Information for Members
Membership and Registration
When Scout Network was initially created in 2002, all member of the Scout Association between 18 and 25 were automatically members. This changed in early 2007, and you now have to register as a member of Scout Network if you wish to take part.
Why join?
Many members of Network are already members of the Scout Association as leaders or helpers with other sections, or as members of Scout Fellowship. Membership of Network entitles you to take part in Scout Network events, both local and National/International, and to work towards and gain the Chief Scout's, Queen's Scout and Duke of Edinburgh's Awards.
How to join
Local Networks will have their own procedures and may have a local registration form. You will need to undergo a CRB check, and obtain a Network Uniform. Your local Network will then arrange for you to be invested as a member of Scout Network.
Network Uniform
Scouting is a uniformed organisation, and all members should therefore have a uniform. Although Network often do not wear uniform for activities and regular meetings it is often required for formal occasions such as award presentations and District/County events.
What is it?
The Uniform for Scout Network is the same as that for adult leaders, with the addition of the 'Network' badge.
The formal uniform consists of the stone shirt, navy trousers (official formal and activity trousers are available, but not compulsory!) and County Network necker. An optional polo shirt is also available.
Full details, including the positions of the relevant badges, can be found on Scoutbase at
Where can I get it?
The official uniform shirt and trousers are available from the District Scout Shops in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud, or from Scout Shops online.
Some uniform items area also stocked by National Schoolwear Centres, who have branches in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud.
The appropriate badges and County Scout Network Necker can be supplied by your local Network. A navy blue County Scout Network polo shirt is also available.
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Checks
As part of its Child Protection policy, the Scout Association requres all adult Leaders/Helpers and all members of the Scout Network to undergo a CRB check. If you have recently completed a CRB check elsewhere for the Scout Association or SSAGO you may not need to complete another one for Gloucestershire if it can be confirmed - contact your Scout Network Leader for details.
CRB Forms
Forms are available from your Network leaders. They must be completed fully, in (legible!) block capitals using black ink. Any mistakes should be neatly crossed through and a correction provided next to it.
Detailed guidance on the completion of the CRB form can be found on Scoutbase at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/records/crb/index.htm.
Section A: complete in full. You must include your full names, including any that you do not normally use but which appear on your ID documents.
Section B: do not amend. This will already be filled in with the Scout Association's details.
Section C: complete in full. N.B. A 'Mrs' or 'Ms' who has retained her birth surname must enter this at line 20 even though the form states 'if different'. This is a design fault in the form.
Section D: provide full address details (including any student addresses) for the last 5 years. There should be no gaps. Continuation sheets are available if necessary.
Section E-G: leave blank. Sections E & F are now redundant, and section G does not apply to the Scout Association.
Section H: You must sign the declaration at line 68 and enter the date at line 70. Do not sign the 'consent' box at line 69, as this is now redundant.
Section X: Do not complete this section - this will be done by the person checking your documents (e.g. your Scout Network Leader).
You must supply them with either 1 Group 1 document and 2 others from groups 1 or 2, or 5 group 2 documents if no group 1 document available. Original documents must be provide - photocopies are not acceptable.
Group 1 Documents include: a current PASSPORT (any nationality); or a current UK DRIVING LICENCE (paper or photo) (n.b. Channel Islands driving licence will only count as Group 2);
or a UK BIRTH CERTIFICATE (provided it was issued within 12 months of birth); or a current EU NATIONAL IDENTITY
CARD; or an HM FORCES ID CARD; or a current UK FIREARMS CERTIFICATE or an ADOPTION CERTIFICATE.
Group 2 Documents include: civil partnership/marriage certificate, P45/P60 Forms, utility bills, payslip, bank statement, etc.
A full list of acceptable documents is available in the latest CRB guidance booklet.
Section Y and Z: Do not complete.
The complete form should be returned to your Scout Network leader, who will forward it on to County.
Further Information
For full information on the Disclosure process, the checks that will be undertaken, and guidance for anyone with queries about criminal convictions, please see the full guidance on Scoutbase. There is also a specific factsheet entitled 'Criminal Records Disclosures and the Scout Network'.
Census & Capitation
As Scout Network members can be members of more than one Network (e.g. at home and at university), and can also be leaders or helpers with other sections (Beavers/Cubs/Scouts/Explorers), Census and Capitation for Scout Network can be a little complicated.
What is Census?
Census takes place in February each year and is designed to capture the number of members in each Group, District and County. Census information forms the basis for charing Capitation, so it is important that each member is only counted once.
What do we need to know?
If you are a member of Network in another County besides Gloucestershire, or are a Leader or Helper with another Unit (whether in Gloucestershire or elsewhere). a Leader or Helper with another unit (Beavers/Cubs/Scouts/Explorers) we will need to know details for the census return.
What is Capitation?
Capitation is an annual charge to cover the running costs of the Association. It includes elements for HQ, County, and District, but the majority of the money goes on the insurance cover provided to all members of the Association on Scouting activities. It is paid by (or for) each member of the Association. If a member is involved in more than one Group/Unit/Network, they only pay one lot of capitation.
Who pays Capitation?
If you are a Leader or Helper with another section, your Scout Group (or District, for Explorer Units) will normally pay your Capitation for you. If not, you will need to pay it through your local Network (if you are a member of more than one Network, you will need to agree with them which one your capitation will be paid through). Some Networks may charge for Capitation in one go, others may include it in termly Subs.