{"number":"4","url":"/por/4d-organisation-registration-and-changes/","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EThe registration, changes, amalgamations, suspensions and closures of\u0026nbsp;Sections, Groups, Districts and Counties.\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis chapter was previously section 4.8 from Chapter 4 of the Autumn 2025 edition of POR.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"rules":[{"number":"4d.1","body":"","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.1.1.1 \u0026nbsp; \u00A0Initial registration\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/strong\u003EA section does not formally exist until it has been recorded on the membership system.\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA Group does not formally exist until it has been recorded on the membership system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA District does not formally exist until it has been recorded on the membership system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA County does not formally exist until it has been recorded on the membership system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.1.1.2 Census and annual renewal of registration\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEvery section, Group, District and County must complete the census process advised by UK Headquarters each year. This process automatically includes the annual re-registration of each section, Group, District and County. See also POR 3.2.1.2.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf a section, Group, District or County is not re-registered via completion of the annual census, then it must be closed. \u00A0\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAny section,\u202FGroup, District or County\u202Fwhich returns zero members on\u202Fthe annual census, must\u202Fbe closed\u202Funless there are extraordinary circumstances leading to the zero return.\u202F\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe process for closure of a section is in POR 4d.2.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe process for closure of a Group, District or County is in POR 4d.3 \u2013 as part of this process, UK Headquarters will remove the Group, District or County from the membership system.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.1.1.3 Membership subscriptions\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003ERegistration renewal also requires the payment of \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ethe UK Headquarters\u2019 Membership Subscriptions\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eany District, County and Country membership subscriptions payable. \u00A0\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESee also POR 5e.8.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"deprecated":false,"url":"/por/4d-organisation-registration-and-changes/4d1-registration-and-membership-subscriptions/","id":89433,"nodeName":"4d.1 Registration and membership subscriptions","title":"Registration and membership subscriptions","type":"pORRule","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Registration and membership subscriptions","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84OTQzMyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/4d-organisation-registration-and-changes/4d1-registration-and-membership-subscriptions/"},{"number":"4d.2","body":"","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E4d.2.1 Squirrel, Beaver, Cub and Scout sections\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.2.1.1 Consultation to open, merge, suspend or close a section\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/strong\u003EClosing a section under POR 4d.1.1.2(b) or (c) does not require consultation.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Group Lead Volunteer may open, merge, suspend or close Squirrel, Beaver, Cub or Scout section(s) following: \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Econsultation with the Group Leadership Team. \u00A0\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Econsultation with the District Lead Volunteer. \u00A0\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Econsultation with the sponsoring authority (if any) \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Esubsequent agreement by the Group Trustee Board to a resolution proposed by the Group Lead Volunteer to open, merge, close or suspend the section(s)\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.2.1.2 Merging of two or more Squirrel, Beaver, Cub or Scout sections\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/strong\u003EIt is important that any merger is created as a true merger, rather than as a takeover of one section by another. The Volunteering Culture statement (POR Chapter 2c) provides a useful planning framework for creating a successful merger.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAny closure or opening of Drey(s), Colony(s), Pack(s) or Troop(s) as a result of the merger must be recorded on the membership system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.2.1.3 Suspension of a Squirrel, Beaver, Cub or Scout section\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/strong\u003EIn the case of suspension of a section, the membership of each member of the suspended section is suspended, unless membership of another section or Group is arranged by the Group Lead Volunteer or the District Lead Volunteer.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.2.1.4 Closure of a Squirrel, Beaver, Cub or Scout section\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EIn the case of closure of a section, the membership of each member of the closed section should cease, unless membership of another section or Group is arranged by the Group Lead Volunteer or the District Lead Volunteer.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.2.1.5 Changing registration details\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe recorded details of all Squirrel, Beaver, Cub and Scout sections must be maintained up to date on the membership system.