Chief Scout (Scouting Ireland)

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^[1].

Term of office and roles

The Chief, like all members of the National Management Committee is elected by secret ballot 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

Chief Scouts

Martin Burbridge 2004-2008

Martin Burbridge is a native of County Kildare 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 ^[2][3][4] 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".

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.^[5]

Presentation of awards

Among the responsibilities of the Chief Scout are the presentation of Chief Scout's Awards to Scouts and the investiture of Scouters into the Order of CúChulainn.^[6]

See also

• Scouting Ireland (CSI) Chief Scouts
• Scouting Ireland S.A.I. Chief Scouts

Scouting portal

References

1. ^ "Letter from Chief Scout to the NMC on his impending Resignation". Scouting Ireland. 2008. http://www.scouts.ie/news/577/. Retrieved 2008-08-14. ^{[dead link]}
2. ^ "Castle Saunderson". American Ireland Funds Golf Classic 2005. The American Ireland fund. 2006. http://www.irlfunds.org/aif/dallas/events_golf3.asp. Retrieved 2006-08-18. 
3. ^ "Castle Saunderson". American Ireland Funds Golf Classic 2004. The American Ireland fund. 2006. http://www.irlfunds.org/aif/dallas/events_golf2.asp. Retrieved 2006-08-18. 
4. ^ "Castle Saunderson". Conclusion of Castle Saunderson Project. Scouting Ireland National Management Committee. 2006. http://www.scouts.ie/news/252/. Retrieved 2006-08-18. ^{[dead link]}
5. ^ http://www.scouts.ie/news/592/
6. ^ "Slieve Bloom Awards". Ceremonial function of the Chief Scout. Scouting Ireland. 2006. http://www.scouts.ie/south-eastern-scout-province/slieve-bloom-leaders-award/. Retrieved 2006-08-18. ^{[dead link]}