Hardship Policy

District Hardship Policy - applicable to all members and prospective members of all groups

A donor has made available funds to support any Scouter in the District to access Scouting where they are experiencing short or long-term financial hardship.

The donor does not wish to be identified but were themselves a Scout some years ago and wish to put something back into Scouting to afford Scouting to those who may be more deprived. The District Commissioner, Chair of District Executive Committee and District Treasurer will know the identity of the donor for purposes of good governance and the donor should be advised of how the funds have been used on a six monthly basis without identifying the person, or persons benefiting.

Groups should make families aware that such funding is available and the criteria that apply through their welcome packs and other circulations where appropriate e.g. camp information.

Any approach by families to access such funds should be treated sensitively and with confidentiality to such a level where the family is not identified to any other extent than to access such funds where appropriate.

Whilst it is intended that access to such funds does not inflict excessive bureaucracy on groups or families there is a need to ensure there is a clear process on accessing the District funds which is set out in the flow chart below. However, leaders, committee members or families should be encouraged to contact the District Commissioner or Chair of the District Executive Committee in case of emergency or such circumstances where the process may cause undue delay.

There is an expectation, where realistic that families who have difficulty in paying towards Scouting activities contribute in some other way such as being an occasional helper in the group or taking part in group fundraising.

Having completed the above please contact the Chair of the District Executive for funding with the following information.

1. What is the amount of funding required?
2. Evidence of hardship confirmed?
3. How long is the fund required for?
4. How are the family supporting Scouting (if appropriate)
5. What are the Groups bank details (all payments will be made into Group funds and should be returned to the fund if not spent)