeting all requirements of The Scouts.

Milestone One – Core Expectations

• Premises and activities are delivered safely, and all members follow the rules of The Scouts (POR).
• All Sections meet regularly.
• All volunteers are up to date with DBS processes and have completed required learning and training as set out in Growing Roots.
• A Group Lead Volunteer is in place.
• A Group Trustee Board is in place, including a Chair, Treasurer, Group Lead Volunteer and additional Trustees, and meets at least termly to ensure the Group is safe, legal and compliant.
• A Group Leadership Team is in place and meets at least termly.
• An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held annually, and the Annual Report and Accounts are submitted on time to the District Treasurer (and the Charity Commission where applicable).
• The Group Lead Volunteer attends North Hambleton District leadership meetings.
• All volunteers understand and apply Our Volunteering Culture in the way they support Scouting.
• A Yellow Card poster is displayed at meeting places, where premises are hired, this may be displayed at the start of each session.

Milestone Two – Developing Strong Groups

• All Sections meet regularly throughout term time.
• The Group Leadership Team completes all required tasks set by The Scouts.
• The Group Trustee Board completes all required tasks set by The Scouts.
• Young people experience a wide, balanced and safe programme throughout the year.
• The Group Lead Volunteer convenes regular meetings of the Group Leadership Team to oversee the operational management of the Group.
• The Group Lead Volunteer actively contributes to the North Hambleton District Leadership Team and supports District, County and national initiatives.
• A Team Leader is in place for each Section.
• Sufficient volunteer cover is in place to ensure Scouting can continue safely when team members are unavailable.
• The Group hosts family events and/or takes part in community events to promote Scouting locally.
• A Support Team is in place to assist with occasional tasks such as equipment management, communications and event support.
• The Group actively participates in North Hambleton District events and opportunities.
• Section Team Leaders promote District and County events to young people, such as Damboree, CubJam and Ignite.
• The Group welcomes new members regularly and advertises available spaces when required.
• Waiting lists, join requests, section sizes and growth opportunities are actively managed.
• At least one Nights Away Permit holder is recorded on the Membership System for each Section leadership team.
• All young people across all Sections, including Squirrels, have the opportunity to take part in nights away experiences.
• All young people are supported to work towards the appropriate Chief Scout’s Award.
• Group-owned premises display up-to-date Scouts branding.
• The Group uses professional @groupname.org.uk email addresses for internal and external communications.
• Group files, emails and domains are managed securely using an online collaboration platform such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365.
• All documents, communications and assets (including minibuses) use the correct Scouts branding.
• The Group is working towards producing a Development Plan.

Milestone Three – Aspirational Practice:

• The Group Lead Volunteer actively promotes a positive, inclusive and supportive culture among adult volunteers, including opportunities to connect socially.
• The Group has a partnership agreement in place with an Explorer Scout Unit.
• The Group Lead Volunteer, or a delegated leader, holds annual reviews with adult volunteers to support development and retention.
• The Group Trustee Board and Group Leadership Team work together to maintain clear succession plans for the Group Lead Volunteer, Group Chair and all Team Leader roles.
• The Group has a published Development Plan that is actively followed and regularly reviewed, ensuring alignment with North Hambleton District, North Yorkshire Scouts and national priorities.
• The Development Plan identifies how the Group will develop, renew or expand its assets to better support programme delivery, such as camping equipment, transport or other key resources.
• At least one Young Leader is recorded on the annual census for each Squirrel, Beaver, Cub and Scout Section.
• Each Section records a minimum of 12 young people on the annual census.
• At least 25% of young people in each Section are recorded as having achieved the appropriate Chief Scout’s Award.
• Young people in each Section have access to regular nights away opportunities each year.
• The Group maintains an active external social media presence, such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads or X.
• DBS renewals, learning compliance and role reviews are proactively managed.
• Adult volunteers have achieved, or are working towards, personal development opportunities such as Wood Badges, Branching Out modules and adventurous activity permits.