The NSW Scout Section Operational Plan sets out how the Scout section aims to address the developmental needs of the Scout section in accordance with the State Strategic Plan.

This Operational Plan supersedes the Scout Section Development Plan 2006 - 2009. It compliments and supports the Scouts Australia New South Wales Branch Strategic Plan 2009 - 2012, released in February 2009. This living document maps the path of the Scout section in acheiving the aims of the Strategic Plan where it relates to our youth program. This plan was last reviewed and updated in June 2010.

This plan is primarly for use of our Region Commissioner, Scouts, but is included here as it contains information that may be of interest to all leaders.

Attached is a copy of the Operation Plan's performance results for 2009/02.

While we can do better in some areas and have identified strategies to accommodate those areas, the overall result achieved was pleasing and expected.

The attachment is an overview and summary.

The State Scout Team now has 2 actions to complete in relation to the plan;

1. To review the Operation Plan to ensure core elements are identified and take priority.
2. Identify and isolate targets for 2010 from the plan and distribute to RC(S)s.

Phil Crutchley
State Commissioner, Scouts
NSW Branch

It is important that the MAIN risk factors/details must be on the form and not in an attachment. This is for very strong legal reasons in that, in the event of an accident, we have to prove they got the information. Attachments are easily claimed to have not been received. However it's acceptable to use an attachment for other minor non risk info.

The A1 (Activity Notification) form has undergone a number of changes recently. These are in reaction to recent decisions and recommendations from the Coroner and the courts. The aim of these changes is to minimise the legal risk for leaders. In order to achieve minimisation or mitigate the legal risk the A1 form must be used correctly. The attached guide and presentation will help leaders to understand the use of the A1 form. They can also be used to educate leaders, Scouts and parents as to the correct procedures for activities.

To ensure that you have the latest version of the A1 form you should always download the latest version rather than reuse an existing one.

The new 2009 Activity (A1) Form is for use by ALL participants at ALL scouting activities.
 
Scouts NSW needs to minimise the risk to all members, including leaders.
 
The use of a variety of  activity and indemnity forms often fall short and have been the cause of complaints and concerns. As a result some years ago a decision was made that Group – District- Region and State activities would use only one form, the approved A1.

Scouts NSW only recognise the 2009 A1 form and the details and indemnity included on it.

Our first irate DISCRIMINATION complaint was made to State Office within two hours of the first day of business this year. (By the time you read this our first NEGLIGENCE complaint will  most likely have been made.)