June 2023 update
William Burrows, Treasurer
Sunday 18th of June 2023
Report
- Accounts- Getting settled into the new role. Just completed the mandate papers and currently waiting for Lloyds to process them.
Aims
- Accounting: To improve the way SSAGO reports its accounts
Introducing William Burrows
William Burrows, Treasurer
Tuesday 16th of May 2023
I'm Will from Aber, your treasurer for 2023/24 .I'm a 3rd year economics student and have been a SSAGO member since 2020 and a committee member at Aberystwyth for the past two years.
May 2023 update
Jack Woodward, Chair
Monday 1st of May 2023
Report
- Getting Started: So far I've been to a multitude of handover meetings - online, in person, 1-1 and with all of team pink, a team pink specific training session, checked in with some events, and generally learned the ropes!
- Replying to emails, already: I've already started taking over replying to your emails about anything and everything, including NaN forms and the EGM results, (which I didn't make any mistakes at all with. If it looks like Nick is still sending you emails, you might need to clear [email protected] from your address book!
- Actually doing my degree: My Master's Thesis was due in 23:59 the Friday before Ball - it was submitted on time and I still made it to Lincoln in time for Handover and Ball!
Aims
- Meeting every event: SSAGO currently has 7 Nationally organised event committees elected and working to create the best events ever! Team Pink have been checking in with these, and getting the newly elected events ready to go over the handover period, but I'd like to have met all of the teams as soon as possible.
- Policies and Factsheets: Some of these are woefully out of date, and fixing them is a big job that always flies under the radar, but I'd like to make a start.
- Streamlining: As we start a new exec term, I'd like to streamline the way we actually operate as Team Pink, work out and operate a system that works and makes our lives easier, while making sure we don't miss anything.
April 2023 update
Leon Brindley, Publicity
Friday 28th of April 2023
Report
- Online publicity: I shared the word on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Discord about the closure of MedieBall bookings and the updated MedieBall menu. I also posted about Easter, St George's Day, our latest EGM, SSAGO's Awards and Commendations, Isle of Wight Revolution and our beautiful Team Beige rebrand (which I hope you really liked too)!
- Remaining handover tasks: I've completed my collection of handover tasks and held a formal handover meeting with Bea, your new Publicity Officer. I can't wait to see what she has in store!
Aims
- Finalised handover: That's all, folks!
Manifesto for Treasurer
William Burrows, Treasurer
Monday 17th of April 2023
Hi, Im Will from Aber and I'm running for National Treasuer, You may know me from around the
Campfire or on some form of transport doing another rail challenge
Why I am Running
- Having been in SSAGO for 3 years and as a committee member at Aberystwyth for the past two years including one year as treasurer I am well suited to become the next national treasurer.
- Having studied Economics as my degree, I have vast amounts of experience with money.
- In another organisation I worked very closely with the director when filing taxes and was in meetings when we considered transitioning to a charity.This shows I am willing and able to fufil the role with past experience
Why Should you Vote for me
- As a motivated and reilable person, I can be trusted to carry out these duties in a timley and professional manner
- Working with the rest of Exec, we can shape SSAGO into the best version of itself possible which will benefit everyone
Thanks Will
Ps. Is everybody happy?
April 2023 update
James Barber, Chair
Tuesday 11th of April 2023
Report
- Saying hello: we've had our first Team Pink meeting with both Execs and are beginning to have other meetings/introductions.
Aims
- Secure SSAGO's Financial Position: work to establish a robust plan to make SSAGO's accounting procedures better and work with a new treasurer to resolve other issues.
- Develop a Charity Timeline: publish a transparent timeline for SSAGO becoming a charity within the first 100 days of office (07/08/2023).
- Relaunch the SSAGO Shop: work with the Quartermaster to relaunch the SSAGO Shop within the first 100 days of office (07/08/2023).
April 2023 update
Ben Dickinson, Members
Monday 3rd of April 2023
Report
- Mascot: I now have a mascot - Darren (or Daz) the Naked Mole Rat. I'm not too sure how I ended up with this as a mascot but here we are!
