Staying safe

Safety and safeguarding

Our commitment to keeping members safe

All our volunteers have a responsibility to make sure that the activities we lead are fun and exciting, but we must also make sure that it is safe for our members. We have policies, rules, codes of behaviour and advice on child protection. Our safety policies are there to ensure that all young people in Scouting stay safe while they enjoy themselves and learn.

It is our policy to safeguard the welfare of all young people 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 our volunteers are responsible for putting this policy into practice at all times. All leaders, assistant leaders and executive committee members over the age of 18 must also successfully complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure.

Our commitment

The Scouts child protection policy is known as “Young People First”.
This policy is an example of best practice and has been praised by child protection agencies. You can find out more about how we safeguard young people on the Scouts website.

Offsite activities

The rules of the Scouts stipulate that no child is allowed to undertake any activity without a health information form. Information provided on joining is retained and covers weekly activities at the Scout Hall.

For activities away from the Scout Hall, you will be required to complete and sign a permission form which will include a health information section. We ask that anything relevant to the activity being undertaken is recorded on that form, including any allergies, dietary restrictions or medication. Remember to update us with any changes that may be relevant.