District Structure

How does it all fit together?

Across the UK we’re proud to be a single family of Scouts. But to make sure everyone gets the support they need, we are arranged in different groups and units across our regions and nations. Each is looked after by a Lead Volunteer who supports other volunteers to help young people gain skills for life.

The basic unit of organisation is the Scout Group. This is based in a local community and consists of Sections: Squirrel Scouts, Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts.

Some Groups are larger or smaller depending on where they are located. One Group may contain one or two Squirrel Scout Dreys, one or two Beaver Scout Colonies, one or two Cub Scout Packs and a Scout Troop. Another may consist only of one section.

A number of Groups in a certain locality constitute a Scout District. That’s where we fit in. Leeds Templars is a District that covers all Scout Groups, Explorer and Network Units in North East and East Leeds.

A number of Districts make up a County (or Area in Wales and a Region in Scotland). We are part of Central Yorkshire Scouts who are in turn part of the region of North East England.

All of these Scout units (Groups, Districts, Counties/Areas/Regions) are governed by the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association, which provides the framework in which all Scout units operate.

The Scout District

A collection of Scout Groups form a Scout District. Within a Scout District there is also an Explorer Scout unit and Scout Network. 

The District is led by the District Lead Volunteer who is supported by District Team Leaders, Group Scout Leaders, District Team Members, Advisers and Administrators. These volunteers provide guidance and support to Scout Groups and their sections.

The District managed by the Trustee Board who are in turn accountable to the District Scout Council, which meets at least once a year usually for an Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The Scout Group

Within a Scout Group, there will be a number of adult leaders, who give their time voluntarily to help the development of young people. The Group is led by the Group Scout Leader, whose job is to co-ordinate the Group’s activities and to ensure continuity and development.

A Group Scout Council meets at least once a year usually for an Annual General Meeting. The Council consists of all the adult Members of the Group, as well as the children’s parents.

The Group also has a Trustee Board, who make sure the charity is well managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR).

The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer, Ex officio Trustees, Nominated Trustees, Elected Trustees, Co-opted Trustees and Secretary (if appointed as a Trustee).