- Compass: I have spent some time learning how to use compass, completing my training etc.
Aims
- SASU Membership: I need to work with the rest of Team Pink to decide exactly who is and isn't a member of the SASU. I also plan to clear out members who should no longer be on there.
- DBS Checks: I will work with The Scout Association on the DBS requirements for members of the SASU.
March 2023 update
Leon Brindley, Publicity
Tuesday 21st of March 2023
Report
- Online publicity: Promoted CentenaRally and MedieBall CatheBall across SSAGO's social media platforms. Also posted about key dates like International Women's Day, St David's Day and St Patrick's Day, and shared plenty of photos from CentenaRally.
- AGM results: Shared the AGM results through a SSAGO News article, an email and a social media post.
Aims
- MedieBall: Share the word about MedieBall CatheBall as widely as possible, particularly focusing on affordable travel and accommodation options, the excellent venue and the variety of local activities on offer in Lincoln.
- Handover: Ensure that the upcoming handover process is as smooth as possible! Share all of my publicity resources and top tips with Bea for the year ahead.
- SSAGO Awards and Commendations: Promote and evaluate nominations for this year's Awards and Commendations.
March 2023 update
Oli Bills, Webmaster
Monday 13th of March 2023
Report
- Event improvements: Q&A system, registration system, new booking features, app platform
- General SSAGO things: Newsletter system, moving resources from Dropbox to Drive, better Reps system
- Rally of Games: SSAGO app, SSAGO treasure hunt game, patrols and teams and other fun things for future events
- AGM and EGM things: As always, elections continue to change and need to happen and I made sure the technology was in place to accommodate these
- De-Olifying SSAGO: More automation, administration interfaces and making sure all SSAGO sytsems work when Oli was in Switzerland and preparing for the future, including migrating SSAGO tech to the AWS Cloud
- Life outside Webmaster: I volunteered, slightly unexpectedly, at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre for Autumn 2022 as a pinkie! I also supported the Iceland event last July, the WinterKISC event this February and Kander100 this coming summer.
Aims
- New exec: Supoorting the new incoming Exec and any of their requirements and goals
- New future: Continuing to work towards SSAGO technology being someone else's problem!
- More web team: Continue to work to grow the web team to support the webmaster
- Tidying up: Tidying up any remaining non-automated parts of SSAGO that require manual intervention, to make sure the infrastructure "just works"
Introducing Charlotte Simmons
Charlotte Simmons, Archivist
Thursday 9th of March 2023
Hi, I'm Charlotte and I will be taking over the Archivist role. This is my fifth year in SSAGO, and my second as an Indie, having finished at Nottingham in 2020. Whilst at Nottingham I was involved with the archive that SNoGS run in conjunction with the University of Nottingham archives and really enjoyed it, and I believe it's important that clubs are supported to set up and run their own archives if this is something that they wish to do, as well as maintaining and building the national SSAGO archive. I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in to this role and to working with members of SSAGO to build our records for future generations. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions relating to archives either at a national or club level.
Introducing Joe Barnes
Joe Barnes, Quartermaster
Thursday 9th of March 2023
I’m Joe, currently studying a PhD in Biomedical Tissue Engineering at the University of Liverpool. I started in Scouting when I was six, and never left; I’ve been in Liverpool SSAGO for 6 years now, on committee for 2 of those and now I’ve stepped up to offer you the best merch around...
I'm always contactable at [email protected] if you have any questions / suggestions!
Introducing Conni Schmitt
Conni Schmitt, International
Thursday 2nd of March 2023
Hi, I’m Conni, and I’m probably one of SSAGO’s most international members: I am German, have done my undergrad degree in Ireland and am now living in the Netherlands. My first Rally was Chocolate Rally, which was AWESOME. And that is why I applied to become international officer: I loved taking part in SSAGO events as part of an international contingent and want to help others in experiencing this too! So if you’re an international student scout/guide wanting to come to an event, or an incoming exchange student who wants to know what this “SSAGO” thing is all about, or if you’re going abroad and are wondering if we know of any group you could join where you’re going – ask away! I will also try and see if any of the international groups would welcome a contingent of SSAGOers as guests at their camps (I can’t promise but: Irish Rover Intervarsities are some of the best camps you can imagine!).
