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Sustainable Scouting

Kerry McGoldrick, Chair of the NSW Board of Directors and Treasurer, Matthew Phillips, provide more details about the important decisions being taken to protect our movement for a brighter future.

 

Dear Members and Supporters,

 

As promised, this update provides information about some changes we’re making in 2021. This is quite a long update, but we believe it is important to share information openly with you.

 

The Board of Directors has explored a wide range of initiatives to help ensure that we can continue to support Groups long into the future. We’ve thought very carefully and deeply about each of these actions, and have discussed them with representatives from each Region at length.

 

One of the major issues we’re facing is that our operating expenses continue to exceed our income each year, which means we record a significant operating deficit for Scouts NSW.

 

For the 12 month period to March 2020, Scouts NSW recorded an operating loss of $9 million.

 

The majority of this shortfall was due to the impact of the bushfires and COVID, which resulted in the cancellation of the Cuboree, Oz Venture and other major activities and events. These resulted in a decline of almost $6 million last year.

 

We also incurred higher costs from the Youth Program, Strategic Plan and historic redress matters.

 

We have some major financial challenges, and we need to address them.

 

What we're aiming to achieve

 

We have three financial objectives:

• To be financially viable so we can fulfil our mission
• To deliver efficiencies that meet member and community expectations, and satisfy our legislative requirements
• To stay responsive to the external environment by managing any emerging risks, capitalising on new opportunities; and having a sufficient buffer to meet external shocks.

 

The actions we're taking now

 

Here is a summary of the actions we are taking. We have provided some more detail below the table.

For more information

 

You can find out more about these initiatives here, and you can see our most recent financial report here. We will be hosting a special event for Group Leaders and Treasurers to talk further about these initiatives. For all those who are directly impacted, or who need to explain these developments to impacted audiences (such as parents), you will have the opportunity to attend a meeting or watch a webinar to offer feedback and ask questions.

 

Further information can be found on our website here. If you have any great ideas or constructive suggestions for Sustainable Scouting, please complete this form.

 

Next steps

 

In February, we will be sending out letters to parents to let them know about the membership fee increase, the introduction of annual billing and to reinforce the value of Scouting for their children.

 

We have built a decisive plan of action to support young people, stabilise our Branch’s finances and safeguard its future. For Scouts NSW, doing nothing or carrying on as before, is not an option.

 

We believe Scouting is too important to risk.

 

Let’s remember that for many families, but we know not all, Scouts is affordable. There are many options available to families and young people who need additional assistance to pay the membership fees, such as the Family Support Fund, alongside the Active Kids Vouchers.

 

We’ve faced challenging times in the past. Scouting has had to adapt and change before. By being open, honest and transparent, we can confront these challenges together. We will work together as a movement, do things differently if we need to, and support each other, because that is the strength of a movement.

 

And let’s never lose sight of why we do this – to help young people step up, play their part and gain resilience, courage and self-confidence – precisely the skills we need for today and for tomorrow. 

 

Yours in Scouting, 

Youth Safety in Scouting

Scouts  NSW is committed to operating as a child safe organisation and implementing child safe policies and practices in accordance with the elements of a child safe institution outlined by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse report entitled Creating Child Safe Institutions.

 

Remember

All suspicions, concerns or allegations about criminal matters or child protection matters should be reported directly to the Chief Commissioner, the Deputy Chief Commissioner (Youth Safety, Compliance and Support), the CEO or the Child Protection Officer at the NSW State Office.
To make a report use the online youth protection form, call 02 9735 9000 or email youthprotection@nsw.scouts.com.au.

 

Imminent Danger

If a young person is in imminent danger, the matter should be reported directly and immediately to NSW Police on 131 444.

Where a report is made to the police, you should also subsequently notify the NSW State Office..

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