Safeguarding

This Policy can also be downloaded here:  PDF

Child Protection  and Safeguarding Policy

  1. Child Protection is our number one concern. Warranted Leaders complete training and follow a Code of Behaviour also referred to as ‘Young People First’ or the ‘yellow card’, which is carried at all times.
  2. You can download the yellow card HERE.
  3. The Scout Association’s Child Protection Policy provides clear guidelines for child protection (see below) and all adults aged 18 or over within Scouting are responsible for the operation of the Policy.
  4. It is the responsibility of all adults (including Occasional Helpers) 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.

Safe Scouting Emergency Procedures

  1. The Purple Card (Safe Scouting and what to do in an emergency) is for all adults in Scouting. It contains essential information.
  2. It can be down loaded HERE.

Occasional Helpers

  1. We are extremely grateful for the support of Occasional Helpers (parents and other adults) and without this help, we could not offer so many camps and activities. For child protection reasons, Occasional Helpers are required to:
  2. Read the Association’s Child Protection Policy.
  3. Complete the Association’s online training ‘Module 1: Essential Information’ (and hand a copy of the certificate to their Section Leader). This takes around 20 minutes.
  4. Carry the yellow card.
  5. Please download and complete the Child Protection Declaration confirming you agree to this and hand it your Section Leader or the GSL.
  6. You can access the training module HERE. This will take you to the relevant page on the Scout Association web site and you can follow the link at the bottom of the page ‘Safeguarding Awareness online training’ to start the training module.

Executive Committee Members

  1. Executive Committee Members are required to follow the same procedures as Occasional Helpers.
  2. The “Staying Safe” – Safety Checklist for Executive Committees, can be downloaded HERE

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formerly known as CRB)

A DBS check is carried out on all volunteers.

Raising a Concern

If you or a young person has a concern, please speak to your Section Leader, Group Scout Leader or the District Commissioner.

The Scout Association Child Protection Policy

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. Accordingly The Scout Association is committed to:

  • taking into account in all its considerations and activities the interests and well-being of young people;
  • respecting the rights, wishes and feelings of the young people with whom it is working;
  • taking all reasonable practicable steps to protect them from neglect, physical, sexual and emotional harm;
  • promoting the welfare of young people and their protection within a relationship of trust.

Young People First Code of Behaviour

The Code lists the Dos and Don’ts including:

  • DO set an example you would wish others to follow.
  • DO plan activities that involve more than one other person being present, or at least are within sight and hearing of others.
  • DO avoid unacceptable situations within a relationship of trust e.g. a sexual relationship with a youth Member over the age of consent.
  • DO have separate sleeping accommodation for young people, adults and Young Leaders working with a younger section.
  • DO allow young people to talk about any concerns they may have.
  • DO make everyone aware of the Association’s child protection procedures – young people, parents/carers, Young Leaders and other helpers.
  • DO remember someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well-intentioned.
  • DO NOT engage in inappropriate behaviour or contact – physical, verbal, sexual.

You can view The Scout Association’s Child Protection Policy including a full list of Dos and Don’ts HERE.

Anti-Bullying Policy

We do not tolerate bullying of any kind. The Scout Association’s Policy on anti-bullying can be viewed HERE. This is Chapter 2 “Key Policies”, from the Scout Association “Policy, Organisation & Rules” January 2015 – see rule 2.5.

Further guidance and support

  1. You can download a copy of the Safe and Sound leaflet for parents HERE.
  2. Having read this information, if you wish to report any matters of concern about an individual or individuals in Scouting then please contact the Association’s safeguarding team at:  safeguarding@scouts.org.uk

Contacts

1st Linslade Scouts

Designated safeguarding lead:  Becky Skinner  safeguarding@1stlinslade.org.uk

Central Bedfordshire Council 0300 300 8585

Out of hours: 0300 300 8123
 Email: cs.accessandreferral@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

The Scout Association

The Scout Information Centre is open from 8am–7pm weekdays and 9am–midday on Saturdays.

http://scouts.org.uk/contact-us/

Phone: 0345 300 1818 (local rate) or 020 8433 7100

If you have concerns about the conduct and behaviour of someone working with children and young people you can contact Central Bedfordshire’s LADO on 0300 300 5026 / 0300 300 8142.

NSPCC 0800 800 5000

Childline 0800 11 11

Kidscape Bullying Helpline 0845 1205 204

Samaritans 0845 790 9090

CEOP (Child exploitation and online protection) www.ceop.gov.uk

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Document History
This version approved 24/09/18
Review November 2020