A bit about me: I first came to scouting because I heard about Roverway and it sounded so great, I just had to participate – and I wasn’t disappointed, I absolutely loved the international atmosphere! And the Netherlands as a country too: Two years later I even moved here, and now I am studying electrical engineering at TU/e in Eindhoven. In my free time I do bouldering and Survival Run (a Dutch sport – think of a combination of Ninja Warrior and cross country running). I am addicted to badges (and as part of the badges-at-home team am helping run badges for SSAGOers to do during lockdown). So far I’ve attended three Rallies, one SSAGO goes Spoons and two other SSAGO camps. And I regularly do my grocery shopping using a unicycle.
Introducing Anthoney Gathercole
Anthoney Gathercole, Events
Thursday 2nd of March 2023
I'm Anthoney, I'm currently studying Forensic Genetics and Human Identification at Wolverhampton University. I have been involved in Scouting ever since I was 6 and have received my 5 year service award as a leader. I have been involved with many large scale camps in previous years being staff at scout camps such as Scarefest and Gilwell 24 and also been on Staff catering Team as well as being involved with organising district and international camps in the past. My role as Events officer is to assist with any issues regarding any events involving SSAGO be it at National, Regional or even at Club level from Fresher's Fayre to Rallies I'm here to help anyway possible.
Introducing Leon Brindley
Leon Brindley, Publicity
Thursday 2nd of March 2023
Hi, I'm Leon!
I was elected as SSAGO's Publicity Officer last year, and I loved the role so much that I ran again! I've learnt so much over the past year as part of Team Pink, and I can't wait to start my second term!
I'm in my 4th year at the University of Southampton, studying MEng Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems. I love both playing and watching football- and in case you're wondering, I support West Brom!
My role in Team Pink involves coordinating publicity campaigns on social media, writing news articles, organising promotional events, creating publicity materials for local SSAGO clubs, designing National SSAGO badges, managing SSAGO Support events, and more!
I've also been elected as the Webmaster of Southampton SSAGO for a third year, and I was the Publicity Officer for Build-A-Rally 2020, the first online SSAGO Rally. I've been involved in Scouting since joining Beavers when I was 6, and carried on through Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and now SSAGO! I also volunteered as a Young Leader with Beavers for 4 years before starting university.
If you have any feedback, questions or suggestions, please feel free to get in touch!
February 2023 update
Leon Brindley, Publicity
Tuesday 28th of February 2023
Report
- Event publicity: I've promoted CentenaRally to members, highlighting booking phases, timetables and booking phases. I've also shared Instagram/Facebook stories about MedieBall CatheBall.
- Democracy: Advertised the opening of nominations and voter registration for the SSAGO AGM, as well as applications to become the new Events Officer.
Aims
- Handover: Prepare for the upcoming Exec handover period by compiling my Publicity Officer resources from the past two years.
- Lincoln MedieBall: Promote MedieBall CatheBall (and this year's SSAGO Awards) to members via social media.
Manifesto for Publicity Officer
Beatrice Overend, Publicity
Sunday 26th of February 2023
Who Am I?
Hello - I’m Bee (or Beatrice - I don’t mind) and I’m currently in my first year of a PhD in crop genetic improvement at Liverpool Uni. This means I’m part of the fabulous LUSSAGO. I’ve been in Guiding since I was a Rainbow at age 5 and am now a Rainbow leader as well as recently being roped into helping run an Explorer Scout unit. I am also currently one of the Co-Chairs for CentenaRally as well as the Volunteering Officer for Girlguiding for LUSSAGO. I’m not just all about SSAGO though - I’m also a keen musician having played in the Liverpool Uni Music Society for the last 5 years and held multiple different committee and ensemble leader roles during that time. During the very last of my free time I also enjoy sailing and anything outdoorsy involving water
Why I want to run for publicity:
I would like to be the next publicity officer for National SSAGO as I would like to help clubs connect better and collaborate as well as improving SSAGO’s public profile. Through the use of social media I would like to help new members find us and help retain the current members we have. I have loved my time in SSAGO so far and by running for exec would be able to help others also enjoy and experience SSAGO. When I first joined uni it took me until my third year to find out about SSAGO - as publicity officer I want to help as many people find out about us and join in their first year as we can!