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EChanges in the recorded details of any Squirrel, Beaver, Cub or Scout section must be made directly on the membership system by the Group Lead Volunteer.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E4d.2.2 Explorer and Scout Network sections\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.2.2.1 Consultation to open, merge, suspend or close a section\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/strong\u003EClosing a section under POR 4d.1.1.2(b) or (c) does not require consultation.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe District Lead Volunteer may open, merge or close an Explorer Unit or Scout Network following agreement by the District 14-24 Team Leader, the District Trustee Board and the Group Lead Volunteers of the District following.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Econsultation with the District 14-24 Team Leader. \u0026nbsp;\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Econsultation with all the Group Lead Volunteers of the District\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Esubsequent agreement by the District Trustee Board to a resolution proposed by the District Lead Volunteer to open, merge or close the Unit(s)\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo suspend an Explorer Unit, see POR 4d.2.2.6. \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo suspend a Scout Network, see POR 4d.2.2.7. \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.2.2.2 Merging of two or more Explorer Units\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EFor merging two (or more) Explorer Unit(s), the District Lead Volunteer must ensure that the merger is seen as that, rather than a \u2018take over\u2019. The Volunteering Culture statement (POR Chapter 2c) provides a useful planning framework for creating a successful merger.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAny closure or opening of Explorer Unit(s) as a result of the merger must be recorded on the membership system.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.2.2.3 To move an Explorer Unit to another District\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA decision to move an Explorer Unit from one District to another District must be approved by the District Lead Volunteers for both Districts.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEach District Lead Volunteer\u2019s approval to move an Explorer Unit may only be given following:\u00A0\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Econsultation with their District Trustee Board\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eif the proposed receiving District is part of a different County, consultation with the County Lead Volunteers for both Counties\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Esubsequent agreement by their District Trustee Board to a resolution proposed by the District Lead Volunteer to move the Explorer Unit\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBefore a District Lead Volunteer\u2019s formal consultation with the relevant District Trustee Board:\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ean assessment of the impact of the change must be undertaken jointly by the Team Leader for the Explorer Unit, both District 14-24 Team Leaders and both District Lead Volunteers. This assessment must address all identified risks, including the potential impact on:\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eany partnered Groups\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ethe adult members of the Explorer Unit\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eparents and young people currently in the Explorer Unit\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ethe reputation of Scouts in the Explorer Unit\u2019s and both Districts\u2019 local areas\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eall adults appointed within the Explorer Unit (including the members of any partnered Group Trustee Board, and any Sponsoring Authority) must have the opportunity to present their views to both of the District Lead Volunteers, both of the District 14-24 Team Leaders and the members of both District Trustee Boards\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAn Explorer Unit may only move to another District if it will subsequently have its usual meeting place within that other District.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPractical arrangements required to support the ongoing running of the Explorer Unit must be in place before the move.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf the change is approved, and there is an existing partnership agreement in place, this must be terminated as a part of the move.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.2.2.4 Closure of an Explorer Unit\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EIn the case of closure, the membership of each member of the closed Unit should cease, unless membership of another Unit is arranged by the District 14-24 Team Leader or the District Lead Volunteer.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.2.2.5 Changing registration details\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe recorded details of all Explorer and Scout Network sections must be maintained up to date on the membership system by the District 14-24 Team Leader.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.2.2.6 Suspension of an Explorer Unit\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESuspension of registration is a purely temporary measure.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA District must have at least one Explorer Unit and one Young Leaders Unit (POR 4a.2.1.5) and so any suspension that would break either or both of those two criteria must take place only when there are extreme circumstances and suspension is the only available option.