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Safety Policy

2a.8.1.1 Policy statement
It is the policy of The Scout Association 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.   

2a.8.1.2 Recognising and Managing Risk
Scouts recognises that life is not risk-free and, in its turn, Scouts programmes are not risk-free. As Scouts, we endeavour 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. 

2a.8.1.3 Guidance and learning
In order to do this, Scouts provides guidance and a learning programme for its volunteers.  

2a.8.2 Responsibilities within the Safety Policy

2a.8.2.1 Accountability for all involved in Scouts 
All those involved in Scouts 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 to: 

  1. ensure they are competent to undertake their task, through attending appropriate learning sessions, checking their understanding of instructions and information, and remaining current in these competencies 
  2. properly assess the risk of every Scouting activity undertaken. This assessment should be suitable and sufficient for the activity being undertaken, and it follows that activities with higher risk should require more in-depth assessment 
  3. 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 
  4. prevent incidents and cases of ill health by managing the health and safety risks in Scouts  
  5. ensure that the environment they are working in, or using for Scouts’ activities, is maintained safely and there are no risks to health. Also, that any equipment or substances used are safe and stored safely
  6. review risk assessments as often as necessary when circumstances, environment or conditions change 
  7. never be afraid to change or stop an activity if risk increases  

2a.8.2.2 Obligations on all involved in Scouts
All members must: 

  1. stop any activity if they have concerns over its safety and must reassess this frequently.  
  2. carry out 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, 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.
  5. 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. 

2a.8.2.3 Responsibilities on Chief and Lead Volunteers
Chief and Lead Volunteers:

  1. must ensure 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. are responsible for making sure that the policy is followed – this can never be delegated.  
  4. must, when incidents are reported, make arrangements to complete a proportionate review, and learn and share lessons from incidents in accordance with POR Chapter 7. 

2a.8.2.4 Responsibility of the Leader in Charge
The Leader in charge is responsible for ensuring that these requirements are met for every activity being undertaken, working closely with the team leading the activity or event.  

2a.8.2.5 Trustee responsibilities 
Trustee Boards and Trustees:

  1. must be satisfied, through appropriate assurance and monitoring activities, that this policy is being used effectively 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. are responsible for making sure that these requirements are met for all Scout premises or locations operated by them and therefore deemed to be the Managing Controller of the premises.