Scouting Ireland Chief Scout
Encyclopedia
The Chief Scout is the most senior appointment of Scouting Ireland
. As Chairperson of the National Council and National Management Committee the Chief Scout is responsible for co-ordinating the activities of the Association with the help of the National Team for Policy Implementation and Co-ordination. The Chief Scout wears a yellow neckerchief
with a thin maroon border and the Scouting Ireland logo embroidered on the apex.
The first Chief Scout elected was Martin Burbridge, a former member of Scouting Ireland (CSI)
. His term was scheduled to end in 2010 but he stepped down in September 2008.
at the annual National Council for a term of three years. The Chief Scout may be re-elected for one further term of three years.
and is a qualified accountant
. He holds the Wood Badge
is a member of the Order of CúChulainn
. As the first Chief Scout of the association, his term of office has been both groundbreaking and controversial. Burbridge had previously been the National Treasurer of Scouting Ireland (CSI) and one of the steering forces behind the formation of Scouting Ireland. Once the wheels had been set in motion in May 2003, Burbridge's appointment was seen by many Scouters as a fait accompli
, with neither Peter Dixon nor Donald Harvey (the outgoing Chief Scouts of Scouting Ireland (CSI) and Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
respectively) seeking nomination. He became Chief of the Interim National Management Committee, a new leader for a new era in Irish Scouting, and at the first National Council in The Helix
his position at the helm was confirmed.
Among the most contentious issues of his term so far have include the adoption of a new uniform, an entirely new administrative structure and the programme review. Apart from minor teething problems with the uniform, its adoption has been a success. The new Province and County structure and the administrative reshuffle have also been efficient and have been welcomed by grassroots
members. All other issues, however, have been overshadowed by the ongoing debate on the possible implications of the programme review and mooted changes to the age ranges for sections. To date the results have not been published and a new programme was voted on at National Council in Ballinasloe in June 2008.
The successes of his time in office include the smooth transition from two strong associations to one, operating in 32 counties and catering for almost 40,000 members, successful advertising campaigns which have raised the profile of Scouting nationwide and have increased youth membership and a strong belief in youth participation. Among the early criticisms of his term was a lack of communication relating to the Castle Saunderson
project which has now been resolved and the satisfactory resolution will most likely be his abiding legacy as Chief. Difficulties with funding for campsites, the neglect of camping
as a whole and a drop in adult membership have been cited by members as key issues during his first term. He was re-elected unopposed in June 2007 and was expected to serve a second and final term of 3 years until 2010. However, Mr. Burbridge announced his decision to resign from the position of chief scout in a letter to the National Management Committee of Scouting Ireland dated 12 August 2008. In the letter the chief scout expresses his intention to resign from his position, effective from "12.00 midnight on Sunday 28 September 2008".
to Scouts
and the investiture of Scouters into the Order of CúChulainn
.
Scouting Ireland
Scouting Ireland is the World Organization of the Scout Movement-recognised Scouting association in the Republic of Ireland, although it also has Scout Groups in Northern Ireland. Scouting Ireland is a voluntary, non-formal educational movement for young people...
. As Chairperson of the National Council and National Management Committee the Chief Scout is responsible for co-ordinating the activities of the Association with the help of the National Team for Policy Implementation and Co-ordination. The Chief Scout wears a yellow neckerchief
Neckerchief
A neckerchief, necker or less commonly scarf is a type of neckwear associated with Scouts, cowboys and sailors. It consists of a triangular piece of cloth or a rectangular piece folded into a triangle. The long edge is rolled towards the point, leaving a portion unrolled...
with a thin maroon border and the Scouting Ireland logo embroidered on the apex.
The first Chief Scout elected was Martin Burbridge, a former member of Scouting Ireland (CSI)
Scouting Ireland (CSI)
Scouting Ireland was a WOSM affiliated National Scout Organisation in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland from 1927 to December 31, 2003. It has since merged with Scouting Ireland S.A.I. to form Scouting Ireland...
. His term was scheduled to end in 2010 but he stepped down in September 2008.
Term of office and roles
The Chief, like all members of the National Management Committee is elected by secret ballotSecret ballot
The secret ballot is a voting method in which a voter's choices in an election or a referendum are anonymous. The key aim is to ensure the voter records a sincere choice by forestalling attempts to influence the voter by intimidation or bribery. The system is one means of achieving the goal of...
at the annual National Council for a term of three years. The Chief Scout may be re-elected for one further term of three years.
- President of the Association
- Chairperson of the National Council
- Chairperson of the National Management Committee
- Chairperson of the National Team for Policy Implementation and Co-ordination
- Member and Director of the Scout Foundation
Martin Burbridge 2004-2008
Martin Burbridge is a native of County KildareCounty Kildare
County Kildare is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Kildare. Kildare County Council is the local authority for the county...
and is a qualified accountant
Accountant
An accountant is a practitioner of accountancy or accounting , which is the measurement, disclosure or provision of assurance about financial information that helps managers, investors, tax authorities and others make decisions about allocating resources.The Big Four auditors are the largest...