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAn Explorer Unit may be suspended by the District Lead Volunteer in consultation with the District Trustee Board and District 14-24 Team Leader. \u00A0\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf the Explorer Unit has a partnership agreement with a Scout Group, the Group Lead Volunteer must be informed of the suspension.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESuspension may also be a consequence of the suspension of the District.\u00A0In such a case the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI] \u003C/sup\u003ECountry) Lead Volunteer may direct that Explorer Units should not be suspended but attached to a neighbouring District.\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDuring suspension \u00A0\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eall Explorer Unit activities must cease\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eall the Unit\u2019s Section Team members are automatically suspended as if each were individually suspended. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eno member of the Explorer Unit may wear uniform or badges. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.2.2.7 Suspension of a Scout Network\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESuspension of registration is a purely temporary measure. \u00A0\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA District must have a Scout Network (POR 4a.2.1.5) and so suspension must take place only when there are extreme circumstances and suspension is the only available option.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA District Scout Network may be suspended by the District Lead Volunteer in consultation with the District Trustee Board and the District 14-24 Team. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESuspension may also be the consequence of the suspension of the District.\u00A0In such a case the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E Country) Lead Volunteer may direct that the Scout Network should not be suspended but attached to a neighbouring District.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESuspension may also be a consequence of the suspension of the County.\u00A0In such a case the Chief Volunteer may direct that Scout Network members should not be suspended but attached to another District in another County.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIn the event of suspension:\u00A0\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eall Scout Network activities must cease\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eall Scout Network members are automatically suspended as if each were individually suspended. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eno Scout Network member may wear uniform or badges. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA District Lead Volunteer who suspends a Scout Network must report the matter with full details to the County Lead Volunteer.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"deprecated":false,"url":"/por/4d-organisation-registration-and-changes/4d2-open-change-merge-suspend-or-close-a-section/","id":89434,"nodeName":"4d.2 Open, change, merge, suspend or close a section","title":"Open, change, merge, suspend or close a section","type":"pORRule","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Open, change, merge, suspend or close a section","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84OTQzNCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/4d-organisation-registration-and-changes/4d2-open-change-merge-suspend-or-close-a-section/"},{"number":"4d.3","body":"","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E4d.3.1 Registration and planning\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.3.1.1 Registration forms\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/strong\u003EThe opening, changing, merging or closing of a Group, District or County requires change to the charities that form the Federation. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis therefore requires more formality in the process. The forms required for registering, changing, moving or closing Groups or Districts may be found at \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/administration-and-management/registration-forms/\u0022 title=\u0022Registration forms\u0022\u003ERegistration Forms\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUse:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EForm C to register a new Group or District\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EForm C2 to change:\u0026nbsp;\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ea Group or District\u2019s name or meeting place\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ea Group Sponsoring Authority\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ea Group\u2019s type\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EForm C3 to move a Group to another District\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EForm C4 to close a Group or a District\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EForm C5 to amalgamate (merge) Groups or Districts \u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EEmail completed forms to \u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:support@scouts.org.uk\u0022\u003Esupport@scouts.org.uk\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo open or close a Squirrel, Beaver, Cub, Scout section see POR 4d.2.1.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo open or close an Explorer section see POR 4d.2.2.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.3.1.2 Boundary changes\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThere is information available to support \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/administration-and-management/boundary-reviews-and-implementing-boundary-changes/implementing-boundary-changes/\u0022 title=\u0022Implementing Boundary Changes\u0022\u003EImplementing Boundary Changes\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is important to note that when a Boundary Review is initiated by a County Lead Volunteer, it forms part of an exploratory process to assess potential options. The resulting report is used to inform both the County Lead Volunteer and the County Trustee Board about the possible options. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAny agreed restructuring is subsequently implemented using the processes set out in POR 4d.3.2.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.3.1.3 Registration of Sea Scout Groups and Air Scout Groups\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EGroups in which a Troop is a Sea Scout Troop or an Air Scout Troop may use the title Sea Scout Group or Air Scout Group respectively as appropriate.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E4d.3.2 Groups and Districts\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.3.2.1 To open and register a new Group or District\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EBefore registering a new Group or District, the District or County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E Country) Lead Volunteer and the District or County Trustee Board (as appropriate) must both be satisfied that:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eregistration is desirable\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ethe proposed Group or District will be run properly\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Esuitable leaders can be found\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn the case of a Sponsored Group, this agreement must also include consultation with the\u00A0Sponsoring Authority.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf either or both of the District Lead Volunteer and the District Trustee Board refuse to recommend the registration of a Group, the District Lead Volunteer must send a full report to the appropriate Country Headquarters, with a copy to the County Lead Volunteer.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf either or both of the County Lead Volunteer and the County Trustee Board refuse to recommend the registration of a District, the County Lead Volunteer must send a full report to the appropriate Country Headquarters.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.3.2.2 To merge two or more Groups\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe District Lead Volunteer may merge one or more Group(s) following:\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Econsultation with the affected Group Lead Volunteers.\u202F\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Econsultation with the sponsoring authority (if any)\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Esubsequent agreement by the District Trustee Board to a resolution proposed by the District Lead Volunteer to merge the Group(s)\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESee POR 4d.3.2.5 where this action leads to a Group(s) needing to be closed to enable the merger.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is important that the merger is created as a true merger, rather than as a take over of one Group by another. The Volunteering Culture statement (POR Chapter 2c) provides a useful planning framework for creating a successful merger.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAny closure or opening of Group(s) as a result of the merger must be recorded on the membership system.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.3.2.3 To merge two or more Districts\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EThe County Lead Volunteer may merge one or more Districts(s) following:\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Econsultation with the affected District Lead Volunteers.\u202F\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Esubsequent agreement by the County Trustee Board to a resolution proposed by the County Lead Volunteer to merge the District(s)\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESee POR 4d.3.2.6 where this action leads to a District(s) needing to be closed to enable the merger.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt is important that the merger is created as a true merger, rather than as a take over of one District by another. The Volunteering Culture statement (POR Chapter 2c) provides a useful planning framework for creating a successful merger.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAny closure or opening of Districts(s) as a result of the merger must be recorded on the membership system.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.3.2.4 To move a Group to another District\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA decision to move a Group from one District to another District must be approved by the District Lead Volunteers for both Districts.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEach District Lead Volunteer\u2019s approval to move a Group may only be given following:\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Econsultation with their District Trustee Board\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eif the proposed receiving District is part of a different County, consultation with the County Lead Volunteers for both Counties\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Esubsequent agreement by their District Trustee Board to a resolution proposed by the District Lead Volunteer to move the Group\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBefore a District Lead Volunteer\u2019s formal consultation with the relevant District Trustee Board:\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ean assessment of the impact of the change must be undertaken jointly by the Group Lead Volunteer and both District Lead Volunteers. This assessment must address all identified risks, including the potential impact on:\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eany partnered Explorer Units\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ethe adult members of the Group\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eparents