To the Members of Scouting Ireland
Our Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Sunday has been called with great reluctance, and only after a great deal of reflection. We seek the removal from the Board of two of our members. We do so to end a period of energy-sapping, disruptive behaviours that have repeatedly diverted the Board from its job of serving and leading Scouting Ireland.
Accusations have been made across a range of issues, from safeguarding to our finances. It is important that our members, our parents and survivors of past abuse know that our safeguarding practices are best in class. Safeguarding is a standing item at our board meetings and the Board does not, and will not, countenance any diminishing of safeguarding within our organisation. Our finances, too, are robust, as was shown in the 2022 financial report.
The other members of the Board have repeatedly tried to engage with the two named directors, to ask for evidence of the claims made, and to have a proper discussion of what their concerns are. This has proved to be impossible. No substantive evidence has been advanced for any of the accusations made. Instead, they have been circulated to public representatives, the Department of Children, regulatory bodies, and the media.
The context within the Board has been one of highly personalised accusation, leaking of confidential information and attempted covert recording of our proceedings. It is unacceptable that the volunteers serving on the Board, on your behalf, are subjected to such treatment. It is damaging to Scouting that the Board is preoccupied with dealing with accusations made to a wide range of critically important stakeholders, while those making them, will not stand up those same accusations.
The decision to seek the removal of the two directors has nothing to do with whistleblowing and everything to do with who we are and our values as an organisation. The rehabilitation of the reputation of Scouting Ireland was hard won. It is protected by adherence to the highest standards. Scouting Ireland exists to serve, support, and lead Scouting. We the Board are volunteers working for volunteers. We sincerely try to live up to the Scout Law and Promise. This is our ethical code. To safeguard Scouting standards, to ensure we have a Board working successfully for Scouting, we ask you to vote Yes, to the two resolutions seeking the removal from the Board of the two named directors.
On behalf of the Board,
Yours in Scouting,
Paul Mannion
Chair
