{"subTitle":"","backgroundImage":{"url":null,"caption":null,"type":null,"size":0,"width":0,"height":0,"altText":null},"backgroundColour":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EThis guide covers returns for Groups across the movement, and there are some small differences between Nations, so the return for your Group may not appear exactly as it looks in this guide.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome returns may not have the all the questions that are covered in this guide or they might look slightly different. If you are unsure, and cannot find the right answer on our website, please\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/contact-us/\u0022 title=\u0022Contact us\u0022\u003Econtact the Scout Support Centre\u003C/a\u003E for more help. Remember you can save your return and come back to it later.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBefore you begin editing your return, please update the location of your group on the cover page of the group return.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/moppars2/location-of-group-2026.png","width":855,"height":292,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null}]}],"config":null}]},"sections":[{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EHistorically, the annual census has used to collect information about the adult volunteers that support our young people but in a change to previous years this information will be taken directly from My Membership and added to each census return.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt a later date these fields will be populated with data taken from My Membership. Until then they will show as zero and cannot be edited. All adult volunteers should be encouranged to check that their personal and role information is up to date on My Membership so it is accurate when imported to census.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPlease see our \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/frequently-asked-questions/\u0022 title=\u0022Frequently Asked Questions\u0022\u003ECensus FAQs\u003C/a\u003E for more information on the recording of adult volunteers.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/oononl3c/adults-2026.png","width":497,"height":533,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EAdult volunteers that hold roles in the group\u0027s sections will be recorded directly on each section return but the section totals will be added to the overall group membership figure.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAn adult volunteer could be recorded in multiple Teams and therefore appear more than once on the same return, however secondary roles are not included within a census return. The only exception to this are Ex Officio Trustee roles (held by Lead Volunteers and Youth Leads).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor example, a Group Lead Volunteer will be recorded within the Group Leadership team and they will also be recorded as a Trustee on the same return. However, a Section Team Leader granted an ex officio role within the Group Leadership Team will not have this secondary role recorded on census.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"prev":null,"next":{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/administration/","title":"Administration"},"allParts":[{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/adult-members/","title":"Adult members"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/administration/","title":"Administration"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/governance/","title":"Governance"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/completing-the-return/","title":"Completing the return"}],"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/adult-members/","id":47267,"nodeName":"Adult members","title":"Adult members","type":"codexPart","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Adult members","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NzI2NyJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/adult-members/"},{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003ESponsorship\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPlease tell us if your group is sponsored. If you click yes, a box will be displayed asking you who your sponsor is. When you click on the button, it\u2019ll go grey.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/5141/sponsorship.jpg","width":897,"height":103,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EPartnership Agreement\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHere you can tell us if you have a partnership agreement between your group and an Explorer Scout Unit. If you click yes, the button will go grey and a list of units in your district should appear. Please click on the relevant unit you have a partnership agreement with. \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources/2092/partnership-agreements\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Partnerships agreements (Members.scouts.org.uk)\u0022\u003EFind more information on partnerships agreement here\u003C/a\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/5135/partnerships.jpg","width":875,"height":71,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003ESpecial Status\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome groups have a \u2018special status\u2019, as per POR.\u0026nbsp;If you click yes to this question, you\u2019ll be presented with a list of options to indicate what category of special status your group falls into.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/u13js2iq/special-status-2026.png","width":825,"height":226,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EWaiting Lists\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou\u2019re asked to record the number of young people you have on joining lists for each section. This means the number of young people who are currently (on 31 January 2026) the right age to join that section \u2013 don\u2019t record those who\u2019re too young to join.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe collect information about how many young people are interested in Scouts so that it can be used locally to inform our growth and development plans. It can help identify where new sections and Groups may be needed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn some areas the waiting list is managed by the District, and in other areas this is managed by Groups. If the Group or its sections primarily manage the waiting list, please click yes, and you will be presented with the fields to tell us how many young people are on your waiting list currently.