A BB Officer has been appointed by the church to work with children/young people and will be either a Lieutenant or Warrant Officer. There is very little difference between the work which either will do. However, a Lieutenant has completed a Youth Leader Training course and is ready to accept the full commitment of an Officer. A Warrant Officer may have completed a Youth Leader Training course but is not yet ready for appointment as a Lieutenant.

Criminal Records Check

Every Officer will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The check will be carried out by the Boys’ Brigade or Church and as it involves voluntary work the check is free of charge. Until this is completed, all contact with young people will be supervised.

Working in the BB

Most BB companies have four sections based on young peoples’ ages. These are Anchor Boys (age 5 to 8), Junior Section (age 8 to 12), Company Section (age 11-15) and Senior Section (age 15+). Members are encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities appropriate to their age. An Officer may work in one or more of these sections.

The weekly meeting will last between 60 and 90 minutes. Usually Anchor Boys meet for 60 minutes, Junior Sections for 75 minutes and the older age groups for about 90 minutes.

Training

Officers receive training to give them the necessary skills and confidence to plan and organise activities, as well as helping them with all aspects of working in a Boys’ Brigade Company. The type of training includes:

a) Youth Leader Training – this covers working with children and young people in general and includes training with working with the each of the BB age groups;

b) Specialist Training – these will cover particular subjects, such as Physical Activities, Drama or other BB activities like Camping and Expeditions.

Most courses are held locally and are non-residential. In addition, the District will give training on a small group basis where leaders need urgent training or attendance at a course is not possible.