Policy, Organisation and Rules

4b.1.1.1 Membership and purpose 
Each section has a Section Team, comprising a Section Team Leader and Section Team Members.  There may also be Young Leader(s) working with the Section Team.   

The Section Team Leader role may be held jointly by more than one volunteer. 

It is strongly encouraged that each Section Team is comprised of more than one gender. 

The Section Team is responsible for planning and delivering the section’s programme and for the management of the section.  

4b.1.1.2 Young Leaders
Young Leaders may work with the Squirrel, Beaver, Cub and Scout sections. They are also members of the Section Team. They are full Section Team members in all respects but remain the responsibility of the Section Team Leader and must adhere to POR 4b.2.

Responsibility for allocating Young Leaders to sections rests with the District 14-24 Team and responsibility for the training of Young Leaders also rests with the District 14-24 Team.

4b.1.1.3 Helpers
Additional persons aged over 18, including parents and subject experts from the community, may be used by the Section Team on a regular or occasional basis to help with delivery of the section’s programme. These helpers are not members of the Section Team. These helpers must conform to the helper requirements detailed in POR 16.1.4.  

4b.1.1.4 Effective links 
It is the responsibility of Section Teams to actively maintain effective links with other local Section Team Leaders and the Scout Network. This can be supported by the District Programme Team. 

4b.1.1.5 No sub-teams 
Section Teams must operate as a single entity and must not have sub-teams. 

4b.1.1.6 Full appointment required
As a minimum, at least one adult member of a Section Team with a full appointment must be present.  

If no adult member of a Section Team with a full appointment can attend a section activity, POR 9a.1.2.2 must be followed.

4b.1.1.7 Risk assessments
For all Scouts activities, a risk assessment must be carried out (POR 9a.1.1.2(g)).  

This risk assessment must not override:  

1. the minimum requirements required by the activity rules in POR Chapters 9a and 9b
2. the minimum ratios shown in POR 9a.1.2. 

4b.1.1.8 Data protection 
Members of each Section Team must individually and collectively meet the Data Protection requirements outlined in POR 2a.3, including compliance with their Scout unit’s data protection and data retention policies.

4b.2.1.1 Who may be Young Leaders? 
Explorers may become Young Leaders in the Squirrel, Beaver, Cub and Scout sections.  

4b.2.1.2 District Young Leaders’ Unit
All Young Leaders are members of a District Young Leaders’ Unit, whether or not they are also members of another Explorer Unit.   

The purpose of the Young Leader Unit is to ensure that: 

1. all Young Leaders receive the training in the Young Leaders’ Scheme 
2. every Young Leader has access to a programme pathway that leads them to the top awards within the Explorer section 

4b.2.1.3 Training for Young Leaders 
Young Leaders should undertake appropriate training as described in the Young Leaders' Scheme. Young Leaders must complete Module A within their first three months.

4b.2.1.4 Supervised access 

1. Any young person under the age of 18 years working with a Squirrel, Beaver, Cub or Scout section must only ever have supervised access to young people. 
2. Additionally, in Scotland, young leaders or young helpers aged 16 or 17 must also have been cleared to volunteer in a section by the UK Headquarters Safeguarding Team (this will be confirmed on the membership system record).

4b.2.1.5 Non-members undertaking Guiding or Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards 

1. POR 4b.2.1.4 applies to non-members.
2. The following non-members  may work with the Squirrel, Beaver, Cub or Scout sections, with the agreement of the Section Team, for a fixed period of time (as required for their level of award):  
   1. Members of Girlguiding aged 13½ -18 undertaking a Girlguiding award with a volunteering component  
   2. Young people aged 13½ -18 undertaking the Volunteering Section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.  
3. Young people must not volunteer with any section until they are 13½ years of age.  
4. Non-members aged under 18 working with Squirrel, Beaver, Cub or Scout sections must also complete training similar to Young Leaders, this is outlined on scouts.org.uk and in the Young Leaders' Scheme.  
5. Members of Girlguiding and other young people undertaking the Volunteering section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award are not members of Scouts. They may be offered the opportunity to join Scouts in order to have access to the wider Explorer Scout provision. 

4b.3.1.1 Right to wear uniform
Members may wear the approved uniform, including distinguishing badges and scarves, as described in POR Chapter 10. 

4b.4.1.1 Composition 
An integrated section may consist of one or more of:

1. Squirrels
2. Beavers
3. Cubs
4. Scouts
5. Explorers

The integrated section works together as one section.

4b.4.1.2 Operational requirements 

1. An integrated section that includes any Squirrels, Beavers or Cubs should not meet for more than two hours.  
2. The District Lead Volunteer must give approval before the establishment of an integrated section. The District Programme Team should be consulted as part of this process. 
3. Members of integrated sections must: 
   1. take part in a balanced programme 
   2. make the Promise 
   3. wear the uniform appropriate to their sectional age group.  