and young people currently in the Group\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ethe reputation of Scouts in the Group\u2019s and both Districts\u2019 local areas\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eall adults appointed within the Group (including the members of the Group Trustee Board, and any Sponsoring Authority) must have the opportunity to present their views to both District Lead Volunteers and members of both District Trustee Boards\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA Group may only move to another District if geographic integrity is maintained. This means that:\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDistricts must retain clear and sensible geographic boundaries\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA Group located in the middle of a District cannot transfer to another District\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA Group near a District boundary may only transfer to an adjacent District across that boundary\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ea Group cannot transfer from The Scout Association to any other body whether calling itself a Scout organisation or by any other name.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf the change is approved, then Form C3 (see POR 4d.3.1.1) must be completed and fully processed before the transfer can take effect.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.3.2.5 To close a Group\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe District Lead Volunteer may recommend closure of a Group after consultation with the District Trustee Board. \u00A0\u00A0\u003Cbr\u003EAs part of that process, all adults appointed within the Group (including all members of the Group Trustee Board, and the Sponsoring Authority, if any) must have the opportunity to present their views to the District Lead Volunteer and the District Trustee Board.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhen the registration of a Group is cancelled the Group ceases to exist and action must be taken as described in POR Chapters 5a and 5e to deal with its property and assets. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ea Group is not permitted to transfer from The Scout Association to any other body whether calling itself a Scout organisation or by any other name.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIndividual or several members of a Group may leave and join any other organisation they wish. The Group itself and all its assets remain part of The Scout Association whose parent body is incorporated by Royal Charter. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIn the event of all the members leaving, the District must close the Group and cancel its registration.\u00A0\u003Cbr\u003EIn the event that not all the members leave, it must be a decision for the District Lead Volunteer and District Trustee Board as to whether to close the Group or keep it running with a reduced membership. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.3.2.6 To close a District\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E Country) Lead Volunteer may recommend closure of a District after agreement with the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E Country) Trustee Board. \u00A0\u00A0\u003Cbr\u003EAs part of that agreement process, the District Lead Volunteer and District Chair must have the opportunity to present their views to the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E Country) Lead Volunteer and the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E Country) Trustee Board.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhen the registration of a District is cancelled, the District ceases to exist and action must be taken as described in POR Chapters 5a and 5e to deal with its property and assets. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ea District is not permitted to transfer from The Scout Association to any other body whether calling itself a Scout organisation or by any other name.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIndividual or several members of a District may leave and join any other organisation they wish. The District itself and all its assets remain part of The Scout Association whose parent body is incorporated by Royal Charter. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIn the event of all the members leaving, the County must close the District and cancel its registration. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIn the event that not all the members leave, it must be a decision for the County Lead Volunteer and County Trustee Board as to whether to close the District or keep it running with a reduced membership.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E4d.3.3 To close a County\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E(\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E this does not apply in Northern Ireland)\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe relevant Chief Volunteer may recommend closure of a County after agreement with the most senior relevant Country Committee.\u00A0\u003Cbr\u003EAs part of that agreement process, the County Lead Volunteer and County Chair must have the opportunity to present their views to the Chief Volunteer and the most senior relevant Country Committee.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhen the registration of a County is cancelled the County ceases to exist and action must be taken as described in POR Chapters 5a and 5e to deal with its property and assets. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ea County is not permitted to transfer from The Scout Association to any other body whether calling itself a Scout organisation or by any other name.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIndividual or several members of a County may leave and join any other organisation they wish. The County itself and all its assets remain part of The Scout Association whose parent body is incorporated by Royal Charter. