Scout SuiteHow-to guide
Setting up group phones
One number that stays with the group when leaders change, plus optional eSIMs so volunteers aren't handing out personal mobiles. Buying the number is the first job; making it actually answer is a call flow.
You need an active paid subscription
Group numbers and leader eSIMs are a paid add-on on top of the group's Scout Suite subscription. If you haven't subscribed yet, Numbers & eSIMs will tell you a paid subscription is required.
Buy the group UK number first
On Group phones → Numbers & eSIMs, Buy group number. Search for a geographic or mobile number, then pay — geographic numbers are cheaper than mobile, and you can pay monthly or yearly. The number is set up for call routing as part of provisioning; it still won't greet anyone until a call flow is attached.
You can't order leader eSIMs until this number is Active. The group number is also what an eSIM presents when calling an ordinary phone.
Optional — WhatsApp on the group line
On an active number, Set up WhatsApp. You'll need the group's name, a contact email, website and address. Verification is a call (or SMS if needed), then Meta's signup. WhatsApp is billed by Meta, not Scout Suite, and you don't need it for ordinary calling or call flows.
Order leader eSIMs and install them
Order leader eSIM(s), assign a leader, and pay per line (monthly or yearly). When the eSIM is active, View QR or Email QR — the leader scans it in the phone's settings to add a mobile plan. Change leader if the handset moves on; Cancel at period end keeps the line until billing stops, without dropping the group number.
Travel data in the same Group phones menu is a different product — data-only eSIMs for trips abroad, not a Scout voice line.
Point the number at a call flow — or leaders can already call each other
Once eSIMs are in, leaders can call other Scout Suite eSIMs on those lines without sharing a personal number. For parents and partners dialling the group number, attach it to a call flow under Connected phone numbers — until you do, an inbound call has nothing to follow. That's the next guide.
How greetings, menus and ringing leaders actually work is in Building a call flow.
Phones & messages
More in this topic
The group number, call flows, inbox, and meeting recordings.