DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL …...Orlagh Allen Daria Veccio Caitriona Hosford Orla...
Transcript of DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL …...Orlagh Allen Daria Veccio Caitriona Hosford Orla...
DRAFTMINUTESOFTHEMEETINGOFTHENATIONALCOUNCIL
OFSCOUTINGIRELANDVenue:RDSConcertHall,Dublin
Date:8thApril,2017
MeetingReferenceNumber:NC17001
A. PRESENT:(1) ChristyMcCann–ChiefScout(2) OllieKehoe–NationalSecretary(3) DavidShalloo–ChiefCommissioner(YouthProgramme)(4) AnnetteByrne–NationalTreasurer(5) PatO’Sulleabhain–Chairperson(NationalSpiritual/ReligiousAdvisoryPanel)(6) AllotherattendeesaslistedintheAttendancesRegister
B. INATTENDANCE
(1) JohnLawlor–ChiefExecutiveOfficer
C. APOLOGIES(1)ThereseBermingham–ChiefCommissioner(AdultResources)
MATTERSDISCUSSED ACTIONPOINT/FOLLOWUP1. OpeningTheNationalCouncilwascalledtoorderbytheNationalSecretary.TheopeningthoughtandrenewaloftheScoutPromisewasdeliveredbythePatO’Sulleabhain–Chairperson(NationalSpiritual/ReligiousAdvisoryPanel)TheNationalCouncilwasaddressedby:
• TheChiefScout–ChristyMcCann• MáireFitzgerald–YouthAdvisortheWorldScoutCommittee• JohnFarrelly–CEO,CharitiesRegulatoryAuthority• AddressbyGuestSpeaker
2. ApologiesNotedintheattendanceregister
3. MeetingProceduresandAppointmentofTellersTheNationalSecretary,OllieKehoeaddressedNationalCouncilandoutlinedthehousekeepingdetailsandmeetingprocedures.ThefollowingtellerswerenominatedandapprovedbytheNationalCouncil:ChiefTellersMarkO¹Callaghan
BillJamesBrendanMcNicholasNiallWalshMickDevinsMichaelLivingstoneLaurenMcColeEvaMoylanEoinKellyGeluCrisanEoghanRyanAllanaghConwayEmilySheridan-O’SheaOrlaghAllenDariaVeccio
CaitrionaHosfordOrlaDoyleMaureenKennyCianBradyBairbrePigot-GlynnShaneCahillSarahDixonAislingMcGarryCianWhelanFerdiaComerford
4. StandingOrdersTheNationalCouncilresovledtoadopttheproposedstandingorders:
• NC2017-02-07-NationalCouncilAGM2017ProposedStandingOrders
5. MinutesTheNationalCouncilresolvedthatthefollowingminuteswereapproved:
• NC2017-01-03-DraftMinutesoftheAGMoftheNationalCouncil2016
6. MattersarisingTheNationalCouncilnoted:
• ReportontheReviewofONEProgramme• UpdateontheScoutingIrelandUniformReview
7. AnnualReportTheNationalCouncilresolvedtoadopttheAnnualReport:
• NC2017-01-02-AnnualReport2016
8. AuditedAccountsandFinancialReportofScoutingIrelandTheNationalTreasurer,AnnetteByrneandtheFinancialControllerpresentedtheFinancialReportofScoutingIreland.TheNationalCouncilresolvedtoadpttheAuditedAccounts:
• NC2017-01-11-AuditedAccountsofScoutingIrelandServicesCLG
9. MattersarisingfromtheFinancialReportFollowingarequestfromSeanScanlon,(5thCarlow),theNationalTreasureradvised
thatabreakdownoftheaccountsfromthePhoenixChallengewillbecirculatedbytheChiefCommissioner(YouthProgramme).10. AppointmentofAuditors.TheNationalCouncilresolvedtoappointGrantThorntonCharteredAccountants&RegisteredAuditorsasAuditorsforScoutingIreland.
11. ScoutFoundationTheNationalCouncilresolvedtoendorseoftheAnnualReportofTheScoutFoundation
12. GovernanceProjectTheNationalCouncilnotedanupdateontheGovernanceProjectfrom:
• JamesO’Toole• MartinBurbridge• JimmyCunningham
13. ElectionofHonoraryVice-Presidents–HVP-1TheNationalCouncilresolvedtoelectthefollowingasHonoraryVice-PresidentsofScoutingIreland:
• EoghanLavelle• KennethRamsey• DonaldHarvey• MartinBurbridge• SeánFarrell• KiernanGildea
14. HonoraryLifeMembership-HM-1 TheNationalCouncilresolvedtograndHonoraryLifeMembershipofScoutingIrelandto:
• IanDavy
15. NationalYouthRepsDavidShalloo,ChiefCommissioner(YouthProgramme)introducedtheNationalYouthReps,whowerepresentedwiththeirYouthRepsneckerchiefsbytheChiefScout:-
ScoutReps VentureReps RoverRepsÉadaoinDoherty AmyBarter CalumArmstrongLeoGeary KealanCaseyDonnelly EoinBoylanOrlaHendrick SamDean ChristopherBoyleJackHorgan CurtisDent TiarnanDohertyLukeHurson GraceDunne ShaneDowlingAoifeKiely MaxGoetze CaoimheFitzgibbon
TrudyNolan AineKane AineLynchSeanO’Hara DeanO’Sullivan MaeveRichardsonNiamhPhelan MichaelaTracey ConorWaters
16. AdultAwardsScoutingIrelandconferredtheOrderoftheCúChulainnon:
• AnthonyCorcoran• TommyMcKiernan• MartinRyan• JamesO’Toole
Lunch13:00–14:0017. PresentationstoNationalCouncilTheNationalCouncilnotedpresentationsfrom:
• JamboRí2018–KiernanGildea• TheScoutShop–DermotMcMullan• Dr.TonyBates-CEOJigSaw,• JohnLawlor–CEO,ScoutingIreland
18. MotionsandProposalstoNationalCouncilTheChiefScoutremindedNationalCouncilofmeetingprocedures.ResultsofMotionsandproposalsasreceivedbytheNationalSecretaryandreferredbytheNationalManagementCommittee–AppendixAtotheMinutesofNationalCouncil2017.
19. SuspensionofStandingOrdersAt5pmtheChiefScoutaskedtosuspendStandingOrderstoextendthetimeforanother60minutes.Thiswasagreed.At6pmtheChiefScoutaskedtosuspendStandingOrderstoextendthetimeforafurther30minutes.Thiswasagreed.
20. GuestsofNationalCouncilTheInternationalCommissioner,ClaireMcAroe,introducedrepresentativesoftheDanishScoutAssociation,DDS,whohadattendedthemeetingoftheNationalCouncil.TheInternationalCommissionerinformedthemeetingthatScoutingIrelandhasstartedapartnershipwiththeDanishScouts.TheyaddressedNationalCouncilandpresentedtheChiefScoutwithan“Optomist”andtheChiefScoutpresentedthemwithInternationalscarves.