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIn the event of all the members leaving, the Country Headquarters must close the County and cancel its registration. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIn the event that not all the members leave, it must be a decision for the Chief Volunteer and the most senior relevant Country Committee as to whether to close the County or keep it running with a reduced membership.\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"deprecated":false,"url":"/por/4d-organisation-registration-and-changes/4d3-register-open-change-merge-or-close-a-group-a-district-or-a-county/","id":89435,"nodeName":"4d.3 Register, open, change, merge or close a Group, a District or a County","title":"Register, open, change, merge or close a Group, a District or a County","type":"pORRule","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Register, open, change, merge or close a Group, a District or a County","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84OTQzNSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/4d-organisation-registration-and-changes/4d3-register-open-change-merge-or-close-a-group-a-district-or-a-county/"},{"number":"4d.4","body":"","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.4.1.1 Suspension is temporary\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAny suspension of registration is a purely temporary measure. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.4.1.2 \u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW169711210 BCX8\u0022 data-ccp-parastyle=\u0022Level 3\u0022 data-ccp-parastyle-defn=\u0022{\u0026quot;ObjectId\u0026quot;:\u0026quot;d5e0e509-5f10-562b-9587-a1fb7b61002b|1\u0026quot;,\u0026quot;ClassId\u0026quot;:1073872969,\u0026quot;Properties\u0026quot;:[201342448,\u0026quot;3\u0026quot;,469777843,\u0026quot;\u6E38\u660E\u671D\u0026quot;,201341986,\u0026quot;3\u0026quot;,335559685,\u0026quot;0\u0026quot;,201342446,\u0026quot;1\u0026quot;,201342447,\u0026quot;5\u0026quot;,201342449,\u0026quot;1\u0026quot;,469777841,\u0026quot;NunitoSans-Regular\u0026quot;,469777842,\u0026quot;NunitoSans-Regular\u0026quot;,469777844,\u0026quot;NunitoSans-Regular\u0026quot;,469769226,\u0026quot;NunitoSans-Regular\u0026quot;,268442635,\u0026quot;22\u0026quot;,469775450,\u0026quot;Level 3\u0026quot;,201340122,\u0026quot;2\u0026quot;,134234082,\u0026quot;true\u0026quot;,134233614,\u0026quot;true\u0026quot;,469778129,\u0026quot;Level3\u0026quot;,335572020,\u0026quot;1\u0026quot;,335559739,\u0026quot;120\u0026quot;,134245418,\u0026quot;true\u0026quot;,469777929,\u0026quot;Level 3 Char\u0026quot;,469778324,\u0026quot;Normal\u0026quot;]}\u0022 data-ccp-parastyle-linked-defn=\u0022{\u0026quot;ObjectId\u0026quot;:\u0026quot;e7f11623-d01d-503d-8558-b37fa0cf3e0e|1\u0026quot;,\u0026quot;ClassId\u0026quot;:1073872969,\u0026quot;Properties\u0026quot;:[201342446,\u0026quot;1\u0026quot;,201342447,\u0026quot;5\u0026quot;,201342448,\u0026quot;3\u0026quot;,201342449,\u0026quot;1\u0026quot;,469777841,\u0026quot;NunitoSans-Regular\u0026quot;,469777842,\u0026quot;NunitoSans-Regular\u0026quot;,469777843,\u0026quot;\u6E38\u660E\u671D\u0026quot;,469777844,\u0026quot;NunitoSans-Regular\u0026quot;,201341986,\u0026quot;1\u0026quot;,469769226,\u0026quot;NunitoSans-Regular,\u6E38\u660E\u671D\u0026quot;,268442635,\u0026quot;22\u0026quot;,469775450,\u0026quot;Level 3 Char\u0026quot;,201340122,\u0026quot;1\u0026quot;,134233614,\u0026quot;true\u0026quot;,469778129,\u0026quot;Level3Char\u0026quot;,335572020,\u0026quot;1\u0026quot;,134231262,\u0026quot;true\u0026quot;,469777929,\u0026quot;Level 3\u0026quot;,469778324,\u0026quot;Default Paragraph Font\u0026quot;]}\u0022\u003ESuspension of a Group\u003C/span\u003E\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA Group may have its registration suspended by the District Lead Volunteer, after approval by\u00A0\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ethe District Trustee Board \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ethe County Lead Volunteer (The County Lead Volunteer approval must only be given after consultation with the County Trustee Board)\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIn exceptional circumstances, UK Headquarters may suspend the registration of a Group. This must be done in consultation with the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E Country) Lead Volunteer. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESuspension of registration may also be a consequence of the suspension of the District. \u00A0\u003Cbr\u003EIn such a case the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E Country) Lead Volunteer may direct that Groups should not be suspended but attached to a neighbouring District as appropriate. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDuring suspension of a Group:\u00A0\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eall Group activities must cease\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eall adults appointed within the Group must be suspended (see Chapter 16). \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eno member of the Group may wear uniform or badges. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf the Group Trustee Board is included in the suspension, this must be specified and the District Trustee Board must be responsible for the administration of Group property and finance during the period of suspension. \u00A0\u003Cbr\u003EThe Group Scout Council are included in the suspension only if there are special reasons and then only with the approval of the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E\u202FCountry) Lead Volunteer. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA District Lead Volunteer or District Trustee Board who suspends a Group must report the matter with full details to the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E\u202FCountry) Lead Volunteer.\u00A0They must also notify the Sponsoring Authority (if any) and the appropriate Country Headquarters. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.4.1.3 Suspension of a District\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA District may have its registration suspended by the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E Country) Lead Volunteer after approval by the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E Country) Trustee Board.\u003Cbr\u003EThe suspension must also be approved by the Regional Lead Volunteer in England or Northern Ireland or Wales and the Chief Volunteer (or equivalent) elsewhere.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIn exceptional circumstances, UK Headquarters may suspend the registration of a District. This must be done in consultation with the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E Country) Lead Volunteer and the Regional Lead Volunteer in England or Wales or the Chief Volunteer (or equivalent) elsewhere.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESuspension may also be a consequence of the suspension of the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E does not apply in Northern Ireland). \u00A0\u003Cbr\u003EIn such a case the Chief Volunteer may direct that Districts should not be suspended but attached to a neighbouring County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E does not apply in Northern Ireland). \u00A0\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDuring suspension of a District:\u00A0\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eall District, Scout Network, Explorer Unit, and Group activities must cease\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eall Scout Network members, Explorer Unit Section Team Members and all adults appointed with any role within the Groups of the District must be suspended as if each were individually suspended.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eno member of the District, Scout Network, Explorer Units or Groups may wear uniform or badges. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf the District Trustee Board is included in the suspension, this must be specified and the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI] \u003C/sup\u003ECountry) Trustee Board must be responsible for the administration of District property and finance during the period of suspension. \u00A0\u003Cbr\u003EThe District Scout Council are included in the suspension only if there are special reasons and then only with the approval of the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E\u202FCountry) Lead Volunteer.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E\u202FCountry) Lead Volunteer or County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E\u202FCountry) Trustee Board who suspends a District must report the matter with full details to UK Headquarters.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E\u202FCountry) Lead Volunteer must also report the circumstances as soon as possible to the County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E\u202FCountry) Trustee Board.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe District or County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E\u202FCountry) Lead Volunteer should consult their Country Headquarters (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E\u202FUK Chief Volunteer) as to how best to resolve the underlying problem which led to the suspension.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4d.4.1.4 To suspend a County (\u003Csup\u003E[NI]\u003C/sup\u003E this does not apply in Northern Ireland)\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EA County may have its registration suspended by the most senior Country Committee on the recommendation of the appropriate Chief Volunteer.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDuring suspension of a County:\u00A0\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eall County, District, and Group activities must cease\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eall adults appointed with any role within the County and within the Groups and Districts \u00A0of the County must be suspended as if each were individually suspended unless otherwise specified by the most senior Country Committee.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eno member of the County, District, or Group may wear \u00A0uniform or badges. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIf the County Trustee Board is included in the suspension, this must be specified and the most senior Country Committee must be responsible for the administration of County property and finance during the period of suspension. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe County Scout Council are included in the suspension only if there are special reasons and then only with the approval of the most senior Country Committee. \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe Chief Volunteer and Country Committee which suspends a County must report the matter with full details to UK Headquarters. \u00A0\u003Cbr\u003EThe Chief Volunteer should consult UK Headquarters \u00A0as to how best to resolve the underlying problem which led to the suspension.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"deprecated":false,"url":"/por/4d-organisation-registration-and-changes/4d4-to-suspend-registration/","id":89436,"nodeName":"4d.4 To suspend registration","title":"To suspend registration","type":"pORRule","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"To suspend registration","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84OTQzNiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/4d-organisation-registration-and-changes/4d4-to-suspend-registration/"}],"id":89431,"nodeName":"4d. Organisation - registration and changes","title":"d. Organisation - registration and changes","type":"pORChapter","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"d. Organisation - registration and changes","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84OTQzMSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/4d-organisation-registration-and-changes/"}