Parent FAQs
What is the Annual Census?
Annually, The Scout Association undertake an annual census to collect statistical information across the UK. All the information collected is anonymous.
What information do we collect?
We collect:
- Numbers of young people in each section
- Ages
- Gender
- What top awards have been gained
- Details of ethnicity and additional needs
We collect this information via Online Scout Manager, which also anonymises the data for entry into the Scout Association system.
Why do we carry out a census?
This information is collected as it can be used locally and nationally to provide a clear understanding of Scouting. It helps us to:
- Develop a clear understanding of our membership, its make‐up and where it happens
- Identify where we need to create or improve Scouting
- Better understand potential barriers to accessing Scouting
- Budgeting and planning for the upcoming year and beyond
- Negotiate appropriate insurance cover for all members of the Scout Association.
What about data protection?
All of the data collected is anonymised so there are no data protection concerns. The online form we use to collect ethnicity and disability information is collected locally and is not visible. Details of the Scouts Data Protection Policy can be found on the national website www.scouts.org.uk
How can you help?
We need to collect accurate information. The Scout Association is currently working towards our strategic plan, Skills for Life. To help in delivering and measuring the success of this plan we need to collect accurate information about genders, ethnicity and disabilities.
To this end I would invite you to complete the above online form and so the details can be collated. For all three questions, we provide the options of ‘I prefer to self-identify’ or ‘I prefer not to say’.
Thank you for your help with this and if you have any queries please speak to a section leader.
