The election for members of the European Scout Committee for 2025-2028 is set for July 2025, and we see a strong interest from Member Organizations in presenting candidates! This enthusiasm is a wonderful opportunity for collaboration. It highlights that each Member Organization plays a vital role in putting forward candidates and has the responsibility to help create a competent, diverse, and motivated committee. While the Committee provides various supportive tools, the power and responsibility to enhance intersectional diversity and ensure successful elections lies with the Member Organizations (MOs). We encourage everyone to connect and discuss how they can actively contribute to the nomination and election process, fostering a bright future for the European Scout Committee together!
One of the tools that had a positive impact in the past to support candidates as individuals is the Candidate Journey Team, appointed by the current European Scout Committee. Building on the work of the inaugural team from the last European Scout Conference, this team is committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and safe experience for all individuals nominated for the European Scout Committee 2025–2028, from the pre-nomination stage to post-conference.
Our mission is to encourage and support volunteers interested in contributing to the region's work while assisting Member Organizations in implementing a fair and consistent process. We aim to ensure that the European Scout Region's diversity is well-represented and celebrated.
Meet the Team
- Lars Kramm – Former Member and Chairperson of the European Scout Committee.
- Joanna Ismayilli – WOSM Consultant for Safe From Harm & Adults in Scouting, with experience in bidding, campaigns, and NSO-level election processes.
- Christos Hatzidiamandis – Former Member of the European Scout Committee and Chairperson of the European Scout Conference 2019.
- Nika Gorovska – Former Member of the World Scout Committee and participant in recent Scout Conference election processes.
Key Priorities
The Candidate Journey Team has identified four main priorities for its work:
- Enhancing Representation and Competence: Using data-driven strategies to ensure greater diversity and role-specific skills within the European Scout Region in collaboration with the Youth Empowerment team.
- Supporting Candidates' Experience and Well-being: Strengthening support systems, ensuring clear communication, and fostering a respectful environment for candidates throughout the electoral process.
- Improving Communication and Support for MOs: Enhancing mentorship and engagement opportunities and providing clear information to MOs about the nomination process will foster a holistic support system for candidates.
- Optimising Procedures for Equal Opportunities: Refining the electoral process to reduce stress and enhance support for candidates through better timing and execution.
Your Ideas and Expectations
The Candidate Journey Team is eager to hear from MOs to ensure our work aligns with your needs. We invite you to share your input (confidentially if preferred) on PADLET.
Here are some key questions for your feedback:
- What support do you need when nominating a candidate?
- What specific resources or information would be most helpful for candidates and delegates in your organisation?
- What challenges have you faced in encouraging diverse candidates to participate?
- How can we improve support structures for MOs during the nomination process?
- Other comments or ideas?
Together, we must ensure that every candidate has a safer experience, that MOs are equally supported and prepared to nominate, vote, and interact with candidates, and that the most relevant Committee will represent the Region in 2025–2028.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the staff support for this team, Sian Bagshaw, at [email protected].