Behaviour – Policies

The scope of our behaviour policies covers adult volunteers, young leaders, members and their family members, this covers all and any activity relating the the group including: weekly meetings, events away from the meeting place, social media, written and verbal communications.

Sale Central Scout Group is a voluntary youth group, run by volunteers from within our community, offering youth development services to the young people of our community in line with The Scout Association.

As a Scouting group, we expect all people involved with the group to follow the Scouting ethos set out in the Scout Law, although this does not form part of the Beaver Scout Promise nor the Cub Scout Promise, it does form part of the Scout Promise which is pledged by all young people of Scout section age and above and forms the basis of the expected behaviour of all members including adult volunteers and young leaders.

  1. A Scout is to be trusted.
  2. A Scout is loyal.
  3. A Scout is friendly and considerate.
  4. A Scout belongs to the world-wide family of Scouts.
  5. A Scout has courage in all difficulties.
  6. A Scout makes good use of time and is careful of possessions and property.
  7. A Scout has self-respect and respect for others.

This is the simplified version of everything that we do as Scouts, it drives our behaviour and our attitude towards ourselves and others.

We are also bound by the Scout Associations Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR)

Specific extracts pertaining to behaviour are detailed below.

Safeguarding Policy

 

It is the Policy of The Scouts to safeguard the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk by protecting them from neglect and from physical, sexual and emotional harm. The Scouts understand that individuals thrive in safe surroundings so we are committed to ensuring that Scouting is safe and enjoyable for everyone involved and that safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and The Charity Commission requirements.

This policy:

  1. applies to all adults including the Board of Trustees, volunteers, paid staff, agency staff and anyone working on behalf of The Scouts;
  2. recognises that the welfare and interests of children, young people & adults at risk are paramount in all circumstances; and
  3. aims to ensure that all children, young people & adults at risk have a positive and enjoyable experience of Scouting in a safe and person-centred environment and are protected from abuse whilst participating in Scouting and otherwise.

It is the responsibility of all adults involved in Scouting to have read and understood the Safeguarding Policy & Procedures.

The Safeguarding Policy & Procedures must be adhered to at all times.

All breaches of the policy and procedures will be dealt with within in line with POR and the Safeguarding Processes and Procedures. 

The Scouts Safeguarding Policy & Procedures, for Young People & Adults at Risk can be found on the Scout Association website here 

Safety Policy

 

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 far as is reasonably practicable.  

The Scouts recognises that life is not risk-free, and in its turn Scouting is not risk-free.  As Scouts, we endeavor to manage these risks to wellbeing and safety to be as low as is reasonably practicable.  Identifying and proportionately managing risk is a skill for life that we wish to kindle, develop and enhance in all of our members.

In order to do this The Scouts will provide guidance and have a training programme available for its volunteers. 

All those involved in Scouting are accountable for and must demonstrate an ability and understanding of the following, (so far as is reasonably practicable and to the extent of their role);

  • Ensure they are competent to undertake their task, through attending appropriate training, checking their understanding of instructions and information, and remaining current in these competencies.  
  • Properly assess the risk of every activity undertaken in Scouting.  This assessment should be suitable and sufficient for the activity being undertaken, and follows that activities with higher risk should require more in-depth assessment. 
  • Provide clear instructions and information to anyone who requires this, be it adult volunteer or young person, in order to ensure any activity is conducted with safety and wellbeing in mind.
  • Prevent accidents and cases of ill health by managing the health and safety risks in Scouting
  • Ensure that the environment they are working in, or using for scouting activities, is maintained safely and there are no risks to health. That any equipment or substances used are safe and stored safely.  
  • Review risk assessments as often as necessary when circumstances, environment or conditions change.
  • Feel and be empowered to never be afraid to change or stop an activity if risk increases.

All those involved in Scouting are accountable for and must demonstrate an ability and understanding of the following (so far as is reasonably practicable within the extent of their role);

a. All members

  1. Stop any activity if they have concerns over its safety, and must be reminded of this frequently.
  2. Undertake risk assessments for the activities they undertake, documenting and communicating these with all involved including volunteers, young people and parents.
  3. Share good practice about how to apply this policy, and making sure that failures to apply this policy are brought to the attention of those involved and resolved through appropriate processes. 
  4. Implement emergency procedures – evacuation in case of fire or other significant incident. Report incidents that cause injuries, or incidents that had the potential to cause injuries, at their earliest opportunity through the appropriate channels (in accordance with Chapter 7). 

b. Leader in charge

  1. Take responsibility for ensuring that these requirements are met for every activity being undertaken, working closely with the team leading the activity or event. 

c. Commissioners and line managers

  1. Take responsibility for assuring that this policy is being implemented in their area of responsibility. 
  2. Have the authority to undertake the requirements outlined above, or tasks required to support the requirements, and can be delegated as necessary.   
  3. Have the responsibility for making sure that the policy is followed – this can never be delegated. 
  4. When incidents are reported, managers must make arrangements to complete a proportionate review, and learn and share lessons from incidents. (in accordance with Chapter 7 

d. Executive Committees and Trustees

  1. Satisfy itself through appropriate assurance and monitoring activities that this policy is being put into effective use and to engage and consult with members on day-to-day health and safety conditions and ensure it is on the agenda at all meetings. 
  2. Take responsibility for making sure that these requirements are met for every premises or location operated by a Scouting concern, and therefore deemed to be the Managing Controller of the premises.

Youth Member Anti-Bullying Policy

 

“Children have the right to protection from all forms of violence (physical or mental).  They must be kept safe from harm and they must be given proper care by those looking after them.”  [The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 19]

The Scout Association is committed to this ethos and seeks to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the prevention of all forms of bullying among Members.  To this end all Scouting activities should have in place rigorous anti-bullying strategies. 

Responsibility within the Youth Member Anti-Bullying Policy

 

It is the responsibility of all adults in Scouting to help develop a caring and supportive atmosphere, where bullying in any form is unacceptable.

Adults in Scouting should:

  • be aware of the potential problems bullying may cause;
  • be alert to signs of bullying, harassment or discrimination;
  • take action to deal with such behaviour when it occurs, following Association policy guidelines;
  • provide access for young people to talk about any concerns they may have;
  • encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like;
  • help ensure that their Group/Section has a published anti-bullying code.