The transformation process continues apace with the next briefing day, this time for GSL’s, taking place on Saturday 24th February 2024 at Raywell. Your GSL has been asked to attend to represent you and get the latest information on the process.

In terms of District management/support, please be aware that I shall be out of the Country [and phone and e mail range] from Tuesday 2nd January 2024 to Wednesday 7th February 2024.

As ever your first point of reference should be your GSL.

In this period, please submit your NANs as usual and these will be picked up and checked by Gary McCune.

Any safeguarding issues from January 2024 should be reported using the new system as described on the new Yellow Card.  As such please report to the safeguarding team at HQ.

Weekdays 0900/1700 020 8433 7164

Out of hours 0345 300 1818

E mail safeguarding@scouts.org.uk

Using the Safeguarding report Form.

Other issues that you need to chat through can be done with members of the District team, Wendy, Josh or Rory or the County SMT, Gary McCune, Rachael McAdam, Chris Halliday, Tom Harrison or Will Baldock, Charlotte Rymer.

I hope you and your family have a good Christmas with a rest so that you come back in 2024 with more great ideas and programmes.

I remain impressed with the diverse activities on offer to the sections in the District and I thank you and your teams for giving to your time to do this. It may be of interest to record that in 2023, there were a total of 88 Nights Away experiences planned for all sections in Blacktoft.

The newly formed Events Team have lined up some brilliant District activities for 2024 and I would urge you to support the events by attending and by offering to support the running of them.

Thank you for all that you do and for the time that your dedicate to the young people in Blacktoft

With best wishes for 2024

Alan Hayward.

Deputy County Commissioner – Adult Support