Join our Inclusion Team

In line with The Scouts’ Equal Opportunities Policy, THE FRIENDS OF THE CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST (BSO) is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every member feels valued, supported, and connected. We are excited to announce the formation of the BSO Inclusion Team, which will play a pivotal role in developing and promoting our inclusivity initiatives. This team will collaborate virtually across districts and groups to enhance our practices and ensure that inclusivity is woven into the fabric of our activities. 

Aims of the BSO Inclusion Team: 

• Develop and Enhance Inclusion Strategies: Champion BSO’s inclusive ethos, ensuring it permeates every aspect across all levels from Area teams to individual Group sections. 
• Ensure Accessibility: Work closely with Area and District teams to ensure that all our communications, both internal and external, are accessible to everyone and promote inclusivity through our online platforms. 
• Support Districts in Their Inclusivity Goals: Help districts achieve their inclusivity goals, focusing on diversity, equity, additional needs, and creating an inclusive environment for all. 
• Stay Abreast of Best Practices: Liaise with The Scouts and other bodies to adopt and implement the best practices in inclusivity. 
• Resource Development: Promote existing resources or develop bespoke resources that aid in delivering a fully inclusive Scouting experience, including resources for members with special educational needs. 

We are looking for: 

We welcome anyone inside or outside of BSO with a passion for inclusivity and a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. We are especially looking for: 

• Diverse expertise: Individuals with expertise in areas such as additional needs, LGBTQIA+, faiths and beliefs, race, disabilities, and those experienced in supporting individuals with special educational needs. 
• Effective communicators: Members who can effectively communicate across various platforms and to different audiences. 
• Collaborators: Those ready to work in partnership across teams to foster inclusivity. 
• District representation: We will be seeking at least one representative from each of our four Districts. 

Specific roles include: 

• Special educational needs (SEN) advisor: Focus on integrating SEN best practices and providing support and guidance to BSO Scout groups. 
• Disabilities specialist: Support and advocate for members with physical and mental disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary adjustments and resources. 
• LGBTQIA+ inclusion specialist: Promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion while being sensitive to cultural and religious differences within various BSO locations. 
• Faiths and beliefs coordinator: Develop relationships with multi-faith groups and promote understanding and celebration of diverse faiths and beliefs. 
• Race equity advocate: Support and advance race equity initiatives within BSO, ensuring all members feel included and respected. 
• Equity and diversity representative: Work on overcoming barriers and supporting districts to face challenges related to equity and diversity. 

Join us in making a significant impact by fostering an inclusive environment within THE FRIENDS OF THE CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. Together, we can ensure that every member feels welcomed, respected, and valued. 

How to Apply: 

If you are motivated to help shape an inclusive future for all our members and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive within BSO, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to making our application process accessible to all applicants, including those with additional needs. If you require the application in a different format or need any adjustments made, please contact [email protected] 

Please fill out the online application form available here: BSO Inclusion Team Application. Roles within the inclusion team will remain open and there is no application deadline. This is an Area-level Advisor role. We expect all applicants to actively participate in the team meetings/discussions. 

Join Us: 

This is your opportunity to influence and transform BSO’s membership profoundly. As a member of the BSO Inclusion Team, you will be instrumental in ensuring that inclusivity is not just a policy, but a reality in every aspect of our Scouting experience. 

We look forward to your contributions and to building a more inclusive THE FRIENDS OF THE CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST together. Applications are invited from anyone, and we are eager to see the unique perspectives you can bring to our team. 

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