As publicity officer I would like to achieve the following:
- Continue to maintain the social media channels for SSAGO and create content that engages our members and promotes interaction from wider Scouting and Guiding members.
- Use the media team to give members opportunities to put their hobbies and interests into practice whilst creating great content for SSAGO through photography, video editing, and blog writing.
- Create and distribute new publicity material to clubs that can be used at freshers fairs and outreach events in order to entice new members.
- Continue with the ongoing work to restart the SSAGO support team and ensure people are aware this project exists.
- Contact brands that relate to SSAGO to allow SSAGO members to enjoy perks again such as discounts at brands or free prizes for the events we run. This was something I was able to achieve with Access Expedition Kit for CentenaRally to allow us to give out some great worthwhile prizes at our pram race.
- Design new exciting merch lines and work with the Quartermaster to get these into the SSAGO Shop.
Other skills I have that are useful:
- I drive and own a car (that's green!) so am able to help carry SSAGO equipment. This also means I can easily get to and attend events in order to publicise SSAGO.
- I’m happy to drive minibusses so can help rallies and events out with driving. This would also be useful for getting members to SSAGO support events
- I have a really loud voice - great for making sure people hear about SSAGO
- I am part of a community outreach project working with 14-16 year olds as part of my PhD project and therefore have an insight into what out future members want and enjoy
- I’m a first year PhD student and therefore have 5 years of experience being a student and still another 3 years to go!
- I’m not afraid to look stupid … I did once make 2 neckers into a top for Womball!
What skills do I have that will make me a great publicity officer:
- I’m a very outgoing person and am often described as being very chatty. As publicity officer this would allow me to talk with people about SSAGO at Guiding and Scouting events in order to let people know who we are and what we do.
- I’m an active Guide and Scout leader in Merseyside and have just gained a new role helping with merchandise development and income from external sources for Girlguiding North West England. These roles will allow me to actively publicise SSAGO throughout my day to day life to the wider Scouting and Guiding community.
- As far as my ability to design social media content goes, I’m competent in using both Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud to design posts as well as film and photography (a hobby I very much enjoy). I am currently helping run the CentenaRally social media pages after our publicity officer stepped down, have maintained social media channels for multiple university societies, our Explorer unit, and have previously used my own Instagram to work with brands.
- I can also use multiple video editing softwares to create TikToks and YouTube videos and have previously done so.
- Furthermore, merch design is something I am confident with having rebranded and designed merch for LUSSAGO, as well as having designed most of the merch for CentenaRally including the phenomenal SPARKLY NECKER!
- I have also been the External Communications and Outreach Officer for Liverpool University Music Society which meant working with external companies to the University in order to find new opportunities for the society and publicise the ensembles we have. This role also involved designing and ordering the merch for nearly 100 people!
Manifesto for Chair
James Barber, Chair
Sunday 26th of February 2023
Hey, I’m James and I’m studying Maths and Computer Science at the University of Liverpool.
I've been in SSAGO since 2020, but really got involved after attending my fist national event, Womball. I quickly got involved with SSAGO, nationally and in my club, and have gone on to start SSROB (the SSAGO Strategic Rail Operations Branch) and organise several local and national events.
Skills and Experience
I have been invovled in the Policy Fixers project over the last few years, and have given input to a variety of policies through the project. Through conversations arising from this, I've gained a comprehensive understanding of how SSAGO operates and the challenge its currently facing.