21. AnnouncementsofResults
TheChiefScoutcalledonthosewhowereretiringfromtheNationalManagementCommitteeandpresentedthemwithamementofromScoutingIreland:
• OllieKehoe,NationalSecretary• KieranMcCann,ProvincialCommissioner(NorthernProvince)• JamesO’Toole,ProvincialCommissioner(NorthEastProvince)• ChrisMcSweeney,ProvincialCommissioner(SouthernProvince)
Followingthevotescastbydelegates,theNationalSecretaryannouncedthefollowingcandidatesaselectedforthefollowingpositions:
• CharlieMcGuinness–NationalSecretary• KieranMcCann–ProvincialCommissioner(NorthernProvince)• StephenHalpin–ProvincialCommissioner(NorthEastProvince)• DerekLong-ProvincialCommissioner(SouthhernProvince)
22. ChiefScoutsClosingAddressTheChiefScout,ChristyMcCann,thankedallofthecandidatesforpositionsandtheTellersfortheirwork.HecongratulatedallthosewhowerepresentedwithawardsandtheYouthReps.HepraisedtheformerNationalSecretariesfortheirsterlingworkforScoutingIreland.TheChiefScoutalsothankedeveryonewhohadmadeNationalCouncilhappen:thestaffoftheRDS,thespeakersoftheday,PatHollingsworthandcrew,alloftheTellersandPodiumManagers,andtheNationalOfficeTeam.HewelcomedthenewteamintheNationalManagementCommitteeandthankeddelegatesforattendingandwishedthemasafetriphome.
23. CONCLUSIONTherebeingnootherbusinessthemeetingwasconcludedDateandvenuefornextyear’sNationalCouncil:
14thApril2018–TheHelix,Dublin
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NATIONALCOUNCILAGM2017–MOTIONS&PROPOSALS
HONORARYVICE-PRESIDENTS
HVP-1
HonoraryVicePresidents:ToelectthefollowingasHonoraryVicePresidentsofScoutingIrelandasnominatedbytheNationalManagementCommittee:
• EoghanLavelle• KennethRamsey• DonaldHarvey• MartinBurbridge• SeánFarrell• KiernanGildea
(NationalManagementCommittee)
Carried
HonoraryMembership
HM-1
ToconferthetitleofHonoraryLifeMemberofScoutingIrelandon:
• IanDavy(NationalManagementCommittee)
Carried
Motion
M-1
Article3ThatthisNationalCouncilagreestoamendArticle3oftheConstitutiontoreadasfollows;TheAimofScoutingIrelandistoencouragetheSocial,Physical,Intellectual,Character,EmotionalandSpiritualdevelopmentofyoungpeoplesothattheymayachievetheirfullpotentialand,asresponsiblecitizens,toimprovesociety.(WaterfordScoutCounty)(NoticeofmotionpassedbytheAGMoftheNationalCouncil2016)Proposer’sExplanationWhentheNoticeofMotiontoamendArticle3waspresentedtoScoutingIrelandin2006(andcarriedin2007)thewordingwasnotstatedinthemannertowhichwenowrefertoastheSPICES.ThisnoticeofmotionistobringourConstitutioninlinewithhowwepresent,deliver,andtrainmembersofScoutingIrelandinrelationtoourAim.
Carried
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NoticeofMotion
NM-1
Article4
ThatNoticeofMotionbeacceptedtoamendArticle4oftheConstitutiontoreadasfollows;ScoutingIrelandachievesitsAimthroughasystemofprogressiveself-education,knownastheScoutMethod,theprincipalelementsofwhichare:
a) PromiseandLaw-thecommitmenttoacodeoflivingbasedonthevaluesoftheScoutmovement;
b) PersonalProgression-aschemetosupportthe
developmentofknowledge,skillsandattitudesinallareasandtoproviderecognitionforindividualandgroupachievements;
c) LearningbyDoing-anapproachthatprioritiseslearning
throughpractice,first-handexperience,andfrombothsuccessesandmistakes;
d) SmallGroupSystem–progressive,democraticandself-
governinggroups,usuallyof6-8youngpeople,arethebasicorganisationalstructureofScouting;
e) SymbolicFramework-providesasettingforScoutingthat
stimulatestheimaginationthroughsymbols,themesandstories;
f) NatureandOutdoors-thenaturalenvironmentisthe
primarysettingforScoutingofferinguniqueopportunitiesforthedevelopmentoftheyoungperson;
g) YoungPeopleandAdultsWorkingTogether-apartnership
modelinwhichyoungpeoplearesupportedtobecomeincreasinglyself-governingandindependent;and
h) ServiceandCommitment-recognisestheimportanceof
contributingtosocietybycaringforothersandtheworldaroundus.
a) Voluntarymembershipofagroupwhich,guidedbyadults,
isincreasinglyself-governinginitssuccessiveagegroups.b) CommitmenttoacodeoflivingasexpressedinthePromise
&Law,themeaningofwhichisexpandedasthemembergrowstowardsmaturity.
c) Theprovisionofawiderangeofattractive,constructiveandchallengingactivities,includingopportunitiesforadventureandexplorationbothindoorsandoutdoors.
d) Theprovisionofopportunitiesforleadershipandresponsibility.
e) Learningbydoing.f) Encouragementofactivityinsmallgroups.
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g) Anawardscheme,whichencouragesparticipationinitsfull
rangeofactivitiesandprovidesrecognitionofindividualandgroupachievements.
h) SymbolicFramework.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationThecurrentdescriptionoftheScoutMethodcontainselements,whichareinthesystem,butarenottheonesreferredtoingeneraldocumentsandresources.ThisNoticeofMotionistobringourConstitutioninlinewithhowwepresent,deliverandtrainmembersofScoutingIrelandinrelationtotheachievementofourAim.
NM-2
Article41
ThatNoticeofMotionbeacceptedtoamendArticle41oftheConstitutiontoreadasfollows;TheagendafortheAnnualGeneralMeetingoftheNationalCouncilofScoutingIrelandshallinclude:
a. TheappointmentofTellers.b. Theapprovaloftheminutesofthepreviousmeeting.c. TheadoptionoftheAnnualReport.d. ThelayingoftheAuditedAccountsofScoutingIreland
beforetheNationalCouncil.e. ThereadingoftheReportoftheIndependentAuditors.f. TheappointmentofAuditors.g. TheelectionoftheChiefScout,ChiefCommissioners,
NationalSecretaryandNationalTreasurerasandwhennecessary.
h. TheelectionofsuchothermembersoftheNationalManagementCommitteenominatedinaccordancewiththeRulesasrequired.
i. TheelectionoftheHonoraryVice-Presidents.j. ThereceiptoftheAnnualReportoftheTrustCompanies.k. ToappointmembersanddirectorstotheScoutFoundation
wherenominatedbyaScoutGroupCouncil,ScoutCountyBoardortheNationalManagementCommittee.
l. TheconsiderationofanymattersreferredtoitbytheNationalManagementCommittee.
m. TheconsiderationofanyotherproposalssubmittedinwritingtotheNationalSecretarynotlessthansixweeksbeforethedateofthemeetingorotherwiseinaccordancewiththeRules,byoronbehalfofanyScoutGroupCouncil,ScoutCountyBoard,oranyoftheNationalYouthFora.
n. TheconferringofthetitleofHonoraryLifeMemberonsuchindividualseithernominatedbyanyScoutGroupCouncil,
Carried
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anyScoutCountyBoardortheNationalManagementCommittee.
o. TheexercisingofanyotherfunctionsresultingfromthisConstitutionortheRules.