4b.4.1.3 Further guidance 
The operation of integrated sections must follow the integrated section guidelines. 

4b.5.1.1 Inclusive membership 

1. Young people must be treated as individuals. They must be regarded equally as members of Scouts, whatever their abilities or disabilities.  
2. Some young people have additional needs and require extra resources in terms of appropriate programme and equipment to enable them to develop their full potential.  

4b.5.1.2 Reasonable adjustments
Sections must make reasonable adjustments to support the full participation of young people with additional needs, disabilities or life-limiting conditions.  

Reasonable adjustments should be implemented to respond to the needs of the individual and aim to remove any barriers or support access, by adapting:  

1. the physical environment: physical features such as the meeting place and its accessibility 
2. programme delivery: the way things are done, including age ranges, the programme, routines 
3. Support mechanisms: such as equipment, adapting communication, level of support. 

What is reasonable for the Group is dependent upon the effectiveness of the adjustment, whether it can actually be done, the cost and the Group’s available resources. These principles should also apply for Explorer and Scout Network members. 

Making reasonable adjustments is an on-going duty and should be regularly reviewed.  

4b.5.1.3 Support and guidance 

1. Section Teams and Groups may request guidance from a network of volunteers supporting inclusion within Districts, Counties, Countries and from UK Headquarters.  
2. Information and guidance is available to support young people with additional needs and neurodiversity and about additional needs.
3. There is also information to obtain funding to support additional needs. 
4. Information about reasonable adjustments to uniform is included in POR 10.5 and 10.6.

4b.6.1.1 Membership 
A Joint Unit may consist of Rainbow Guides and Squirrels and Beavers; or Brownie Guides and Cubs; or Guides and Scouts who work together in one Unit.   

As a Joint Unit, operational management may be shared.  

Formal Joint Units are not permitted between Explorer Units or Scout Networks and sections of Girlguiding, though joint activities are encouraged.  

4b.6.1.2 Age groups 
A joint Unit is open to members of The Scout Association and of Girlguiding. The age group for a Joint Unit should be in accordance with Scouts’ POR and Girlguiding rules, although relevant Lead Volunteers and Girlguiding equivalents may authorise some flexibility to assist in local circumstances. 

4b.6.1.3 Uniform 
Members wear the relevant Scout Association or Girlguiding uniform as appropriate. Scouts uniform is described in POR Chapter 10. 

4b.6.1.4 Rules 
All other requirements and rules of each Federation member apply.

4b.6.1.5 Premises 
See POR 5a.3.8 regarding joint occupation of premises by Scout and Guide units.

4b.7.1.1 Programme at the core 
All youth members should be offered a safe, high quality, balanced programme, run in accordance with The Scout Association’s programme (see also POR 4a.1.3).

4b.7.1.2 Section Team 
Other than Scout Network, the operation of each section must be overseen by a Section Team.

A Section Team comprises all Section Team Leaders, Section Team Members, and Young Leaders working with the section.

Section Teams are responsible for planning and delivering the detailed programme of their section. To assist with that programme delivery, the Section Team may call upon the assistance of helpers.

4b.7.1.3 Programme content and safety 
Section Teams must take account of:

1. the youth programme
2. badges and awards
3. the section's method
4. the additional needs of the section's individual members.
   See also POR 4b.5, and the further information that is available about additional needs.

Section Teams must pay attention to the requirements of safety and to the rules in POR Chapters 9a and 9b governing activities. This includes having enough adults present to ensure activities are run safely and, at a minimum, comply with the minimum ratios specified in POR 9a.1.2.

Progressive responsibility for involvement of young people in planning and decision-making is an important element of the programme.

Section Teams must ensure the effective operation of the Drey, Colony, Pack, Troop and Unit Forum. 

4b.7.1.4 Scout Network
A District 14-24 Team Leader is responsible for programme and projects undertaken by the District Scout Network.  

Scout Network members should play a leading role in organising projects to facilitate participation in the programme and, where possible, take responsibility for supporting projects.  

4b.8.1.1 Section ages 
The age ranges for each section are:

4b.8.1.2 Transition at age 18
A young person who has reached their 18th birthday must not remain in a youth section other than the Scout Network. 

A young person who turns 18 during a residential activity lasting no more than one month must continue to be treated as under 18 and be subject to all rules applicable to young persons who have not yet reached their 18th birthday, for the duration of that activity only. 

4b.8.1.3 Reasonable adjustments 
Variations to the age ranges shown in POR 4b.8.1.1 are possible as part of reasonable adjustments (see POR 4b.5.1.2) but the age boundaries of 4th, 18th and 25th Birthdays must not be adjusted.

