I am pleased to advise that the Board has unanimously accepted the recommendation of Branch Chief Commissioner, Peter Walton, that Peter Birch be appointed as a Deputy Chief Commissioner and be assigned the responsibility of providing uniformed leadership when Peter Walton steps down at the conclusion of the Founder's Day and Youth Awards activities on Sunday 21 February 2010.

Peter Birch served with distinction as deputy to Sue Mitchell during her term and brings a wealth of experience to the leadership team. Peter makes no secret that he draws greatest satisfaction when working with youth members as a Leader at the section level. Accordingly, he has made it clear that this appointment will be for three months only, during which time it is expected that new Branch Chief Commissioner will be appointed.

In making his recommendation, Peter Walton was in the fortunate position of having two existing deputies available to fill the role, if needed. After discussion within Swan Patrol (the senior uniformed leadership group), it was agreed that it would be best not to disrupt the operations of the existing portfolios. Along a similar line, Peter Birch has made it clear that he does not see his role as being one to make changes and therefore he intends to maintain the status quo in terms of structure, positions, personnel and meeting arrangements. His appointment has the unqualified support of Swan Patrol. The Board supports the path being pursued by Swan Patrol and therefore took all of these matters into consideration in arriving at its decision.

I am sure that you join me in thanking Peter Birch for accepting the mantle during the transition and wish him well, including a timely return to 1st Fremantle Sea Scouts.

On behalf of the WA Branch Board Chairman, Mr Larry Lucas.

Unfortunately the selection process did not deliver an adequate field… The Board has considered a report from the Selection Committee and has decided that the position should be readvertised at the end of January 2010, after people return from the summer break. In the meantime, the Selection Committee is using networks both within and external to Scouting in an endeavour to identify suitable candidates and to encourage them to apply.

Any assistance that members might be able to provide in identifying suitable candidates would be appreciated greatly by the Selection Committee. A role statement, the selection criteria and some related information are available by contacting the Executive Officer, Martin Thomas at mthomas@scoutswa.com.au or on 9480 4201.

For a confidential discussion about possible candidates that you have in mind or for further information, please contact the Chairman of the Selection Committee, David Young on 9384 0853, or if no answer, on 9840 9034.

The re-running of the process is expected to take three to four months from the end of January.

The Rules of Association adopted at the 2009 Annual General Meeting (AGM) last July were submitted to the Department of Commerce to be confirmed, as required by the Associations Incorporation Act 1987 WA. At about the same time, two members of Branch Council lodged complaints with the department.

The department has concluded its review of the complaints and has raised a number of procedural issues, the most significant being the length of valid notice for the Special Resolution under our Constitution, which fell just short of the required 30 days. As a consequence, the department was not prepared to process the new Rules of Association.

At its December meeting, the Board decided that the process to replace the existing Constitution with the new Rules of Association will be re-run with a view to presenting the matter to the members of the Branch Council at a Special General Meeting (SGM) to be held at a time yet to be determined.

The proposed “2009” Rules of Association have been placed on the Scouts WA website (see link on the home page) for members’ consideration. It is the same document adopted at the 2009 AGM. The board would welcome any comments that members wish to make about the document. The Board has asked its Audit and Governance Committee (AGC) to consider two possible amendments to the document, as follows:

In order to facilitate processing responses, members are asked to email their comments to Les Farrant, Chairman, ACG at lfarrant@scoutswa.com.au by no later than 31 January 2010.

Depending on the extent and nature of the feedback from members, it might be possible for the revisions to be presented to the 23 February 2010 Chief Commissioner’s Council meeting and be signed-off by the Board at its 9 March meeting. If this is achieved, then a SGM will be called (ensuring that the required two months’ notice is given) – an end May/early June date would be set. On the other hand, if it takes longer, it is likely that the matter would be held-over and presented to a SGM immediately prior to the 2010 AGM, which is to be held on 31 July 2010.

The “2010” proposed Rules of Association will be posted on the Scouts WA website, together with a detailed supporting explanatory document, as soon as the document is available. Any changes to the “2009” version will be specifically drawn to the attention of members.

Reflection of Events on the Last Year

We had two instances last year involving the arrest and charging of Scout Leaders. While it is not possible to completely safeguard against further occurrences, there are many lessons we can learn to assist in protecting both our adult and youth members:

• The correct and full completion of activity forms are for the protection of Leaders as well as youth members and the Scout Association;
• Correct procedures regarding storage and length of storage of activity forms need to be established at Group and District level (a policy paper to update these procedures will be distributed shortly);
• Risk assessments need to be more reasonable with an attitude more about identifying and addressing realistic risks rather than cancelling activities or passing the responsibility for approval of a higher than necessary risk to the District Commissioner; and
• Continuing endorsement and reminders of these procedures from the District Commissioner to Leaders is required.

Further, unless there is an emergency, I strongly counsel against any adult Leader travelling alone in a car with one or more youth members. My preferred position would be to forbid the practice, other than in the case of an emergency.

A Final Comment

I consider it a great honour and privilege to have served as Branch Chief Commissioner for the past 12 months and it is with great sadness that I step down from the role. I continue to watch in awe the enormous contributions that so many Leaders and adult helpers make to Scouting. When one reflects on the clear benefits that the Scout Method provides to our youth members, I can understand the dedication and satisfaction derived.

I have made known my concerns about the impact that Scouting can have on personal lives if a healthy balance is not maintained. While ultimately it is up to the individual to decide how much time will be devoted to Scouting, I think that there is cause for concern when excessive commitment results in a loss of perspective, because it can lead to questionable behaviour, particularly in adult-to-adult relations. Devoting extraordinary hours to Scouting on an ongoing basis should not be regarded as a badge of honour, but rather cause to reflect on life balance. It should be a matter of concern to all when one observes behaviour that is contrary to the Scout Law in relation to being loyal, helpful, friendly, considerate and respectful. While this is not necessarily a widespread issue, I have seen enough to be concerned, as the impact of such behaviour can quickly spread with destructive consequences. Addressing this issue should be of the highest priority and must begin with ensuring that all Commissioners and Group Leaders have effective people management skills. I say this not as a criticism, but because they are the ones who model the way for others.

The past year has been a successful one in terms of the Scouting program. Numbers have continued to grow at better than seven per cent. We have welcomed numerous new Groups and new Sections within existing Groups. At the start of the year, we hosted the highly successful ‘Escape’ and at the end of the year sent a huge contingent to AJ 2010; and there have been countless wonderful Group, District and Branch events in between. All of this was only possible due to our Leaders. So I say with great sincerity and humility, well done and thank you.

I wish you success in 2010 and beyond.