Being a District Explorer Scout Administrator - ScoutBase UK

District Explorer Scout
Administrator Training Pack
Factsheet 1 of 8
Introduction - Being a
District Explorer Scout
Administrator
S
Item Code FS452021 March 08 Edition no 2 (103563) 0845 300 1818
The role of a District Explorer Scout
Administrator (DESA)
Explorer Scouts are young people in Scouting
usually between the ages of 14 and 18. They
have an exciting, vibrant programme, a
challenging and fulfilling award scheme, and
above all they have a great time.
It would be wrong to say that anyone can fill the
role of DESA - it is such an important role that
finding the right person for the job is vital.
However, there is no single "one size fits all"
description of the ideal DESA. A DESA may come
from a variety of backgrounds, and may well be
recruited from outside Scouting. There are certain
key requirements, and a suggested person
specification is included overleaf, but here are the
basic facts:
The District Explorer Scout Administrator (often
abbreviated to DESA) has an important role to
play in Explorer Scouting in the District. He or she
is the hub of communication, maintaining a free
flow of information across the District to ensure
that every Explorer Scout has access to the full
District Explorer Scout programme. It can be a
challenging and even demanding role, but a
deeply rewarding one as you see your efforts
transformed into better and better Explorer
Scouting for more and more young people.
Let's take a closer look at what it means to be a
DESA…
Who can be a DESA?
The DESA does not have to be a leader
The DESA may hold another appointment
which involves a leadership role, for example
many will also be Explorer Scout Leaders, but
many will not. If the DESA does have another
appointment it is important to make sure
enough time is set aside to do justice to the
DESA role.
The DESA is appointed by the District
Explorer Scout Commissioner.
This is very important as the District Explorer
Scout Commissioner (DESC) is the person
with whom the DESA will work most closely,
and this relationship is vital to the success of
Explorer Scouting. Any appointment should
be made in full consultation with District
Commissioner.
The Scout Information Centre
Gilwell Park Chingford London E4 7QW Tel + 44 (0)20 8433 7100 Fax + 44 (0)20 8433 7103 email info.centre@scout.org.uk www.scoutbase.org.uk

page 2 of 5
The appointment must comply with the
Child Protection Policy of the Scout
Association.
Other than this, the role can be agreed with the
DESC according to local arrangements and
needs, but there are obviously some useful
characteristics which go together to make a good
DESA, and these are outlined in the person
specification.
*If the DESA does not a leader, he or she is
not automatically covered by Scout Association
Insurance. If this is deemed important, the District
should declare the DESA as an Associate
Member on the census return, and pay the
appropriate membership fee. They must sign an
Associate Member’s Declaration but do not make
the promise.

page 3 of 555
DISTRICT EXPLORER SCOUT ADMINISTRATOR
PERSON SPECIFICATION
DESCRIPTION ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE
Personal Attributes
Able to work comfortably and
effectively with a broad range
of individuals, both adults
and young people.
Must comply with the Child
Protection Policy of the Scout
Association.
Communication Skills
Able to communicate
effectively with young people
and adults using a wide
range of techniques.
Proficient with electronic mail
and text messaging, as well
as more traditional modes of
communication.
Experience and training
No specific Scouting
experience required.
Some understanding of the
aims and methods of
Scouting.
Specific skills
Good all-round organisational
skills and a good memory.
Computer literacy and word
processing skills.
Plenty of time to do devote to
the role of DESA.

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ROLE OF THE DESA
What does the DESA do?
A good sense of humour
A smile (this helps in any role)!
The role of the DESA can be subdivided into a
number of key areas, but essentially what you will
be required to do will be agreed with your DESC
when you take up your appointment.
A suggested job description is included in this
factsheet, along with a blank outline job
description for you to fill in with your DESC. The
various different tasks and roles will be explained
in more detail in the other factsheets in this series,
along with examples and ideas for fulfilling the
role. You should meet with your DESC and agree
the contents of your job description when (or
preferably before) you take on your role.
Remember it should be as much about identifying
the help and support you will need (and any
training needs you may have) as about what you
will actually be doing.
Key areas of responsibility
Data collection and record keeping
Communicating with the adults involved in
Explorer Scouting, and with the other
Scouting sections
Communicating with young people
Moving in and Moving on (MiMo)
The tools for the job - what you might need
A telephone
Access to a personal computer
Access to the internet
An email address
Time…

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SUGGESTED JOB DESCRIPTION
District Explorer Scout Administrator
This role is unique to Explorer Scouting, and is a
vital source of support for the District Explorer
Scout Commissioner and the Explorer Scout
Leaders. The District Explorer Scout Administrator
(DESA) needs to be an organised and efficient
administrator, with time to develop and maintain
the Explorer Scout database, and a good
communicator with the ability to maintain a good
working relationship with a number of people. The
main components of the role are:
These may include keeping minutes at Explorer
Scout Leader meetings, District Explorer Scout
Forum meetings and the District Explorer
Scout Meeting. Other administrative duties, such
as production of a newsletter, may also be
agreed.
Development and upkeep of the district
Explorer Scout Records.
This will usually mean access to a personal
computer and adequate computer skills to
maintain a database of all youth members in the
section. The DESA also keeps a record of all
Partnership Agreements and meetings held in the
District.
Recruitment and retention.
The DESA has a key role in liaising with Group
Scout Leaders and Scout Section Leaders in
order to maintain a register of Scout Section
members over the age of 13. The DESA should
ensure that each potential Explorer Scout is made
aware at an early stage of the opportunities
available to them in Explorer Scouting. Likewise,
the DESA should ensure that the County Scout
Network Commissioner and local Scout Network
Co-ordinators are aware of all Explorer Scouts
over the age of 17 who are potential Network
members.
Communication.
The DESA will help the DESC in maintaining a
high level of communication between all parties,
youth members and adult members, in the
District.
Other duties assigned by the DESC.