About us
Society is changing. In often fragmented communities, the pressures and expectations on young people are increasing. The future is uncertain. Scouts have never been so important in helping young people prepare for the future, developing the skills they need to succeed in a changing world. Each week almost half a million young people enjoy fun, friendship and outdoor adventure. They develop a sense of optimism and strong values as well as the leadership and team working skills that are more valuable today than ever.
Our movement achieves remarkable things. We have continued to grow for 13 consecutive years. Our previous plan, Scouting for All, inspired new Groups and sections to start in an additional 834 areas of deprivation since 2013. We now help over 462,000 young people aged 6-18 (including 102,000 girls) get the best possible start in life. Our social action campaign, A Million Hands, has enabled over 200,000 young people to make a positive contribution in their local communities
Now we want to go further. Skills for Life is a strategy that supports and empowers our volunteers who are the people that make Scouts a reality. It’s a strategy to bring communities together and contribute towards a better society. But most of all, it’s a strategy for young people. They deserve the best skills, the best support, and the best possible futures.
Skills for lifeOur plan to prepare better futures 2018 - 2023
Our vision
By 2023 we will have prepared more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing leaders who deliver an inspiring programme. We will be growing, more inclusive, shaped by young people and making a bigger impact in our communities.
Our mission
Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
Our values
We act with care, respect, integrity, cooperation, exploring our own and others' beliefs.
Our goals
We will achieve the following goals againast our four objectives.
Growth
- 50k more young people
- 10k more Section Leaders
- 5k more Young Leaders
Inclusivity
- The demographic of adult volunteers reflects society
- In 500 more areas of deprivation
Youth Shaped
- 250k young people shape their scouting each year
- 50% young people achieve top awards
Community Impact
- 250k young people making a positive impact in their communities each year
- 50% young people achieve top awards
Our three pillars of work
To meet these objectives, we will focus on three pillars of work:
Programme
A fun, enjoyable, high quality programme consistently delivered and supported by simple (digital) tools.
People
More, well trained, better supported and motivated adult volunteers, and more young people from diverse backgrounds.
Perception
Scouting is understood, more visible, trusted, respected and widely seen as playing a key role in society today.
The UK headquarters of the Scouts is based at Gilwell Park, Chingford, London, and is operationally divided into four directorates.
