Scout Group Leader

The Scout Group Leader or SGL is the adult leader responsible for the leadership of the Scout Group and Scout Group Committee. It was previously called "Group Scouter" (GS).

Role Purpose

To lead, manage and coordinate the effective implementation of the Principles of SCOUTS South Africa (SSA) in the Group, in accordance with SSA Constitution, Organisational Rules and Policies.

Functions

1. Manage and represent the Group:
   1. Take overall accountability for the Scout Group adhering to all provisions in the Constitution, Organisational Rules and Policies.
   2. Represent or delegate a representative for the Group at the Tri-annual Partners Meeting.
   3. Chair a monthly meeting of the Group Committee, and ensure that a uniformed representative of each unit in the Group attends.
   4. Ensure that the Group holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM), that a secretary and Treasurer is elected from the parent body and operates according to SSA Financial and Fundraising Policies.
   5. Ensure that the Group Records are properly maintained and kept up-to-date.
   6. Ensure the Group complies with the requirements as agreed in the Social Partnership Agreement (SPA) and is signed by the SGL.
   7. Manage adherence and compliance to the Policies of SSA, and implement the disciplinary process.
2. Support and enable the activities in the Group:
   1. Liaise with the District Commissioner (DC) on a regular basis through the medium of regular District Team Meetings.
   2. Working with Groups in distress to assist their recovery and development.
   3. Facilitate communication between all members of the Group. This includes engaging proactively with parents, creating opportunities for them to get involved in Group activities, in order to create vibrant Scouting.
3. Encouraging the growth of Scouting in the District:
   1. Guide Scouters in the Group in their various functions and responsibilities (whilst delegating the fullest amount of responsibility in the actual management of the Den, Pack, Troop and / or Crew to the Scouters), and undertake frequent visits to Den, Pack, Troop and Crew Activities or Meetings.
   2. Participate in the Going-up-Ceremony of every Meerkat and Cub, as well as the investiture of every Meerkat, Cub, Scout and Rover.
   3. Actively support Den, Pack, Troop, Crew, District, Regional and National events and projects.
   4. Assist with the identification and recruitment of Badge Examiners for Meerkat, Cub, Scout and Rover Badges and Awards.
   5. Nominate Group Members for Awards.
4. Recruitment, Mentoring and Training:
   1. Ensure members in the Group complete the training required, appropriate to the positions they hold, and to encourage completion of the Wood Badge and continuous personal development.
   2. Seek and obtain adequate adult assistance in the ratio of one adult to four (4) Meerkats, six (6) Cubs and twelve (12) Scouts.
   3. Interview prospective adults, and submit applications to the DC.
   4. Ensure a suitable mentor is appointed per Scouter in the Group.
   5. Conduct regular (at least annually) "Moments that Matter" discussions with all Scouters in the Group.
   6. Ensuring Members details are registered on the Membership database
   7. Ensuring Group Members are linked to the relevant mailing lists or relevant communication means.
5. Whatever else the DC might reasonably require of the Scout Group Leader (SGL) in the best interests of SSA.
6. Participate in a personal "Moments that Matter" discussion with the DC, at least annually.

Resources

• Role Description: Scout Group Leader - January 2026