The road to successSQS is a system for Quality Scouting. This system works by instigating change within your Group, Section or County. This transition from where you are now and where you want to go is managed by a Group Development Plan. Improvement and the quest for Quality Scouting is a constant aim for adults within Scouting even if your Group or Section is already operating at the basic level. The benefi ts of any development plan will be the greater experience of Scouting by young people in your Group.

Devising a planA development plan is devised by fi rst listing the strengths, challenges, threats and opportunities which exist within your Group. Every adult and representatives of youth membership should be involved in this process and on completion of the plan each should have a role to play in fulfi lling its objectives.

Once these lists are compiled it will be possible to identify what actions need to be taken in order for your Group to meet or exceed the basic standard.

The actions are prioritised and a time line established for completion. You will also need to identify key dates along the timeline of your plan to evaluate what is happening and if necessary make adjustments or add new actions. Your plan should be a living, working, plan rather than a static document and it should clearly show what role everybody has to play in the fulfi lment of the plan..

This document now forms the development plan for the Group.

Support Who can helpProgramme Development Offi cerAdult Resources Development Offi cerProvincial Support Offi cerProvincial CommissionerProvincial Programme Co-ordinatorProvincial Training Co-ordinatorCounty CommissionerCounty Programme Co-ordinatorCounty Training Co-ordinatorGroup LeaderGroup ScoutersScouters within the County

Support MaterialNational Offi ce Larch HillProvincial Support Offi cerScout ShopTraining CoursesAssociation websiteAssociation CD-ROM

SQS DocumentationSQS FormCreating a Development PlanFulfi lling the Promise - SQS and your SectionManaging SQS in your GroupManaging SQS in your CountyScouting’s Top Ten

Strengths

Challenges

Goals

We have enough leadersWe have a denWe have good parent support

Leaders need trainingBadgework is poorNeed more outdoor activitiesNeed to recruit more young peopleWe need a Venturer SectionFundraising could be better

Seek training for LeadersOrganise skills and merit badge instructorsOrganise a recruitment campaignEach section to have an outdoor activity each monthFind a suitable Venturer Leader and set up section

SQSSystem for Quality Scouting

Most development plans need the assistance and support of others outside of your Group. A Section Leader will seek the support and help of other leaders within the Group and at County level from Programme and Training co-ordinators. The Group can seek support from whatever quarter it feels fi t to realise their Development Plan. Immediate support will be available through the County and Provincial Support mechanisms. Direct support will also be available via a fulltime professional support offi cer - the Provincial Support Offi cer (PSO). In all cases the support mechanisms are there to help, advise and work with your Leaders to deliver Quality Scouting to the young people of your Group. They will offer advice, provide training and support materials and enable your Group to fulfi l the Guarantee of Scouting in your community.

AssessmentEach year an assessment is made of your Group against the Basic Standard (see SQS Form). If your Group reach the basic standard they are awarded a Bronze SQS pennant. If they exceed the basic standard they are awarded a Silver or Gold SQS pennant depending on the quality of Scouting which is delivered in their Group. The information from these assessments is used to develop support actions at County, Provincial and National Level so that all Groups can in the fi rst place reach the basic standard and later to exceed the basic and move to a higher level of Scouting delivery to young people.

It is important to realise that SQS is not a test or a competition. Its aim to enable all Groups to achieve the basic standard and in doing so to support directly those Groups who need help in achieving the basic standard.

Guarantee to all ScoutsThe Association guarantees to provide for the members of its sections, Scouting of a type and to a standard, that they expected when they joined, and that the Association would

wish them to experience in their time in Scouting.What this means to your GroupEach Group Leader is charged with delivering the Promise of Scouting in their Group. This is a management process for Group Leaders. Working with their team of Leaders, a Group Leader ensures that each Sections is working towards or within the basic standards set for that Section. The Group will also devise a development plan which will enable it to identify shortfalls and instigate actions and support mechanisms which will enable the Group to achieve the basic standard.A Group who are at the basic standard are a vibrant and attractive pursuit for young people. Young people are drawn to its ranks and it enjoys the support of its parents and its community. Young people who are members enjoy many adventures and challenges in the out of doors and as a result increase the possibility that Scouting can have a real impact on their lives.

What does SQS mean to your SectionSQS provides a simple framework for a Section Leader to follow that will ensure a great Scouting experience for the young people of your section. The basic standard is based on a number of key elements which must exist within your section. This mixture of elements have been carefully blended so that a Leader can deliver Scouting to young people that they expected to receive when they joined. The key elements are:- The team system and friendship, an active an challenging outdoor programme, youth participation, progressive and exciting programming and effective administration.

GroupUnit AdministrationThe area relates to paperwork and finances of the Group

Adults in ScoutingThis area examines the management and support of adult leaders within the Group

CountyThis section examines the relationship the Group has with the County support and programme opportunities.

NationalThe Groups relationship with National administration

Group ManagementThis area covers the day to day running of the Group and the management of Leaders meetings and the Group development plan.

Sponsoring authorityThe Groups relationship with their sponsoring authority

CommunityScouting image and involvement in their communityAssociation policiesGroups working and implementation of Associations policies

SectionProgrammeThe quality and quantity of the programme delivered in your section.

Annual Camp/Holiday/ExpeditionIs an annual multi-nights outdoor event take place in your section

Progressive schemeThe progress of young people through the badgework scheme

Team SystemThe utilisation and implementation of the team system in your section

Membership and attendanceReview of membership attendance. Growth and losses

UniformThe wearing of uniform and dress code

LeadershipRatios of Leaders to young people

County eventsParticipation in County and Provincial events

GeneralWorking of Association policies in your Section

County

AdministrationManagement and finance of the County

Adults in ScoutingProcesses of management, training and support of adults in the County

NationalThe relationship of the County with the Provincial and National Levels of the Association

County MeetingsHave the relevant meetings taken place in the county and are proper procedures followed

SupportDo the County have effective and working support mechanisms within the county

CommunityThe relationship of the County and its Groups to the surrounding communities

Association PoliciesAre the polices of the Association being worked and observed in the County

Outline of SQS basic standard

In order to realise this guarantee to all young people a system exists within the Association called SQS (System for Quality Scouting). This simple methodology and practice of leadership within the Sections and Groups ensures that the basic standard of Scouting is delivered to young people. Each year every level of the Association is assessed against the basic standard and awarded a pennant in recognition of the standard achieved and maintained.

System for Quality Scouting (SQS)