(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘B’
NM-3
Article53
ThatNoticeofMotionbeacceptedtoamendArticle53oftheConstitutiontoreadasfollows;MovableandimmovablepropertyofScoutingIrelandshallbevestedintheScoutFoundationinaccordancewiththeRules.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘B’
Carried
NM-4
Article54
ThatNoticeofMotionbeacceptedtodeleteArticle54oftheConstitution.TheScoutFoundationisacompanyregisteredinIreland,limitedbyguaranteewithoutasharecapitalandisgovernedbyitsMemorandumandArticlesofAssociation.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘B’
Carried
NM-5
Article55
ThatNoticeofMotionbeacceptedtodeleteArticle55oftheConstitution.ThemembersanddirectorsoftheScoutFoundationshallcompriseoftheChiefScout,NationalSecretary,NationalTreasurerandfourothermembersofScoutingIrelandnominatedbyanyofthefollowingforappointmentbytheNationalCouncil:theNationalManagementCommittee,anyScoutCountyBoardoranyScoutGroupCouncil.(NationalManagementCommittee)
Carried
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Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘B’
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RuleChanges–GovernanceProject
R–1
Rule32ThatRule32bealteredtoreadasfollows:AScoutGroupshallberegisteredbeforeitcommencesScoutingandshallcomplywiththeprovisionsoftheScoutingIrelandScoutGroupCharter.AScoutGroupmustberegisteredbeforeitcommencesScouting.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘A’
Carried
R–2
Rule41
ThatRule41bealteredtoreadasfollows:TheScoutGroupCharterisrenewedeachyearaftertheScoutGrouphassuccessfullycompletedtheannualregistrationprocedure.WhereaScoutGroupfailstocompletetheannualregistrationprocedure,andpaytheannualfees,orfailstocomplywiththeprovisionsoftheScoutGroupCharter,theNationalManagementCommitteemaysuspendorcanceltheScoutGroup’sCharterandtheregistrationoftheScoutGrouportakesuchotherreasonablestepsasitdeemsappropriate.IntheeventthataScoutGroupisunabletocontinueinoperationorwheretheScoutGroupmateriallycontravenestheConstitutionorRulesofScoutingIrelandtheNationalmanagementCommitteemayclosetheScoutGroup.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘A’
Carried
R–3
NewRule
43(A)
Thatanewrulebeintroducedtoreadasfollows:ThemembersoftheScoutGroupCouncilshallbe:
a) TheGroupLeader;b) TheGroupChairperson;c) TheGroupSecretary;d) TheGroupTreasurer;ande) TheGroupQuartermaster/Bo’sun.
Carried
For394
Against292
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f) UptotwoothermembersofScoutingIrelandovertheage
of18years.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘A’
R–4
Rule44
ThatRule44bealteredtoreadasfollows:TheScoutGroupCouncilshallconveneanAnnualGeneralMeetingoftheScoutGroup.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘A’
Carried
R-5
Rule45
ThatRule45bealteredtoreadasfollows:TheScoutGroupCouncilshallmeetatleastfourtimesayear.includingtheAnnualGeneralMeetingoftheScoutGroupCouncil.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘A’
Carried
R-6
Rule46
ThatRule46bealteredtoreadasfollows:ThefunctionsoftheScoutGroupCouncilshallbeprescribedbytheNationalManagementCommittee.are,interalia:
a) Toplanandco-ordinateallactivitiesoftheScoutGroup.b) Tocontrolandallocatefinanceandmaintainproper
accounts.c) ToensurethattheProgrammeSectionsoperatetheYouth
ProgrammeinaccordancewiththeAim,PrinciplesandMethodofScoutingIreland.
d) ToimplementtheYouth&AdultInvolvementPolicyofScoutingIreland.
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e) ToprovidesupporttotheGroupScoutersinthedeliveryof
theYouthProgrammewithintheProgrammeSection.f) Toconsiderandapprovenominationsandproposalsfor
submissiontotheScoutCountyBoard,theScoutCountyManagementCommitteeandtheNationalCouncil,asappropriate.
g) TofacilitatethetrainingofallGroupScouters.h) TorecruitsuitableindividualstomembershipofScouting
IrelandandmakenominationsforappointmentasGroupScouters.
i) ToformaParents&FriendsSupportGroup.j) Toco-ordinateasocialprogrammeforadultmembersas
desired.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘A’
R-7
NewRule
Thatanewrulebeintroducedtoreadasfollows:TheNationalManagementCommitteemayprovideforotherorganisationalstructuresfortheScoutGrouptosupporttheScoutGroupandit’sProgrammeSectionsinthedeliveryoftheYouthProgrammeandtheimplementationoftheYouth&AdultInvolvementPolicyofScoutingIreland.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘A’
Carried
R-8
Rule47
ThatRule47bealteredtoreadasfollowsTheAgendafortheAnnualGeneralMeetingoftheScoutGroupCouncilshallconsistofincludethefollowing:
a) TheapprovalofthereportoftheGroupLeader.b) TheapprovalofthereportoftheGroupSecretary.c) TheapprovaloftheaccountspreparedbytheGroup
Treasurer.d) TheapprovalofthereportoftheGroup
Quartermaster/Bo’sun.e) TheelectionoftheGroupChairperson,GroupSecretary,
GroupTreasurer,GroupSpiritual/ReligiousAdvisor/ChaplainandGroupQuartermaster/Bo’sun,whennecessary.
Carried
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f) ThenominationoftheGroupLeaderandtheDeputyGroup
Leader(s),whennecessary.g) AnyotherrecommendationstotheScoutGroupCouncil.
