GSAT assessment in Iceland

The Icelandic Boy and Girl Scout Association decided to use the Global Support Assessment Tool (GSAT) to measure its work against the best practices of National Scout Organisations. In particular they wanted to use all three stages in the process  – the preparation for the assessment; the assessment itself and the follow up – to identify what things they might be able to improve and how to prioritise those improvements.

During the preparation phase they looked at each of the 10 dimensions in the GSAT standard, considering whether and how they met the detailed criteria and what evidence they had. In this phase they had support through e-mail and Skype with a facilitator appointed by the Organisational Development Core Group (ODCG) of the European Scout Region. The facilitator was able to answer questions, help explain any criteria that was perhaps a little unclear and suggest the type of evidence they might have. Even during this first phase the Association identified things they could improve and ideas that could be adopted.

The assessment takes two days, arranged for November as this was a convenient time for all involved. During this phase representatives from Icelandic Scouting, the external auditor from SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance) together with the facilitator met in Reykjavik. At the time of writing day one has been completed with day two tomorrow.

Day one has been hugely interesting and productive. We have been through just over half the dimensions with much discussion, some very interesting points identified and much work completed. Day two promises to be just as interesting with the final set of dimensions and finishing with the verbal feedback from the SGS auditor. 

This initial Feedback will be followed up with a written report from SGS. That report will then help the Icelandic Boy and Girl Scout Association, supported by the ODCG to identify, prioritise and plan the next steps in their development based on the best practices.

Background to GSAT Assessments

The GSAT assessment measures National Scout Organisation’s compliance with Good Governance principles & Quality Scouting. GSAT consists of 10 dimensions, developed by WOSM in collaboration with SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance), the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company with a well-proven track record in NGO audits.

GSAT is available for all National Scout Organisations and National Scout Associations in the European Scout Region. All costs are covered by a Messengers of Peace Project and by the European Scout Region. If you are interested, please contact your committee contact person or the European Regional Office. More information on www.scout.org/gsat.

written by Paul Wilkinson

Comments: