Policy, Organisation and Rules

7.1.1.1
For all Scouting activities each party must implement an ‘InTouch’ system.

7.1.1.2
Details of what this needs to include are contained in InTouch (FS120075).

7.2.1.1
All accidents to individuals or involving damage to property must be reported. (See Rule 7.4).

7.2.1.2
In the case of an accident to an individual, a member of the party or their designate must:

1. alert the appropriate rescue services, if required
2. advise the home Scout authority
3. advise the next of kin.

If the Lead Volunteer is not contactable, an alternative must be in place, or the accident must be escalated to the next level Lead Volunteer.

7.2.1.3
In the case of a serious accident, incident or loss of life by whatever cause call 0345 300 1818 immediately and follow the critical incident directions, to advise UK Headquarters. This support is available 24 hours a day.

Contacting UK Headquarters ensures that the appropriate incident and media support is available. UK Headquarters must be informed at the earliest opportunity.

7.2.1.4
In Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales the relevant Country Headquarters must also be notified. This support will be provided through the critical incident process once UK Headquarters are notified.

7.2.1.5
Communications with the news media must not be initiated by members of the party or others involved.

All communication with the news media must be referred to UK Headquarters or the home Lead Volunteer.

The news media may arrive at the incident or contact those involved before any communication with UK Headquarters has been established. Take care if the news media contact you. You must seek support in these situations by calling UK Headquarters before talking to the media.

The Duty Media Officer at UK Headquarters will offer advice and assistance in dealing with the news media when emergencies and accidents to individuals occur.

7.2.1.6
In the case of an accident abroad, involving a stay in hospital or loss of life, a member of the party must advise appropriate agencies required by their travel insurers.

7.2.1.7
The Lead Volunteer responsible for the party must ensure that:

1. clear communication links are maintained with a responsible person in the area of the accident, the next of kin and UK Headquarters
2. appropriate arrangements are made for the return of the party, as necessary
3. in cases of serious injury, every assistance is available to ensure the next of kin may visit the casualty.

7.2.1.8
UK Headquarters, when notified, will contact the Lead Volunteer of the area in which the incident occurred.

7.2.1.9
The home Lead Volunteer, in conjunction with the Leader in Charge of the party or other responsible person, must produce, if required by UK Headquarters, a full confidential report relating to authorisation, training, equipment, briefing and leadership of the party involved, together with their observations relating to the sequence of events and possible causes of the accident.

7.2.1.10
This report must be submitted to the home County (^[NI] Country) Lead Volunteer who must forward it to UK Headquarters accompanied by their own observations relating to the circumstances. The report should include details of County (^[NI] Country) support for education and learning in respect of such activities and, as appropriate, any recommendations they intend to implement in the light of experience gained.

7.2.1.11
In the case of a fatal incident, or an incident that UK Headquarters considers could have resulted in a fatality, the Company Secretary of The Scout Association will establish a learning review on behalf of the Board of Trustees.

7.2.1.12
The appropriate Government Agency must be notified when accidents occur during air activities or during water activities in coastal or deep-sea waters.

7.3.1.1
For safety reasons only, the District or County Lead Volunteer (or their nominee) of the area where the activity takes place has an overriding authority (in consultation with the home Lead Volunteer) to direct that any activity should be postponed, stopped or cancelled.

7.4.1.1
There are reporting requirements. This includes the online incident reporting form which must be used to inform UK Headquarters if any person, in the course of, or arising out of, a Scout activity or while on, or in conjunction with, any Scout property, whether a member or not:

1. suffers personal injury or illness where that injury or illness necessitates medical treatment by a doctor, dentist, nurse, paramedic or at a hospital. Minor injuries or illnesses not requiring such treatment must be recorded locally, with UK Headquarters being informed if they subsequently receive medical attention
2. requires rescuing where rescue involves any Emergency Service: Police, Fire, Ambulance, Mountain Rescue or Coastguard
3. dies.

7.4.1.2
If an accident during a Scout activity results in third party damage, UK Headquarters must be informed at the earliest suitable opportunity.

On receipt of this information, UK Headquarters will issue the necessary instructions and an incident report form.

7.4.1.3
In the event of any injury or fatality, or damage to third party property, no admission of liability must be made unless advised by UK Headquarters. (See 7.2 for actions required in the event of an emergency.)