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.

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’. In Scotland we use Disclosure Scotland to ensure that PVG scheme checks are made.

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 learning that leaders complete 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, and if you would like to see a copy of the code of behaviour for adults, just ask any of your child’s leaders.

Learning

As you would expect, all adults working with young people must complete learning in Child Protection (Safeguarding), Safety, Emergency Aid and Data Protection. Additional learning is provided for those taking young people away on residential events like camps and sleepovers.

Trips out and camps

Leaders will make parents aware of the weekly meeting programme for their section and in doing so will assume consent to participate if the young person attends the activity.

For all trips out and 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.