Policy & Rules Updates

P3.3 MEMBERSHIP OF THE BRANCH

Branches may admit persons to membership of the Branch in accordance with the Branch Constitution, Act of Parliament or Articles of Incorporation as appropriate.

Members shall not hold membership in more than one Branch. Exceptions to this requirement may only be approved by the relevant Branch Chief Commissioners’ jointly. This decision will be documented in writing and provided to the member.

As a Child Safe Organisation, Scouting needs to remove (as much as possible) the potential risk of a person, who may have been suspended or stood down in one Branch holding membership in another Branch and continuing their Scouting. Child Safety regulators expect that cross-border jurisdictions are collaborating on such issues and taking appropriate action.

In making this change it is important to note that the change in policy does not “ban” multiple Branch memberships. Rather, it allows for them to exist but on an informed basis. Examples of where multiple Branch memberships makes sense include (but not limited to):

• Itinerant workers
• Members living in cross-border towns
• Rover Scouts (e.g., studying in one Branch with their home in another Branch)
• Specialist Branch/National Appointments

In all cases a documented discussion of the outcome is required. This is to be (also) shared with the member so that all parties have clarity.

Where multiple membership is not agreed, then the person’s recorded residence will determine their Branch of membership with all other existing memberships cancelled.

Members need to be aware of this Policy and to speak up when requesting multiple membership with their Team Leader.