4b.9.1.1 Recommended sizes 
The recommended section sizes are:

1. Squirrel Dreys and Beaver Colonies: 24 young people 
2. Cub Packs: 36 young people
3. Scout Troops, Explorer Units, Scout Network: no recommended size

4b.9.1.2 Flexibility and considerations
Exceeding the recommended size for a Drey, Colony or Pack is permitted with the agreement of the Group Lead Volunteer. 

When deciding on the section size, the Section Team must consider: 

• the leadership available 
• the needs of the young people 
• the capacity of the meeting venue 
• whether it might be more effective to run two or more sections rather than one large section 

4b.10.1.1 Ensuring a safe environment for all activities
For all activities, the Leader in Charge must assess the risks and ensure that sufficient adults aged 18 or over will be present to ensure a safe operating environment for the activity.

For the detailed rules in respect of the Leader in Charge, refer to POR 9a.1.1.2. 

4b.10.1.2 Ratios and Minimum Adult Numbers
For the detailed rules in respect of the minimum ratios required for meetings, events and nights away activities, refer to POR 9a.1.2.

The primary requirement is that enough adults are present to ensure a safe environment, as outlined in POR 9a.1.1.3. Where the number of adults required to ensure safety is equal to or greater than the minimum numbers specified in POR 9a.1.2.1, that requirement must be met.  Where the risk assessment indicates that fewer adults would be sufficient, the minimum adult numbers specified in POR 9a.1.2.1 must be met and followed. 

4b.11.1.1 Minimum standards for Squirrel, Beaver, Cub, Scout, and Explorer sections
Each section must meet the following minimum standards:  

1. Management: operation must be overseen by a Section Team  
2. Adult Leadership: 
   • Squirrel Dreys: a minimum of three adults in the Section Team 
   • all other sections: a minimum of two adults in the Section Team 
3. Programme delivery: a safe, high quality and balanced programme must be delivered 
4. Youth participation: members must be given opportunities to take part in the decision-making process. Any forum or committee should have young persons and adults working together 
5. Nights Away opportunities:  
   
   • Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers: the opportunity for every young person to attend at least one nights away activity every year 
   • Squirrels: may attend a nights away event, but nights away for Squirrels is not part of the minimum standard for Squirrels. 

4b.11.1.2 Minimum standards for Scout Network sections
Each Scout Network section must meet the following minimum standards:  

1. Leadership: every District with a Scout Network must appoint a District 14-24 Team Leader in line with POR Chapter 16 
2. Nights Away: every Scout Network member must have the opportunity to attend a camp every year 

4b.11.1.3 District support
The District Programme Team is responsible for supporting all sections to meet the minimum standards outlined above.  

4b.11.1.4 Failure to meet minimum standards
If a section fails to reach the minimum standard for two consecutive years, the District Lead Volunteer should consider closing it.   

A section which fails to reach the minimum standard for three consecutive years must be closed by the District Lead Volunteer, following consultation with: 

1. the Group Trustee Board (for Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts) 
2. the District Trustee Board (for Explorers, Scout Network). 

4b.12.1.1 Sectional Top Awards
There are Top Awards for each section, with criteria specified by
UK Headquarters.

The Sectional requirements for awards and badges are linked here:

1. Squirrels
2. Beaver
3. Cubs
4. Scouts
5. Explorers
6. Scout Network

4b.12.2 The King's Scout Award

4b.12.2.1 About the Award
The King’s Scout Award is the highest Top Award available. It is available for Explorers once they have reached their 16th birthday and for Scout Network members. 

Follow this link to the Award details. 

4b.12.2.2 Notification and presentation
Except in Scotland, on completion of the Award, UK Headquarters must be notified, and the badge and certificate will then be sent to the relevant King’s Scout Award Parcel Recipient to arrange presentation or, if none appointed, to the relevant Lead Volunteer. 

In Scotland, the completed application should be sent to Scouts Scotland who will notify UK Headquarters and send the badge and certificate to the relevant King’s Scout Award Parcel Recipient or District Lead Volunteer. 

4b.12.3 The Explorer Belt

4b.12.3.1 About the Award
The Explorer Belt is designed to enable Explorers, Scout Network members and members of Ranger Guides aged 16 or over, working as a team, to plan, train for and undertake their own expedition abroad. 

Participants aged 16 or 17 years old, they may only participate in an organised expedition supported by an in-country leadership team, rather than being self-led. 

Follow this link to the Award details. 

4b.12.3.2 Registration and presentation
The young person must register with UK Headquarters to begin working on the award and must then be assigned a mentor locally.  

On completion of the award, UK Headquarters must be notified and the badge and certificate will be sent to the relevant Lead Volunteer for presentation. 

