Social Partnership Agreements
SCOUTS South Africa (SSA) engages in Social Partnership Agreements (SPAs) with various types of groups to facilitate the implementation of scouting programs. These agreements are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of community groups, school groups, and NGO-sponsored groups. Each SPA outlines responsibilities and conditions to ensure the alignment of activities with SSA’s goals and governance structures.
Community Group SPA
This agreement enables community groups to use SSA’s programs, resources, and brand to promote youth development, career skills, and community service. The groups must adhere to SSA’s organizational rules and avoid engagement in political or controversial social advocacy. Community groups are represented in District meetings and Regional AGMs, and are responsible for maintaining administrative functions and safe environments for scouting activities.
School Group SPA
School-based SPAs allow educational institutions to integrate SSA’s scouting programs into their extracurricular activities. Similar to community groups, school groups commit to non-political and values-aligned activities, with the added involvement of the school's governing bodies in administrative roles. School SPAs focus on providing a structured environment for youth development within the educational framework.
NGO Group SPA
NGO-sponsored SPAs are designed for organizations that wish to incorporate scouting as part of broader youth development initiatives, including faith-based ministries. These groups must also ensure that their activities adhere to SSA’s standards and are devoid of political or controversial advocacy. The agreement emphasizes the role of the sponsoring authority in overseeing the administrative aspects and ensuring compliance with SSA’s guidelines.
Each type of SPA mandates compliance with SSA’s training requirements for adult leaders, adherence to safety standards, and financial obligations regarding membership fees. SSA commits to supporting all groups with program materials, training, and insurance coverage for authorized activities. The agreements are subject to periodic reviews to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness in promoting scouting objectives.