(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘A’
R-9
Rule50
ThatRule50bealteredtoreadasfollows:ThoseentitledtoattendandvoteattheAnnualGeneralMeetingoftheScoutGroupCouncilshallinclude:
a) TheGroupLeader;b) TheDeputyGroupLeader(s);c) UptothreeProgrammeScoutersfromtheBeaverScouts,
CubScouts,Scouts,VentureScoutsandthreememberselectedbytheRoverScouts;
d) TheGroupChairperson;e) TheGroupSecretary;f) TheGroupTreasurer;g) TheGroupSpiritual/ReligiousAdvisors/Chaplains;h) TheGroupQuartermaster/Bo’sun;i) UptothreeothermembersofScoutingIrelandco-optedby
theGroupCouncilannuallyforpurposesagreedbytheScoutGroupCouncil;
j) UptothreeotherrepresentativesoftheParents&FriendsSupportGroup,whoaremembersofScoutingIreland,subjecttotheapprovaloftheScoutGroupCouncil;
k) TheGroupTrainer;l) ArepresentativefromtheScoutSection;m) ArepresentativefromtheVentureScoutSection;n) ArepresentativefromtheRoverScoutSection;o) GroupScoutersmayattendmeetingsoftheScoutGroup
Council.OtherpersonsmayattendmeetingsoftheScoutGroupCouncilsubjecttotheapprovaloftheScoutGroupCouncil.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘A’
Carried
R-10
Rule52
ThatRule52bealteredtoreadasfollows:
Carried
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TheGroupLeader isaScouternominatedbytheScoutGroupCouncil, recommendedby theCounty Commissioner andappointedbytheChiefCommissioner(AdultResources),onbehalfofthe NationalManagementCommittee,foratermofthreeyears,and is eligibleforreappointmentbytheChiefCommissioner(Adult Resources),onbehalfof theNationalManagementCommittee,upon thenominationoftheScoutGroupCouncilandrecommendationof theCountyCommissionerforonefurthertermofthreeyears.Onthe expiryofthesecondthree-yearterm,theGroupLeadermaybereappointedbytheChiefCommissioner(AdultResources),onbehalfof theNationalManagementCommittee,forsubsequentone-yeartermssubjecttotheapprovaloftheScoutGroupCouncilandtheCountyCommissioner.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘A’
R–11
Rule172
ThatRule172bealteredtoreadasfollows:EveryScoutCountyManagementCommitteeshallcomplywiththeproceduresadoptedbytheNationalManagementCommitteeinrelationtoAnnualReports,AnnualBudgeting,OperationalPlans,andFinancialControlsfortheScoutCounty.EveryScoutCountyBoard,throughitsCountyTreasurer,mustsubmitannualaccountstotheNationalTreasurer.TheannualaccountsofeachScoutGroupintheScoutCountymustbesubmittedbyScoutCountyBoardtotheNationalTreasurer.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘A’
Carried
R-12
NewRule
Thatanewrulebealteredaddedtoreadasfollows:ThemembersofScoutGroupCouncilshallbe:
a) TheGroupLeaderb) TheGroupChairpersonc) TheGroupSecretaryd) TheGroupTreasurere) TheGroupQuartermaster/Bo’sunand
Fell
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f) FurthermembersofScoutingIreland,overtheageof18
years,electedattheannualGeneralmeetingoftheScoutGroup
(SlieveBloomScoutCountyBoard)Proposer’sExplanationWeappreciateandsupporttheneedforthechangetotherulestoallowforinparticulartherequirementsoftheCharityRegulatorinNorthernIreland.WedohoweverbelievethattheScoutGroupshouldhavetheauthoritytodecideonthenumbersandpositionsthatserveontheGroupCouncil,subjecttotherelevantlegalrequirements.
R-13
NewRule
Thatanewrulebeaddedtoreadasfollows:ThatNationalCouncilacknowledgesthatthelegislationandstatutoryrequirementsinNorthernIrelandandTheRepublicofIrelandmaydiffer.NationalCouncilfurtheracknowledgesthattheGroupsinScoutingIrelandanditsmembersmustcomplywiththelawandstatutoryrequirementsoftheJurisdictioninwhichtheScoutGroupresides.ThereforeanyAmendmentsoradditionstoanyorallrules43(a).43(b),44,45,46,46(A),47,50,and52,butnotlimitedtothese,proposedbytheNationalManagementCommitteeforconsiderationbyNationalCouncil,shallrelateonlytogroupswithinNorthernIrelandandshouldbedenotedassuchintheRulesofScoutingIrelandwhereastherulespriortosaidAmendmentsoradditionsshallbedenoted“RepublicofIrelandonly”.(SlieveBloomScoutCountyBoard)Proposer’sExplanationThismotionprovidestheopportunityforchangestobemadetoSIRulestosatisfytheCCNIwhilstallowingforfurtherdiscussionswiththeCharitiesRegulatorintheRepublicofIrelandtotakeplace.ItalsoallowsforfurtherdiscussionsonpossiblefuturestructureswiththeRepublicofIrelandScoutGroups.Thechangescurrentlyproposedare,inouropinion,potentiallythebiggestchangetogrouplifeinScoutGroupssincetheformationofScoutingIreland.ScoutingIrelandmustremainanAll-IrelandAssociationandwerecognizethatGroupsinNorthernIrelandrequirerulechangessothattheymaycomplywithlegislationinthejurisdictioninwhichtheyreside.Thisruleallowsforboththisandforthefactthattheremaybedifferencesinlegalandotherrequirementswithinthetwojurisdictions.
OutofOrder
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R–13(A)
NewRule
Thatanewrulebeaddedtoreadasfollows:We propose that the rule changes being put forward bytheNationalManagementCommittee,toNationalCouncil,tomeettherequirementsoftheCharitiesCommissionofNorthernIrelandandScout Groups in that jurisdiction, only apply to Groups in the sixCountiesofNorthernIrelandandnotacrossallthirty-twoCounties,allowing for theGroups inNorthern Ireland tooperate ina lawfulmannerinlinewiththeAssociationRules,whileallowingtherestoftheAssociation timely discussion and preparation during the nexttwo years tomeet the requirements of the Charities Regulator intheRepublicofIreland(WaterfordScoutCountyBoard)Proposer’sExplanationAttheGovernancemeetingonthe19thMarchmembersoftheGovernanceteampresentedproposalsbeingputforwardtoNationalCounciltoamendtheRulesoftheAssociationinrelationtoGroupCounciltoensurethatourScoutGroupsinNorthernIrelandmeettheirlegislativerequirements.Therulechangeshoweverwillapplytothewholeassociation.ThismotionwillallowfortheGroupsinNItooperateinlinewiththeassociationsrules,whileallowingtherestoftheassociationtimefordiscussionandpreparationtomeettherequirementsoftheCharitiesRegulatorinROI.
OutofOrder
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RuleChanges–OtherCompanies
R-14
Rule179KThatRule179Kbedeleted:TheIrishScoutingFoundationisacompanyregisteredinIreland,limitedbyguaranteewithoutasharecapitalandexemptfromusingthewordlimitedandisgovernedbyitsMemorandumandArticles.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘B’
Carried
R-15
Rule179L
ThatRule179Lbedeleted:ThedirectorsofIrishScoutingFoundationshallconsistofthe,ChiefScout,NationalSecretary,theNationalTreasurer,anduptofiveotherMembersofScoutingIrelandrecommendedforappointmentbytheNationalManagementCommittee.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘B’
Carried
R-16
Rule179M
ThatRule179Mbedeleted:ThefiveotherMembersrecommendedbytheNationalManagementCommitteeforappointmentasdirectorsofIrishScoutingFoundationareappointedforatermofthreeyearsandareeligibleforre-appointmentforonefurthertermofthreeyears.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘B’
Carried
R-17
Rule179N
ThatRule179Nbedeleted:TheaccountsofIrishScoutingFoundationshallbeauditedannuallybytheAuditorforScoutingIreland.(NationalManagementCommittee)
Carried
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Proposer’sExplanationSeeAppendix‘B’
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RuleChanges–ComplaintsandAppeals
R-18
Rule28ThatRule28bealteredtoreadasfollows:AnindividualmaybeexpelledfrommembershipofScoutingIrelandonthegroundsofmisconductoractsnotinaccordancewiththeScoutPromiseorbreachofanytermsorconditionsattachingtomembershipofScoutingIreland.Expulsionshouldbebynoticeinwritingtothatmemberandservedpersonallyortothelastknownpostaladdressofthemember.ExpulsionproceedingswillbeissuedinaccordancewithScoutingIreland’sDisputesProcess.ThenoticeshouldbesignedonbehalfoftheNationalManagementCommittee(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationTheproposedamendmentstotheseRulesarerequiredinordertofacilitatetheintroductionofanewScoutingIrelandDisputesProcess.ThisnewProcesswillreplacetheexistingScoutingIrelandConflictResolutionPoliciesandProcedures,whicharenolongerfitforpurpose.
