Safety
The Scouts aim to provide opportunities for young people and adult volunteers to develop and appreciate what risk is and how it is managed. This vital skill for life is developed by providing opportunities to learn and experience activities that are adventurous but where risk is controlled and managed.
As Scouts, we endeavour to manage these risks to wellbeing and safety to be as low as is reasonably practicable. We recognise that life is not risk-free, and in its turn Scouting is not completely risk-free. We manage risks by:
- ensuring our volunteers are trained, supported and confident in their role
- ensuring activities are risk assessed to manage health and safety risks, reducing the risk of accidents
- ensuring risk assessments are followed and adapted (if necessary) while carrying out activities
Leaders undergo mandatory training in safety, safeguarding and first aid; all meetings and events have at least one first aider present. Activities are carried out in accordance with the rules and guidance issued by the Scout Association. The Safety Policy can be read here.
Safeguarding
All our volunteers give their time freely to help young people thrive. We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of those members aged under 18 as well as adults at risk by protecting them from neglect and harm. All leaders are interviewed locally and asked to provide references, and all adults who regularly volunteer with Scouts have undergone an enhanced DBS check.
The Safeguarding Policy is for everyone in The Scouts and includes all volunteers. The Yellow Card sets out a Code of Practice, which is essential for all adults in Scouts to follow.
If you have any concerns about Safeguarding, please email safeguarding@scouts.org.uk or phone the Safeguarding Team on 020 8433 7164 (9am – 5pm weekdays) or 0345 300 1818 (out-of-hours).
