Annual Reviews

All adult volunteers in Berkshire deserve the best support and deserve to be valued by young people, their parents and above all by all the other Adult Volunteer. Key to  achieving this is to ensure that every Adult Volunteer across Berkshire has an annual review.

Valuing Adult Volunteers is key element of the Plan for the County.

What is an Annual Review?

A review in Scouting is simply an opportunity to look at what has happened since someone started their role, or since their last review, and to see what further support and guidance they need. It should not be confused with the performance appraisals that many people have experienced at work.

An informal review is held at least annually, to build on the chats you have during the year. It is a chance to take stock and plan for the future. A formal review takes place at the end of an appointment, and an agreement made over whether the individual’s appointment should be renewed, if they should take on a different role (re-assignment), or if they should retire.

The review consists of meeting with the adult involved, in comfortable surroundings, and discussing how the last year in Scouting has gone for them. The theme of the meeting should be discussing what went well and any difficulties that have occurred and why. You should both get the opportunity to express your views. The review should then go on to look at where they can best contribute in the future, and the role they would prefer in Scouting. Are they happy in their current role, would their expertise be best used in another role? A decision can then be made about their future role, and the support that they will require.

Why do Reviews?

When carried out well, informal reviews will make the adult involved feel valued. Their ‘manager’ has spent time understanding their views, concerns and wishes, and agreeing a way forward that considers how they individually need to be supported.

The benefits are that the team are more motivated, and the manager knows more about how the individuals in the team feel and their views on the future.

Importantly, it helps us in getting people in the right roles for them and for Scouting, leading to happier leaders and so better Scouting delivered for our young people to enjoy.

It is also important to note that formal reviews (those carried out at the end of an appointment) must be carried out.

Who is responsible for these Annual Reviews?

All people in a "line manager" role in Scouting should carry out informal reviews with those adults who work with them, on at least an annual basis. These people also have the responsibility to carry out a formal appointment review when an appointment is due to expire. This means that County / Area Commissioners, County Scout Network Commissioners, County Training Managers, District Commissioners, District Explorer Scout Commissioners, and Group Scout Leaders should all carry out reviews.