Carried
R-19
Rule29
ThatRule29bealteredtoreadasfollows:Anymemberdissatisfiedwithadecisionmadetocancel,withdraworsuspendhisorherAppointmentorPositioninScoutingIrelandorterminatehisorhermembershipofScoutingIrelandmayappealsuchcancellation,withdrawal,suspensionortermination,inwritingtotheNationalSecretary,orinthecasewheretheNationalSecretaryistheappellant,theChiefScout,within21daysofnotificationofsuchcancellation,withdrawal,suspensionortermination.AppealswillbeconductedandconcludedinaccordancewithScoutingIreland’sDisputesProcess.TheNationalSecretarywillappointanAppealsCommitteeconsistingofaCommissionerandtwoothermembersofScoutingIreland,onenominatedbytheappellant,theothernominatedbytheNationalSecretary.NomemberoftheAppealsCommitteeshouldhaveadirectconnectionwiththeappellant.SuchanAppealsCommitteewillnotlaterthan21daysafteritsappointmentcommencesuchproceedings,asitdeemsnecessarytoallowitconductsuchanappeal.ThedecisionsoftheAppealsCommitteeshallbefinal.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationTheproposedamendmentstotheseRulesarerequiredinorderto
Carried
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facilitatetheintroductionofanewScoutingIrelandDisputesProcess.ThisnewProcesswillreplacetheexistingScoutingIrelandConflictResolutionPoliciesandProcedures,whicharenolongerfitforpurpose.
R-20
Rule30
ThatRule30bealteredtoreadasfollows:Intheeventofadispute,everyeffortshallbemadetosettlethematterlocally.ScoutingIreland’sDisputesProcessshallbeusedtofacilitatearesolution.ThedisputeshallberesolvedinaccordancewithScoutingIreland’sConflictResolutionPolicy.Intheeventofafailuretoreacharesolution,themattershallbereferredtotheNationalManagementCommittee.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationTheproposedamendmentstotheseRulesarerequiredinordertofacilitatetheintroductionofanewScoutingIrelandDisputesProcess.ThisnewProcesswillreplacetheexistingScoutingIrelandConflictResolutionPoliciesandProcedures,whicharenolongerfitforpurpose.
Carried
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RuleChanges–CountyYouthForum
R-21
Rule84ThatRule84bealteredtoreadasfollows;TheScoutCountyYouthForainexercisingitsfunctionunderArticle35oftheConstitutionmusthaveaquorumofeightmemberspresentandvoting.(DunLaoghaireScoutCountyBoard)Proposer’sExplanationTheRulechangeisbeingproposedtoreducetheriskofScoutCountyYouthForabeingunabletoexerciseitsfunctionswithinScoutingIreland’sRulesduetoasometimesdemandingandunreachabletarget.TheproposalasksforarequirementofeightYouthMemberstobeinattendance,allowingformoreCountiestoruneffectiveYouthForathatabidebytheRulesofScoutingIreland.
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GeneralProposals
GP-01
GeneralProposal
ThatthisNationalCouncilestablishestheprinciplethatallYouthMembersparticipatinginaNationalActivity,withanassessmentleadingtotheachievementofanaward,mustbeoftheageoftherelevantprogrammesectionon,orbefore,the31stAugustimmediatelyfollowingtheconclusionofthatNationalActivity.(NationalManagementCommittee)Proposer’sExplanationThismotionprovidesdefinitiveclarityonwhenaYouthMemberiseligibletoparticipateinaNationalActivity.Bysettingacleardate,YouthMembersandScouterswillbeprovidedwithacertainty,whichiscurrentlymissing.ThiscriteriononlyreferstoNationalActivitiesthathaveacompetitiveelementoraformofassessment.Fortheavoidanceofdoubt,YouthMemberswillnotbeeligibletoparticipateinaNationalActivitywithanassessmentleadingtotheachievementofanaward,incircumstanceswheretheirageexceedsthemaximumagefortherelevantProgrammeSectionon,orbefore,the31stAugustimmediatelyfollowingtheconclusionofthatNationalActivity.
Carried
GP–02
GeneralProposal
ThatthisNationalCouncilimplementamodulesimilartotheRoverScout‘TheSafeguarding–FoundationeLearningModule’fornewScoutersinordertoallowbeddinginperiodof6monthsmaximum,beforetheystarttheirofficialBeingaScouterTraining.(LakelandsScoutGroupCouncil)Proposer’sexplanationItwasfeltbytheGroupLeadersthatifanewscoutercandotheirSafeguardingmoduleonlineoncetheyhavesentintheirapplicationstoHOandhavebeenvetted,thatthiswouldgivethemtimetoseewhatexactlyScoutingisaboutandtoallowthemabeddinginperiodbeforetheydotheweekendtraining.Iftheyhavetheirgardavettingandthesafeguardingmoduledoneonlineatleasttheywouldbeabletoattendweeklymeetings.WeasaScoutCountyfeelthatthenewtrainingregimeisfantasticopportunityforadultstocommittoScoutingandlearnoutdooradventureskillsthroughactiveinvolvementwithyoungpeopleintheircommunity.Thischangeifadopted,wouldgivegroupsachancetoshowcasewhatScoutingisallabout,andallowthemto"Sell"Scoutingforadultstoprospectivenewmembers.Forgroupsthatarestrugglingtorecruitnewadultmembersthischangewouldremoveanyobstacles(perceivedorotherwise)torecruitingthese
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newadults.WestronglyfeelthatthischangeisessentialtothecontinuedgrowthofScoutingincommunitiesacrossthecountry.
GP–03
GeneralProposal
ThatthisNationalCounciltakesintoconsiderationthatananomalyhasarisenwiththechangeovertothenewtrainingschemeinthatpeoplewishingtobecomeAdultMembersofScoutingIrelandmustnowcompletetheBeingaScouterelementofthewoodbadgetrainingaswellasGardaVettingbeforetheycanbecomeanactivememberofScoutingIreland.TheanomalyariseswheretheGardaVettingprocesshasbeencompletedbuttheprospectivememberhasnotyetattendedtheBeingaScoutercourse.AccordingtothedatabasetheyarenowafullyactivememberofScoutingIreland,whichincursthecapitationfeewhenthey’renotyeteligibletoparticipate.(CarlowKilkennyScoutCountyBoard)Proposer’sexplanationOurproposalisthatthedatabasebekeptas“pending”untiltheyhavecompletedboththecourseandtheGardaVetting.