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/2lpfiumn/waiting-lists.jpg","width":929,"height":279,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdditional Questions About Growth\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EWe know that Scouts can have potentially life changing effects on young people and on their future outcomes, but we also know that there are still many young people who can\u2019t access Scouts due to lack of opportunities in their area.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EGrowth will not happen without effective planning and census is the perfect time to highlight potential opportunities based on the real time, up to date data submissions.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EThis year, the figures you submit at census may trigger additional questions:\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003ESmall Sections - If a Section has fewer than 12 young people you\u2019ll be asked if you plan to grow it and when.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EMissing Sections - If you have a missing Section we will ask if you plan on opening one and when.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EWaiting lists \u2013 If you record a waiting list of 12 or more young people, we will ask if you plan on opening an additional Section to match this need and when.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/x3vomsip/growth-question-2025.png","width":903,"height":123,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EIf you would like to be considered for support with your plans for growth, please tick yes when prompted. This may be digital support, virtual support or direct support depending on your needs. If we have more requests than staff available the Growth and Communities Team will prioritise groups in lower IMD areas, currently underrepresented communities and those with large waiting lists first.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EFor more information on what the Growth and Communities team offers visit our webpage\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/growing-scouts/local-support/\u0022 title=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/growing-scouts/local-support/\u0022 data-auth=\u0022NotApplicable\u0022 data-linkindex=\u00220\u0022\u003ELocal Support | Scouts\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EThe answers to these questions will then be reflected on the County/Area/Region Growth Plan. These plans reflect growth achievements and priorities while allowing us to forecast growth more accurately, and to monitor our progress on an ongoing basis to achieve our shared growth goals.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese plans are living documents and are constantly being updated, so please don\u2019t worry if circumstances change. You won\u2019t be committing to anything at census, but you will be starting a conversation which could lead to more opportunities for young people in your area.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"prev":{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/adult-members/","title":"Adult members"},"next":{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/governance/","title":"Governance"},"allParts":[{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/adult-members/","title":"Adult members"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/administration/","title":"Administration"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/governance/","title":"Governance"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/completing-the-return/","title":"Completing the return"}],"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/administration/","id":47268,"nodeName":"Administration","title":"Administration","type":"codexPart","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Administration","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NzI2OCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/administration/"},{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EGift aid an\u003Cspan\u003Ed\u003C/span\u003E charity status\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf your Group claims gift aid, we also ask how much you have received. We ask this question because we\u2019d like to understand the different amounts of gift aid that is claimed on average in different economic areas. If you\u2019re not sure what gift aid is or how to claim it, you can \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gov.uk/claim-gift-aid\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Elearn more about claiming gift aid\u003C/a\u003E on the gov.uk website.\u00A0Please enter a value rounded to the nearest \u00A31.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf your Group is registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales, OSCR in Scotland, or the Charity Commission in Northern Ireland, we ask you to provide your charity registration number. Please note that isn\u2019t the same as a gift aid or HMRC registration number. This information gives us an accurate picture of the number of Groups, Districts and Counties across the UK that are registered with regulatory bodies. If you aren\u2019t sure, you can use the charity regulator websites to search for registered charities in\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/showcharity/registerofcharities/RegisterHomePage.aspx\u0022\u003EEngland \u0026amp; Wales\u003C/a\u003E,\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.oscr.org.uk/\u0022\u003EScotland\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0and\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.charitycommissionni.org.uk/start-up-a-charity/register-of-charities/\u0022\u003ENorthern Ireland\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/eycn23un/gift-aid-2026.png","width":829,"height":195,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EConstitution\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe also ask if the Group has formally adopted a constitution at one of its AGMs. There\u2019s a standard constitution for Groups in \u003Ca href=\u0022/por/5c-constitutions-of-groups-districts-and-counties-except-in-scotland/5c1-constitution-for-a-group-except-scotland/#5c.1\u0022 title=\u00225c.1 Constitution for a Group (except Scotland)\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#5c.1\u0022\u003EPOR rule 5c.1\u003C/a\u003E (or \u003Ca href=\u0022/por/5d-constitutions-for-scottish-groups-districts-regions/5d1-constitution-for-a-group-scotland/#5d.1\u0022 title=\u00225d.1 Constitution for a Group (Scotland)\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022#5d.1\u0022\u003E5d.1 for Groups in Scotland\u003C/a\u003E) or which is used by many Groups, but this, or another constitution should be formally adopted. If you aren\u2019t sure if this has been done, we\u2019ve provided an option for \u2018not known\u2019. This will provide a clearer understanding of the various constitution models that are currently in place across UK Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you select \u0027Yes\u0027, you\u0027ll be asked a follow up question on the constitution that your group has adopted.