. He holds the Wood Badge
Wood Badge
Wood Badge is a Scouting leadership program and the related award for adult leaders in the programs of Scout associations throughout the world. Wood Badge courses aim to make Scouters better leaders by teaching advanced leadership skills, and by creating a bond and commitment to the Scout movement...
is a member of the Order of CúChulainn
Order of CúChulainn
-History:It was introduced in 2004 to replace Scouting Ireland 's Order of the Silver Wolfhound and the equivalent award of Scouting Ireland S.A.I., the Order of the Silver Elk...
. As the first Chief Scout of the association, his term of office has been both groundbreaking and controversial. Burbridge had previously been the National Treasurer of Scouting Ireland (CSI) and one of the steering forces behind the formation of Scouting Ireland. Once the wheels had been set in motion in May 2003, Burbridge's appointment was seen by many Scouters as a fait accompli
Fait Accompli
Fait accompli is a French phrase which means literally "an accomplished deed". It is commonly used to describe an action which is completed before those affected by it are in a position to query or reverse it...
, with neither Peter Dixon nor Donald Harvey (the outgoing Chief Scouts of Scouting Ireland (CSI) and Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
Scouting Ireland S.A.I. was an Irish Scouting association, formed in 1908 and merged into Scouting Ireland in 2004.- History :Scouting Ireland SAI began in 1908 as the Dublin City and Dublin County Boy Scouts. Around the same time, a number of Troops in Co. Wicklow formed the Co. Wicklow Scout...
respectively) seeking nomination. He became Chief of the Interim National Management Committee, a new leader for a new era in Irish Scouting, and at the first National Council in The Helix
The Helix
The Helix is a building on the Dublin City University campus between Glasnevinand Whitehall on Dublin's Northside, originally planned to be called the Aula Maxima. It was completed in 2002, and it is described as a "performance space" and holds concerts, university conferring ceremonies and...
his position at the helm was confirmed.
Among the most contentious issues of his term so far have include the adoption of a new uniform, an entirely new administrative structure and the programme review. Apart from minor teething problems with the uniform, its adoption has been a success. The new Province and County structure and the administrative reshuffle have also been efficient and have been welcomed by grassroots
Grassroots
A grassroots movement is one driven by the politics of a community. The term implies that the creation of the movement and the group supporting it are natural and spontaneous, highlighting the differences between this and a movement that is orchestrated by traditional power structures...
members. All other issues, however, have been overshadowed by the ongoing debate on the possible implications of the programme review and mooted changes to the age ranges for sections. To date the results have not been published and a new programme was voted on at National Council in Ballinasloe in June 2008.
The successes of his time in office include the smooth transition from two strong associations to one, operating in 32 counties and catering for almost 40,000 members, successful advertising campaigns which have raised the profile of Scouting nationwide and have increased youth membership and a strong belief in youth participation. Among the early criticisms of his term was a lack of communication relating to the Castle Saunderson
Castle Saunderson
Castle Saunderson is a castle near Belturbet, County Cavan, Ireland. It was the family seat of the Saunderson family, who acquired the original castle in 1573 during the Ulster plantation. The original castle was inhabited by the O'Reillys of Breffni and formerly known as Breffni Castle since the...
project which has now been resolved and the satisfactory resolution will most likely be his abiding legacy as Chief. Difficulties with funding for campsites, the neglect of camping
Camping
Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motorhome, cabin, a primitive structure, or no...
as a whole and a drop in adult membership have been cited by members as key issues during his first term. He was re-elected unopposed in June 2007 and was expected to serve a second and final term of 3 years until 2010. However, Mr. Burbridge announced his decision to resign from the position of chief scout in a letter to the National Management Committee of Scouting Ireland dated 12 August 2008. In the letter the chief scout expresses his intention to resign from his position, effective from "12.00 midnight on Sunday 28 September 2008".
Michael John Shinnick 2008-present
Due to the resignation of Martin Burbridge the National Management Committee elected Michael John Shinnick, the then Chief Commissioner for Adult Resources, as Scouting Ireland's second Chief Scout in September 2008. He was elected by National Council in March 2009 for a term to end in 2012.Presentation of awards
Among the responsibilities of the Chief Scout are the presentation of Chief Scout's AwardsScouting Ireland Chief Scout's Award
The Chief Scout's Award is the highest award for Scouts in Scouting Ireland. The precise criteria for the Chief Scout's Award in Scouting Ireland as a result of the merger of CSI and SAI are unclear at present . It is the final step in the personal progressive scheme of the former CSI...
to Scouts
Scouting Ireland Scouts
Scouts in Scouting Ireland are aged between 11 and a half to 16 years of age. Each group has a Court of Honour/Patrol Leader's Council which under the guidance of an adult Scouter designs and implements activities...
and the investiture of Scouters into the Order of CúChulainn
Order of CúChulainn
-History:It was introduced in 2004 to replace Scouting Ireland 's Order of the Silver Wolfhound and the equivalent award of Scouting Ireland S.A.I., the Order of the Silver Elk...
.
See also
- Scouting Ireland (CSI) Chief Scouts
- Scouting Ireland S.A.I. Chief Scouts