Withdrawn
GP-04
GeneralProposal
ThatthisNationalCouncilrequeststheNationalManagementCommitteetorecognizetheneedfornewScouterstobeabletoengagesoonerintherespectiveProgrammeSections,byfacilitatingthedeliveryofthe“SafeGuarding”partofthecurrentScoutertrainingscheme,asaseparate,stand-alonemoduleofthattrainingscheme.(TolkaScoutCountyBoard)Proposer’sexplanationGroupsinourScoutCountyhaveexperiencedthatwhenrecruitingnewScoutersintotheirGroupsthatthetimeframeisextremelylongbeforetheycangetinvolvedwiththeweeklymeetingsofProgrammeSections.BecauseofthiselongatedtimeframesomeofthepeoplewhohadvolunteeredtobeScoutershavelostinterestinjoiningtheseGroups.WhenpeoplevolunteertobeScouters,theyexpecttobeabletoparticipateinweeklymeetingsofProgrammeSectionswithinareasonabletimeframe.IfpassedbyNationalCouncilwebelievethatoutcomeofthismotion,whenimplemented,wouldalsoallowsuchpeoplewhowishtobecomeScouterstimetofamiliarizethemselveswiththeGroupandwithScouting,includingouraimsandobjectives.
Withdrawn
GP-05
General
ThatthisNationalCouncilinstructstheNationalManagement
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Proposal CommitteetoreverttothepreviouspolicyofnotchargingitsAdult
Membersanannualregistrationfee.(WaterfordScoutCountyBoard)Proposer’sExplanationTheinvolvementofScoutersisvitaltoScoutingIrelandandtheyshouldnothavetopayfortheprivilegefordoingso.AdultscontributefreelyoftheirtimeandenergyfortheyoungpeopleatGroup,County,ProvincialandNationallevelandthiscontributionshouldbeacknowledgedthroughnon-paymentoffees.InthepasttheNMCmadethedecisiontodoawaywithadultfeesandatthesametimeincreasedyouthmembershipfeesaccordingly.ItisnowprofoundlyunfairtonotonlychargeadultsbuttoincreasethefeesinlinewiththeleveloftheYouthMembers’fees.
GP-06
GeneralProposal
ThatthisNationalCouncilinstructstheNationalTreasurertobringanyandallfutureproposedincreasesinmembershipfeestoNationalCouncilforconsideration.(WaterfordScoutCountyBoard)Proposer’sexplanationAttheformationofScoutingIrelanditwasdecidedthattheadultfeeswouldbedoneawaywithandtheyouthmembershipfeeswouldberaisedaccordingly(tocovertheshortfall).UnfortunatelyinrecentyearsfeesforadultshavebeenbroughtbackintoScoutingIrelandwithoutanyreductioninyouthmembershipfees.Thismotionwillensurefulltransparencyinrelationtomembershipfeesinthefuture.
Withdrawn
GP-07
GeneralProposal
ThatthisNationalCouncilinstructstheNationalManagementCommittee(NMC)toreverttoitspreviouspolicyinrelationtothe12DaysofChristmasDrawandnottakeanyoftheproceedsofthisfundraiser,insteadleavingalltheproceedsatGrouplevelwheretheyaremostneeded.(WaterfordScoutCountyBoard)Proposer’sexplanationThe12DaysofChristmasfundraiserwasre-launchedsomeyearsagotoprovideGroupswiththeopportunitytousetheeventtoraiseadequatefundstoruntheirScoutGroups.Atthetimeofthere-launchthemembershipfeeswereincreasedsothatthefullamountsraisedthroughthe12DaysofChristmasDrawwould
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remainwiththeGroupandnotbeusedatNationallevel.Tobeginthisprocessoftakingproceedsfromthefundraisercouldlead,inthefuture,tothefullamountsgoingtoNationallevel.
GP-08
GeneralProposal
ThatthisNationalCouncilinstructsthattheNationalManagementCommitteeshallacknowledgethatScoutGroupsmayhavevarioustypesoftentsandshallnotpenalizeanypatrolwhichdoesnothavecanvasIcelandictentsinuseatNationalCompetitionsorattheirqualifyingevents.(4Offaly(Edenderry)ScoutGroupCouncil)Proposer’sexplanationManyScoutGroupsareunabletoaffordthepurchaseofexpensiveIcelandicstyletents.IfoneoftheprerequisitesofapatrolqualifyingtoattendaNationalCompetitionisownershipofacanvasridgetentwefeelthatthisdiscriminatesagainstScoutsfromfinanciallydisadvantagedareasofthecountry.TheIcelandictentmaybeaniconassociatedspecificallywithScoutingbutthisisnotanacceptablereasontoignoreskillsassociatedwithcorrectuseofmoreaffordablemodernstylegrouptents,whichdeserveequalcommendationatNationalScoutingCompetitionlevel.
Withdrawn
GP-09
GeneralProposal
ThatthisNationalCouncilinstructtheNationalManagementCommitteetoinstructNationalOfficeandProvincialOfficestobeginacceptingcardpayments(CreditandDebit)immediatelyfortrainingcoursesandtoalsolookatthefeasibilityofacceptingothermethodsofpaymentsincludingonlinethroughthescouts.iewebsite,alongwithEFTBankTransfers,DirectDebitsandStandingOrdersfromScoutGroups,bythestartofthenewScoutingyearinSeptember2017.
(2/6/47/93CorkDouglas&StFinbarresScoutGroupCouncil)Proposer’sexplanationWeproposethismotiontoallowplacestobebookedontrainingcoursesgoingforwardonceapaymenthasbeenmadeelectronicallyoroverthephoneviaacard.MorethanoncehasaScouterbeenunabletoattendatrainingcourseduetothefactachequeneedstobesenttoNationalOfficetosecureaplace.ItisfairtosaythatthepracticeofusingchequesisslowlybeingphasedoutbythefinancialinstitutionsandthatanumberofScouterswouldnotpossessachequebookandthereforeneedtoarrangetomeettheGroupTreasureranddelaythebookingprocessfurther.
Carried
GP-10
General
ThatthisNationalCouncilrequeststheNationalManagement
Carried
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Proposal CommitteetoundertaketodelivertothemembersofScouting
Ireland,assoonaspossible,anonlinebookingandpaymentsystemforthetrainingcoursesdeliveredtoScouters
(TolkaScoutCountyBoard)Proposer’sexplanationThecurrentsystemisnotworking;GroupsinourScoutCountyhavehadseveraloccasionswheretheycheckedonlineandthereareplacesavailableoncourses,butbythetimethepayment(cheque)reachesNationalOffice,suchcoursesarefull.OnoneoccasiononcontactingNationalOfficeaGroupwasinformedthattherewerevacanciessotheGroupLeadersentthecompletedformandachequeinthepostthatdaytoNationalOffice,howeveruponreceiptoftheformandchequeNationalOfficeemailedtheGroupLeadertosaythecoursewasfull.Webelievethattheexistingbookingsystemisnotthemosteffectiveworkingmodelforsuchalargeorganization,whenothermoresuitableresourcesareavailableonthemarket,includinginthiscasebothanonlineavailability,bookingandpaymentsystem.
