About Us.
- How we started
- How we operate
- What activities
- Working with contractors
- Working with clients
- Our track record
- Legal Information
How we started
Our roots go back to 1983 when members of the Bristol North West Scout District formed the charity in response to a government initiative to assist the unemployed. "Serving the Community" has been our maxim ever since and whilst the range of programmes has changed over the years as the company has evolved, we continue to focus on helping those who find themselves disadvantaged in society.
How we operate
We are a "not for profit" ,organisation and a registered charity governed by a board of volunteer trustees. Income is earned from the contracts we deliver. We do not have flag days or other fundraising activities so there are no additional overhead costs. A small head office team provide operational support to those working directly on the programmes. With local management in each of our 3 regions we are able to tailor programmes to meet the real needs of our local communities and to share those experiences, across the organisation, for the benefit of others.
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What we do
Our mainstream activities concentrate on helping people into work.
We run job finding programmes funded by Jobcentre Plus, and a variety of projects part funded by the European Social Fund and others. We operate programmes with the Skills Funding Agency. We provide help for people with disabilities, in collaboration with Jobcentre Plus, Social Services and Health Authorities. We are contracted with other agencies to provide support to the community, and we run environmental and re-cycling programmes.
As an accredited training provider we are authorised to offer qualifications certified by OCN and NCFE; by the Health and Safety Executive for First Aid and Manual Handling; by the Chartered Institue of Enviromental Health and by other National Bodies for adventure activities, Minibus Driving and for Health & Safety courses.
Our 30 acre Castle Quarry Activity Centre and lake, just outside Bristol, not only provides a safe environment in which to learn the basics of outdoors skills but provides the perfect setting for team building and motivational courses.
Our diversity breeds innovation and as a Social Enterprise we are always looking to enter new areas of work where these are compatible with our charitable objectives.
We aim to work with the contractors at an early stage to explore the most effective ways to design and deliver the appropriate programmes for our clients. We have much past experience to offer but are always ready to undertake new and innovative projects.
Clients are at the heart of our work. Our aim is always to put their needs first and foremost
- to work at their pace
- to establish trust and mutual respect
- to establish and help deal with needs and barriers
- so that ultimately they have the confidence and tools that enable them to achieve their personal goals
- and for them to make a positive contribution to their local community
Our track record
Over the course of a typical year:
- more than 2700 people assisted through Jobcentre Plus and Learning and Skills Council contracts, with 84% achieving jobs, qualifications or other positive outcomes
- 1300 people helped through our disability and mental health programmes
- over 650 people attended training courses at our Activity Centre and
- 5,800 young people receive instruction (and have a great time) taking part in outdoor activities.
- 200 tonnes are saved from landfill, and over 6,000 people get recycled furniture and white goods
Legal Information
- Company name: Scout Enterprises (Western) Ltd.
- Registered Office: Pavilion House, Bishop Road, Bristol BS7 8LX.
- Place of Registration: England and Wales
- Company Registration Number: 1796061
- Registered Charity Number: 295242
- email
- VAT Registration Number: 713 1958 41
- View our Liability Insurance Cert