Relationships & Funding Team
Scouting changes young people’s lives. The European Scout Region (ESR) is representing the interests of Scouting and those young people to different external audiences. Our principle aim in external relations is to secure greater support for Scouting – financial support at European and national level and policy development favourable to Scouting.
This work is delivered by The Relationships and Funding Team (RFT). They work to secure the funding and cultivate the environment in which policies are developed and implemented favourable to Scouting. This fits with Scouting’s strategic priority area seven: Scouting’s Profile
The work of the RFT is realised by two sub groups:
1. The European Policies Support Group
2. The External Funding Unit
These two groups operate within existing and established fora as well as seeking new opportunities, where relevant. At all times the members of the groups keep the Region’s interests central. In executing their responsibility they will co-operate closely with WAGGGS colleagues and representatives of other bodies, where appropriate.
What you can do …
Has your NSO experienced restrictive legislation? Laws that have made you change where or how you do activities?
Have you successfully secured recognition for an aspect of your Scouting? Maybe you secured funding for a programme activity, the government recognised your volunteer training, the media often ask you for your opinion on a variety of topics? If you have experience of either of these we would like to hear from you.
The External Funding Unit (EFU) is responsible for:
• A Clearing House Function – managing and providing frequent and relevant information on funding opportunities for Scouting: through a variety of methods (web based, bulletins and face-to-face) collecting, filtering and raising awareness about the funding possibilities for Scouting in Europe;
• A Support Function – providing tailored support: directly, clustered or through workshops based on peer-to-peer support.
• Securing greater support for European Scouting – financial support for Scouting at a European level;
• Providing support to other ESR units – including support material to facilitate their participation in external activities.
The European Policies Support Group (EPSG) is a group of volunteers responsible for:
• Representing the interests of Scouting in general and of NSOs in particular;
• Contributing to the development and method of delivery of the policies and positions of the ESR;
• Acting as a conduit introducing issues of concern to external actors (e.g. civil society, governments, European Institutions, formal education sector, private sector) into Scouting;
• Contributing to the implementation of the European Scout Regional Plan by influencing the development of European and member state policies;
• Communicating and reflecting the image and brand of Scouting – a caring organisation;
• Identifying and establishing partnerships in the interests of the ESR;
• Supporting greater recognition of Scouting at a national level and policy development favourable to Scouting;
• Contributing to the implementation of the Regional Scout Plan 2007-2010 and the work with WAGGGS.