GP-11
GeneralProposal
ThatthisNationalCouncilacceptsandunderstandstheneedforallScoutersandScoutGroupstotaketimelyactiontoimplementsafeguardsandprotectionofpersonaldataheldbythemrelatingtotheirmembers,andthereforeinstructstheNationalManagementCommitteetoprepareandprovideappropriateandtimelylevelsoftrainingandresourcesregardingPersonalDataProtectionandDataPrivacytoScoutersandScoutGroups,soastoensurethatScoutingIrelandmitigatesthecurrenthighlevelofriskanduncertainty,andsoastoensurethatScouters,ScoutGroups,andScoutingIrelandareproperlypreparedforcompliancewithEuropeanDataProtectionRegulation(GDPR)(6MeathAshbourneScoutGroupCouncil)Proposer’sexplanationOurcurrentlackofapproachtoPersonalDataProtectionandDataPrivacyexposesScoutingIreland,ScoutGroupsandScouterstoconsiderablelevelsofrisk.AsideeffectofourproposedcompliancewithCharitiesregulationswillbeformalizationoflegalresponsibilityfordataattheScoutGrouplevel–alevelofresponsibilityforwhichScoutGroupsarenotprepared.TheforthcomingEUGDPRcreatesmanychangestoregulationsonchildren’sdata,sensitivedata,andthepoweranddiscretionofthesupervisoryauthoritytoimposesanctionsareofdirectconcern.AllScoutersneedtoobtainaparticularminimumofawarenessconcerningobligationsondataprotection,and‘officers’ofScout
Carried
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Groups(onwhomlegalresponsibilityfalls)needtobeprovidedwithspecifictrainingandrelevantresourcestosupporttheminmeetingtheirspecificobligations.
GP-12
GeneralProposal
ThatthisNationalCouncilrecognisestheimportanceofPersonalDataProtection,andsorequiresNationalManagementCommitteetoprovideadequatereassurancetoScoutingIrelandmembersthatboththeCompanyandtheAssociationhasadequateprocessesandsafeguardsinplaceinrespectofthepersonaldata(automatedandnon-automated)whichareheldonallmembersoftheScoutingIrelandpastandpresent,youthandadult;andthatappropriatepreparationsareinplaceforcompliancewiththeEUGeneralDataProtectionRegulation(GDPR)fromMay2018,particularlythoseaspectsrelatedtochildren’sdata,sensitivedata,consent,risk,datasubjectrights,andassociateddataprotectionimplicationsarisingfromBREXIT.(6MeathAshbourneScoutGroupCouncil)Proposer’sexplanationScoutingIreland’scurrentlackoftransparentapproachtoPersonalDataPrivacyexposesScoutingIreland,ScoutGroupsandScouterstoconsiderablelevelsofrisk.AsideeffectofourproposedcompliancewithCharitiesregulationswillbeformalizationofjointlegalresponsibilityfordatabetweentheScoutGroupandScoutingIreland–alevelofresponsibilityforwhichScoutGroupsarenotprepared.TheforthcomingEUGDPRcreatesmanychangesinthelegalandregulatoryframeworksurroundingtheprocessingofpersonaldata,andinparticularchangestoregulationsonchildren’sdata,sensitivedata,andthepoweranddiscretionofthesupervisoryauthoritytoimposesanctionsareofdirectconcern.ThesechangeshavedirectimplicationsforhowScoutingIrelandobtains,processes,keepsanddisclosespersonaldata,particularlyinrespectofchildren.
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AppendixA–GovernanceProposalsThisyearatNationalCouncil,thereisaseriesofrulechangesproposedtorestructuretheScoutGroupCouncilinordertocomplywiththeCharitieslegislationinboththeRepublicofIrelandandNorthernIreland.TheScoutGroupistheprimaryleveloforganisationofScoutinginIreland.ItiswheretheYouthProgrammeisdeliveredtoouryouthmembers.RegisteringScoutGroupsasCharitiesensuresthattheScoutGroupremainsincontrolofitsownactivitiesandfinances.TheregistrationprocessrequiresaconstitutiondocumentfortheCharityandtheidentificationofCharityTrustees.CurrentlyScoutGroupsareorganisedundertheScoutingIrelandConstitutionandRules.AstheConstitutionandRulesalsocontainsmuchdetailaboutotherpartsofScoutingIreland,aseparateconstitutiondocumenthadtobecreatedforScoutGroupstoregisterasCharities.AllofthereferencestotheScoutGroupintheConstitutionandRulesdocumentwererepeatedinaseparateconstitutiondocumentforusebyScoutGroups.Suchwasthemoststraightforwardwaytoproceed.However,itwasalsoclearthattheexistingmanagementstructuresofourScoutGroupswouldposeproblemsandimposealevelofunnecessaryriskonthosevolunteersleadingourScoutGroups.ThemanagementstructureofourScoutGroupsisbothsimpleandunusual.TheScoutGroupCouncilisthebodychargedwiththemanagementoftheadministrationoftheScoutGroup.Itistheonlybodyinvolved.Itreportstoitself!ItisalsoaverylargebodyandwhiletherearesomepermanentmembersoftheScoutGroupCouncilsuchasforexample,theGroupLeaderandtheGroupTrainertherearealsoseveralnonpermanentmemberssuchasScoutersfromaProgrammeSectionoryouthrepresentativesneitherofwhichisnecessarilythesameindividualfrommeetingtomeeting.TheCharitieslegislationinbothjurisdictionsrequireseveryCharitytohaveCharityTrustees.ThelegislationimposesspecificdutiesonCharityTrusteesandtherearesanctions,whichcanbeimposedonanyCharityTrusteewhofailstocarryouthisorherduties.TheCharityTrusteeshavecollectiveresponsibilityforthewellbeingoftheCharityandtoensurethattheCharitycomplieswiththelaw.ItisthereforeimportantthatthosemembersofScoutingIrelandinourScoutGroupswhohavebeenfixedwiththeresponsibilityofbeingCharityTrusteesareawareofwhotheirfellowCharityTrusteesare.ItisalsoimportantthatthosewhobecomeinvolvedinsomeformwithaCharitydonotfindthemselvesinaposition,whichmakesthemdefactoCharityTrustees(orbeingaCharityTrusteewithoutknowingitbecauseofwhattheydoforaCharity).TherearemanydifferentsolutionstothedevelopmentofamanagementstructureforourScoutGroups,whichfacilitatesaneffectivebutinclusiveadministrationfromaProgrammeSectionandayouthinvolvementaspectwhilemeetingtherequirementsimposedontheScoutGroupbyCharitylegislation.LastyeartheNationalManagementCommitteetookfirststepsinthedevelopmentofaconsultationprocess,whichwoulddesignamodernmanagementstructureforScoutGroups,whichwouldincludealltheprinciples,whichScoutingIrelandanditsScoutGroupsregardasfundamental.Thatprocessiscontinuing.ThenewdesignmustofcourseattendtotheobligationsimposedbythelawbutitmustalsobeeffectiveandsufficientlyflexibleforScoutGroupsofdifferentsizesindifferentcommunities.TheregistrationofourScoutGroupsasCharitiesisuponus(indeeditiswelladvancedinNorthernIreland).AnimmediatesolutioninvolvestheamendmentofthemanagementstructuresofourScoutGroupstointroduceanAnnualGeneralMeetingatwhichthememberoftheScoutGroupCouncilarenominated/electedandthereductionofthesizeoftheScoutGroupCouncil(allmembersofwhichwillbeCharityTrusteeswithoutexception).
