The Search Process for finding a new District Commissioner

Your Questions Answered!

Following the departure of Philip Andrews as District Commissioner for Southwark, Greater London South Scout County is seeking a dynamic individual or combination of people to take on the leadership of the District. The person appointed will be responsible for managing and supporting Scouting across Southwark, and developing the District in accordance with the rules and policies of The Scout Association., I thought it was important to clarify the process, which is as follows;

• Search documents will be circulated to all members of the County via County and District distribution lists and newsletters with details of the post to be filled, the role description, and a nomination form.

• All members of the County (and wider) are strongly encouraged to read the paperwork and to think of individuals who they think could do the job and to nominate them in secret using the nomination form. Self-nominations are also more than welcome. However if you nominate someone else you should not tell them in case they are ultimately not chosen.

• Once the deadline has been reached for nominations, a small search group comprised of local District and County members will meet to review the nominations and to choose those thought to be best suited to the role. I will chair this meeting, and advise and support the Search Group through this process.

• A short list will be created and these candidates will be interviewed by the search group.

• The County Commissioner will then be informed of the recommendations of the Search Group and is at liberty to interview as many of the nominees as he sees fit to discuss the role and to vet their suitability.

• The chosen candidate is offered the role by the County Commissioner and meets the County Advisory Committee, who hopefully approve the appointment.

• A Personal Learning Plan is created and immediate induction, training and support begins led by the County and the Regional Development Service.

I hope this helps clarify the process and what will happen in the next few weeks and months.

I look forward to all members of the County playing a full part in the nomination process and helping us to find the best possible person to be Southwark’s next District Commissioner!

Andy Melia
Deputy County Commissioner for District Support
Greater London South