{"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/"}