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Thisnewstructurecanintimebereplacedupontheconclusionoftheextensiveconsultationprocessforthedesignofanewmodernmanagementstructure.ButintheinterimitwillfacilitateastructurewhichmeetstherequirementsofthelegislationandwhichprotectsourmembersbyhavingaclearlydefinedScoutGroupCouncil(theGroupLeader,Chairperson,Secretary,Treasurer,QM/Bo’sunandupto2othersappointedbytheAGM).ThosemembersoftheCouncilwillunderstandtheirresponsibilitiesasCharityTrustees.ItwillalsoprotectothersintheScoutGroupbecausethestructureswillclearlyindicatethattheydonothavetheresponsibilityandtheyshouldnotfallintothetrapofbeingadefactoCharityTrusteeprovidedtheyobservethestructures.Clauses6.4and6.5oftheGroupConstitutiondocumentprovidesforsomeflexibilityforeachScoutGroupinthedevelopmentofitsownstructuresbeneaththeScoutGroup.TheNationalManagementCommitteehasproposedaGroupLifedocument.InthedesignofthesestructurestheScoutGroupmusttakecarenottodisrupttheresponsibilityoftheScoutGroupCouncilasCharityTrustees.SuchwouldnotonlyposelegalrisksforthemembersoftheScoutGroupCouncilbutwouldalsocreaterisksforthoseinvolvedinthebody/committee/forumwhichtheScoutGroupcreated.ThedocumentrelatingtoScoutGroupLifesetsoutoptionsforsubcommittees,forumsandteamsthatoperatewithintheScoutGroup.ScoutGroupshavetochooseforthemselvestheoptionthatsuitstheminorderforGroupLifetoworkeffectively.ThereisflexibilitywithintheseoptionsfortheGroupitselftomakechoicesthatbestsuititsowncircumstances.ItiscertainthatthestructureoftheScoutGroupcannotremainasitis.Thatcreateslegalriskforallinvolved.TheproposedstructureisminimalistintermsofchangeandpermitsasignificantdegreeofflexibilityuntiltheprocessofdesigninganewmanagementstructurewhichScoutGroupsfeelcanbeeffectiveinmeetingtheirnewlegalresponsibilitiesandeffectiveintheirdeliveryofyouthprogrammetotheyouthmembersintheircharge.
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AppendixB–OtherCompaniesTrustCompanies(TheScoutFoundation,ScoutAssociationofIrelandTrustCorporationLimited,ScoutingTrustPropertyLimited)Articles41j.and53arebeingamendedtoreflectthefactthattherearecurrently3TrustCompaniesandnotTheScoutFoundationalone.Articles41k.and55oftheConstitutionprovidedfortheinclusionontheagendaoftheNationalCounciloftheappointmentofmembersanddirectorstoTheScoutFoundation.Legallythiswasincorrect.ItisnotlegallypossibleforScoutingIrelandtoappointmembersanddirectorstotheCompanybutsince2004ithasbeeninterpretedbyallconcernedthatScoutingIrelandwouldnominateindividualsforappointmentbyTheScoutFoundation.TheScoutFoundation(andindeedalloftheTrustCompaniesare)isacompanylimitedbyguarantee.Currentlythesameindividualsserveasmembersofthecompanyanddirectorsofthecompany.FollowingagovernancereviewoftheTrustCompanies(includingTheScoutFoundation)theBoardsoftheTrustCompaniesconcludedthatitwouldbepreferabletocreateadistinctionbetweenthemembersofthecompanyandthedirectorsoftheCompany.ThemembersoftheCompanywouldattendtheAnnualGeneralMeetingsoftheTrustCompanies,approvetheAnnualReportsandappointDirectorstotheBoard.Whiletheroleofthememberisimportantitisinvariablynottimeconsuming(meetingsoftheAGMoftheTrustCompaniesrarelylastmorethan10minutes!).AmechanismforthegenerationofmembersoftheTrustCompanieshadtobedevised.ItwasresolvedthatthemembersoftheCompanywouldbeindividualswhohadservedfulltermsasNationalOfficersormembersoftheNationalTeamforPolicyImplementationandCo-ordination.SuchamechanismwouldgeneratenewmembersautomaticallywhileensuringthatthesenewmemberswereindividualswhohadbeenelectedbytheNationalCounciltohighofficeinScoutingIreland.TheproposalwasconsideredbytheNationalManagementCommitteewhoagreedthatthegovernancechangewasinaccordancewithbestpracticeandbestservedtheinterestsoftheAssociationintheTrustCompanies.AccordinglytheNationalManagementCommitteeproposestheamendmenttotheConstitutiontoreflectthechangeswhichhavealreadybeenimplementedbytheTrustCompaniestoensurethattheConstitutionaccuratelyreflectswhatexists.Article54oftheConstitutionisproposedtobedeletedasitisastatementoffactonly.ItissuperfluousandtheNationalManagementCommitteeproposesitsdeletionaspartofaprogrammetotidyuptheConstitution.IrishScoutingFoundationFurthertoameetingoftheBoardofDirectorsoftheIrishScoutingFellowshipon18thAugust(Minutesattached)theBoardresolvedtorecommendthattheCompanybewounddowninanorderlymanner.ThereasonforthisisthattheCompanyremainsinactive,andthatScoutingIrelandServicescanbeusedforfundraisinginitiatives,andhasbeengrantedpermissionbyRevenuetooperatetheDonationsschemeundertheprovisionsofSection848AandSchedule26ATaxesConsolidationAct(TCA)1997.TheBoardalsonotedthatRevenuehaswrittentotheCompanyon3separateoccasionsinrelationtothecharitabletaxexemptionitenjoys,andnotedthatitwouldseekanupdateinrelationtoitsactivitiesinOctober2016.TheBoardfeelthatthereisapotentialforreputationaldamagetoScoutingIrelandifRevenuerescindthecharitabletaxexemptionforthisCompany.TheBoardhaverequestedtheNMCtoconsidertheimplicationsfromaScoutingIrelandperspective.TheBoardnotedthatitwouldappearfromScoutingIreland’sRule179thattheCompanymustremaininexistence,andtheBoardareseekingclarificationinrelationtothis,andifsowhatadviseScoutingIrelandcanprovidesothattheCompanycanbewounddown.