Outside of SSAGO, my other roles in Scouting (including Deputy County Youth Commissioner in Surrey, County Secretary in Merseyside and Regional Youth Commissioner Chair in South East England), I have a deep understanding of both the Scout Association and, to admittedly a lesser extent, Girlguiding. I am aware of the challenges SSAGO is experiencing and have the knowledge to help steer it through them.
Through running SSROB, I have had experience managing small-scale events, organising groups and, more recently, facilitating/supporting other members in running their own events. This experience, as well as my involvement in CentenaRally, positions me well to support event committees through a very challenging time to run events.
At the start of this academic year, I successfully ran North Wet Freshers Camp, and am keen to build on this experience to work with the Members and Publicity Officers on the way we welcome Freshers into SSAGO. This also gave me first-hand experience of the stress of balancing an event budget as costs soar and wallets tighten.
Alongside my degree, I run a tech startup, with a team of developers distributed across the UK. I have extensive experience managing remote teams working unusual hours and achieving results from them. This provides experience that neatly translates into being SSAGO Chair, and I hope I can take the skills and strategies I've developed into effectively supporting and managing an Exec.
Plans
In the role of Chair, I would hope to achieve the following over the year:
- Work with the Treasurer and Quartermaster to relaunch the SSAGO Shop within the first 100 days of office.
- Work with the Publicity Officer and a relaunched web team, and using my own background as a full-stack web developer, to plan and begin development of a new SSAGO website.
- Work with the Publicity Officer to launch a project to modernise the SSAGO brand alongside the new SSAGO website.
- Work with the Charities Assistant and Secretary to resubmit relevant documentation to the Charities Commission and release a transparent timeline for SSAGO becoming a charity within the first 100 days of office.
- Work with the Treasurer to develop a plan to make SSAGO's finances robust, sustainably.
- Keep SSAGO afloat and moving forwards over the rough seas we're currently traversing, and look to keep on traversing over the next year.
Through SSAGO, I've made lifelong friends and found an incredible, diverse community full of so many friendly, amazing people which would make anyone and everyone feel welcome. SSAGO has given me so much, and I would relish the opportunity to use my skills to give something back to it.
Introducing Nicholas Bond
Nicholas Bond, Secretary
Friday 23rd of December 2022
Hi, I’m Nick! I'm a Civil Engineering graduate (read "professional train nerd") currently working in a consultancy company in Bristol.
Since joining scouting as a Beaver, I've learnt rapidly that the more you put in the more you get out! I started in SSAGO as soon as I could, as a member of SUGS in 2017. Since then I’ve spent a placement year with UOBGAS during 2019, been back to SUGS for my final year at Swansea University, and switched to Southampton for my MSc in September 2021. In October 2022 I moved back to Bristol again, this time for a job. I’ve also been involved with Rali Cymru since it's first bid in 2018, so I’ve certainly been around SSAGO quite a lot!
As a member of Team Pink I hope to keep things running as smoothly as possible with my organisational skills. If you think something I'm doing could be improved, then it probably could - don't hesitate to get in contact, either online or at a national event!
December 2022 update
Leon Brindley, Publicity
Tuesday 20th of December 2022
Report
- Social media: I've shared online posts about Hanukkah and Christmas, and scheduled another one for New Year's Day.
- Team Pink online resources: I've compiled various resources I've used since being elected as Publicity Officer for my successor to use.
Aims
- Online publicity: Promote SSAGO lots on social media for Refreshers' 2023!
November 2022 update
Charlotte Simmons, Archivist
Friday 18th of November 2022
Report
- Ran a successful museum at Amalgam, as well as an Ask the Archivist session. This included a tribute to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died the day before camp. This involved spending my Friday evening at Amalgam rewriting some of the timeline sheets, which I'd managed to leave at home.
- Lots of behind the scenes things towards love your archive week.
- It's been a busy couple of months for me personally so I've not had as long as I'd have liked to move ongoing projects forward.
Aims
- Start working on making archives online a reality.
- Hopefully doing some sharing of archive material for Love Your Archive week later this year.