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/masnkemy/constitution-2026.png","width":826,"height":169,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EComplaints\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe complaints question\u00A0relates to complaints raised formally under The Scouts\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022/about-us/policy/scouts-complaints-policy/\u0022 title=\u0022Scouts\u0027 Complaints Policy\u0022\u003Ecomplaints policy\u003C/a\u003E. It does not include concerns raised locally which may have been resolved informally.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe are seeking this information as we are always looking to improve our policies and procedures including the complaints policy. This information will help us to build a picture of the volumes of formal complaints received as a movement overall. We plan to work closely with a representative sample of the movement to explore changes in how we deal with complaints.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe also want to look at the advice and guidance available for all stakeholders including complainants and their representatives, managers and individuals subject to the complaints process. This data will also be helpful for the line management chain to get a better understanding of their respective areas in Scouting when it comes to concerns and complaints.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/iecp4bst/complaints-2026.png","width":824,"height":118,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EProperty\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EQuestions regarding property usage and ownership have been split between a \u0027Main Property\u0027 and \u0027Other Property\u0027 in addition to the main meeting place of the group.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EIf your Group owns, leases, rents or has use of land or a building as the main meeting place for it\u0027s sections, please click \u0027Yes\u0027 and let us know whether this is freehold, leasehold, is rented or is used at no cost.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EIf you also own, lease, rent or have use of additional property or locations you will have the opportunity to let us know about this in the follow up question that appears after selecting \u0027Yes\u0027 above.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EYou will be able to select multiple options if more than one applies from this second list.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EThis information will give us an accurate picture of the level of property ownership of Groups, Districts and Counties across the UK.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/dbqbdiw5/property-2026.png","width":833,"height":325,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null}]}],"config":null}]},"prev":{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/administration/","title":"Administration"},"next":{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/completing-the-return/","title":"Completing the return"},"allParts":[{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/adult-members/","title":"Adult members"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/administration/","title":"Administration"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/governance/","title":"Governance"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/completing-the-return/","title":"Completing the return"}],"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/governance/","id":47269,"nodeName":"Governance","title":"Governance","type":"codexPart","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Governance","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NzI2OSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/governance/"},{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EPerson completing the form\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPlease enter your own details in these fields. This is so we can contact you if there are any queries or information that needs to be clarified. This personal information will be removed no later than twelve months after completion of the census.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/tcppkdsn/person-completing-2026.png","width":824,"height":285,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003ESaving your data\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen you\u2019re ready, please mark the census complete, and click save changes.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThank you!\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/5139/save-data.jpg","width":638,"height":109,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null}]}],"config":null}]},"prev":{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/governance/","title":"Governance"},"next":null,"allParts":[{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/adult-members/","title":"Adult members"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/administration/","title":"Administration"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/governance/","title":"Governance"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/completing-the-return/","title":"Completing the return"}],"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/completing-the-return/","id":47270,"nodeName":"Completing the return","title":"Completing the return","type":"codexPart","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Completing the return","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NzI3MCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/completing-the-return/"}],"id":47266,"nodeName":"Group Return Guide","title":"Group Return Guide","type":"codex","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Group Returns","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Sign in to Census","url":"https://census.scouts.org.uk/","newWindow":true}]},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NzI2NiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/census/group-return-guide/"}