Safe and Sound

Young people thrive in safe surroundings. We’re committed to ensuring that Scouting is both enjoyable and safe for everyone who takes part, along with providing parents with peace of mind.

It is the policy of The Scout Association to safeguard the welfare of all members by protecting them from neglect and from physical, sexual and emotional harm.

We are committed to:

• Taking the interests and well-being of young people into account, in all our considerations and activities.
• Respecting the rights, wishes and feelings of the young people with whom we work.
• Taking all reasonable practicable steps to protect them from neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
• Promoting the welfare of young people and their protection within a position of trust.
• All adults in Scouting, including members of the Scout Network who wish to work with young people, are responsible for putting this policy into practice at all times.

An adult in Scouting has a responsibility to ensure that young people are protected from harm. It is the responsibility of each adult in Scouting to ensure that:

• Their behaviour is appropriate at all times.
• They observe the rules established for the safety and security of young people.
• They follow the procedures following suspicion, disclosure or allegation of child abuse.
• They recognise the position of trust in which they have been placed.
• In every respect, the relationships they form with the young people under their care are appropriate.

Appointing those who work with young people

All volunteers who help to run our activities give their time freely to help young people enjoy Scouting.

Leaders are interviewed locally and asked to provide references. Everyone working with young people in Scouting is asked to undertake a Criminal Record Check, sometimes known as a ‘police check’.

Code of behaviour

We have a clear code of behaviour which is given to all adults working in Scouting, regardless of their role. This is also included in the training that leaders receive and offers advice about how young people should be treated. We expect everyone to follow it.

If you volunteer to help out with an activity, you’ll be given one too.

Training

We expect all leaders to take courses in basic first aid and child protection. Special training is provided for those taking young people away on residential events like camps and sleepovers.

Outings and camps

Leaders will make parents aware of the programme for their section and in doing so will assume consent to participate if the young person attends the activity. For all camps leaders will give sufficient information and time for parents to consent to their child attending.

For all Scouting activities you will be provided with a method of contacting the group, either during their regular meeting or whilst away at camp.

We will never ask to take individual young people away on their own or without another adult being present.

What to do if you have concerns

If you are unhappy with anything relating to your child’s time in Scouting you should raise it with your child’s leaders. If you would rather speak to someone else, please contact the Scout Information Centre on 0345 300 1818.