Safeguarding
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, and if you would like to see a copy of the code of behaviour for adults, just ask myself or your Section Leader for further information or visit the Scoutbase website using the following link: just click on safeguarding. This information and link will also be posted up on our Group web site in the next day or so.
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
All leaders taking young people on outings or camps will give you notice in writing, ask for your permission and provide you with a method of contacting the group while they are away.
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 me or your child’s section leaders. If you would rather speak to someone else, please contact the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818.
The Scout Association also has a complaint procedure. Again, just click on complaints procedure to go to the relevant page.
For more information please see the recently produced leaflet attached entitled Safe and Sound leaflet specifically designed for parents.