4b.12.4 The Scouts of the World Award

4b.12.4.1 About the Award
The Scouts of the World Award aims to encourage Scout Network members with their personal development and development of life skills as well as to support projects within society, locally, nationally and globally. 

Follow this link to the Award details. 

4b.12.4.2 Completion and presentation 
On satisfactory completion of the award, UK Headquarters must be notified, and the badge and certificate will be sent to the relevant District 14-24 Team Leader.

4b.12.4.3 Delivery
The award is delivered by members who have been trained by UK Headquarters as trainers for the award, according to the requirements set out by WOSM. UK Headquarters provides support to those members wishing to become mentors who support Scout Network members through their award journey.

4b.12.5 The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

4b.12.5.1 About the Award
For England and Wales, The Scout Association is a Licenced Organisation for the Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award. 

The Country Headquarters of Northern Ireland and Scotland are each separate Licenced Organisations. England and Wales are managed by UK Headquarters. 

Follow this link to the Award details.

British Scouting Overseas and the Overseas Territories use the Duke Of Edinburgh’s International Award. 

4b.12.5.2 County/Region coordination
In England and Wales, each County should identify a member of the County Programme Team to act as the link to UK Headquarters in respect of The DofE Award.

In Scotland, each Region should identify a member of the Region Programme Team to co-ordinate support for the DofE Award.

This person(s) must:

1. participate in a DofE Verifier Training before being given verifier permissions.
2. participate in a County DofE Adviser Induction within 3 months of appointment (in Scotland this induction is delivered by Scouts Scotland).

Except in Northern Ireland and Scotland, where such a person is not in post, the Programme Team at UK Headquarters can adopt responsibility for the County as an interim measure.

The County Programme Team must coordinate the support for the DofE Award within the County.

4b.12.5.3 Scotland volunteers aged 16 and 17
In Scotland, any young person aged 16 or 17 undertaking a regulated role as part of their DofE Award must have a criminal record check (Scouts PVG disclosure) which has been cleared to volunteer by the UK Headquarters Safeguarding Team before they commence their volunteering. They must be recorded on the membership system as a Young Helper. It is the responsibility of the Region Programme Team to ensure that this is completed.

4b.12.5.4 District support
Except in Scotland, the District Programme Team may appoint one or more of its members to coordinate the local support for the Award.

Such a person must participate in appropriate training for the role within one year of appointment. This training should include attendance at the Foundation and the Delivering the DofE courses.

4b.12.5.5 Assessors and Expedition Assessors

1. The assessors for the various sections of the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards must be in line with the guidelines on the DofE website.  
2. Except in Scotland, all DofE expedition assessors must hold the DofE’s Expedition Assessor accreditation and must have The Scout Association listed as a Licenced Organisation on their DofE training record.  
   In Scotland, all Expedition Assessors must be members of the Region Programme Team (or, normally, one of its sub-teams) and have The Scout Association or Scouts Scotland listed as a Licenced Organisation on their DofE training record. 

4b.12.5.6 Verification of Awards

1. Bronze and Silver Awards may be verified by a person showing as an appointed verifier on their DofE record 
2. Gold Awards in England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, are verified by UK Headquarters 
3. Gold Awards in Northern Ireland are verified by Northern Ireland Scout Headquarters 
4. Gold Awards in Scotland are verified by Scottish Scout Headquarters 

4b.12.5.7 Badges and Certificates
Each award has a cloth badge for wearing with uniform, a lapel badge and a certificate. 

Bronze and Silver Awards are to be presented locally by the District or County Lead Volunteer (^[NI] Country Chief Volunteer) or their nominee. 

Gold Award Badges: 

• Except in Scotland, Gold Award Badges are presented locally by the County Lead Volunteer (^[NI]Country Chief Volunteer) or their nominee. 
• In Scotland, Gold Award Badges are presented locally by the District Lead Volunteer or their nominee. 

Gold Award Certificates and lapel badges are posted directly to participants by the DofE and recipients are invited to a reception arranged in one of the Royal Palaces.

4b.13.1.1 Organisation
Scout Network(s) are part of a District’s 14-24 provision.  

4b.13.1.2 Membership

1. All members aged 18-24 in a District may join their District’s Scout Network in addition to any adult role that they may hold. 
2. Members of the Scout Network do not need to hold any adult role. 
3. All Scout Networks must be open for membership to all except in special situations. Special situations include those where there are specific cultural or religious requirements for a single sex Scout Network (POR 3.1.1.6).

4b.13.1.3 Participation and leadership
The Scout Network should provide opportunities for the members to take part in the decision-making process. Any forum or committee should have Scout Network Members and the District 14-24 Team Member(s) working together.  

4b.13.1.4 Links
Within the District 14-24 Team, the Scout Network should have a link agreement in place with the Explorer Unit(s) within the District.