Scout commissioner to step down after five years in post
THE hunt is on for a new Bailiwick Scouts commissioner, after Nick Paluch announced that he was stepping down.
After five years, Mr Paluch is excited to see how the next commissioner will continue moving the Scouts forward.
Help is at hand to ease the applicant into the role.
‘On island we have a strong team of volunteers totalling around 150. They work across the Scouting districts and help us run as one cohesive team,’ Mr Paluch said.
‘Last year they won an award for the Queens Voluntary Service, which is a testament to how good the Scout volunteering service is.’
Further afield, more support is available.
‘As support, the new commissioner will be aided by Hamish, a regional commissioner in the South of England, and a network of UK county commissioners,’ Mr Paluch said.
‘It’s nice that if you come across something that makes you scratch your head a bit you can go to them.’
Various duties are associated with the role, but it is fairly flexible.
‘Effectively the commissioner is the head of the local organisation. Scouts are part of a national organisation,’ Mr Paluch said.
‘Because we are an island we have a structure like a UK county, despite being the size of a district. It’s one of those classic Guernsey quirks, but it works.
‘It helps having our own autonomy – we have a good amount while still receiving support from the national organisation.’
Mr Paluch has been commissioner since April 2015.
‘I said from the start, five years is a good time frame. It’s enough to get your head around your duties and also implement some positive changes,’ said Mr Paluch.
‘Any less and you’re planning your succession before you start.’
While desirable, it is not necessary to have prior knowledge of Scouting.
‘Mostly the role requires people skills and managing effectively,’ he said.
‘The role is essentially the same as that of a chief executive and you work alongside a team.’
The position is reviewed every three years.
‘After leaving the commissioner role I am keen to stay involved. I’ve always been involved with the Scouts and it is a very worthy charity.
‘While I don’t want to get under the feet of my successor, I’d like to utilise my experience to continue growth,’ Mr Paluch said.
‘Five years ago I didn’t have any children and now I have two, so that’s keeping me busy.’
It is still possible to apply.
‘Applications are still completely open. If anyone is a bit unsure, the Scouts will happily meet anyone for a chat and coffee to go over any details.’
Commissioner duties should begin after the annual general meeting.
‘The role tends to begin from one annual general meeting to another, which is usually a date in April. Hopefully we will get somebody in place before then, but if the right candidate can’t start we can postpone,’ he said.
Mr Paluch said the role had really enriched his life.
‘Overall this has been an incredibly rewarding job. The Scouts is a good organisation and has been fully inclusive – allowing boys and girls – for about 30 years. Anyone from any background is welcome. While being a charity itself, the Scouts gives back to the community and helps other charities.’
. Anyone interested in the role can email admin@scouts.org.gg.
