Skip to main content

Incident Reporting

7.4.1.1 Reporting to UK Headquarters
In the event of an incident, volunteers must follow the reporting requirements set by The Scout Association. This includes:

  1. always completing the local reporting process (see POR 7.4.1.2)
  2. for near misses and reportable incidents, the UK Headquarters online incident reporting form must be submitted.
    This form must be used to inform UK Headquarters whenever any person, whether a member or not and whether in the UK or another country, is involved in an incident arising from, or connected to, a Scout activity or Scout property.
    Upon submitting the online form, UK Headquarters will follow up with appropriate guidance and support. If additional information is required, a Safety Officer will contact the reporter, which may also include a request for a local learning review to be conducted.
  3. Incidents requiring prompt contact with UK Headquarters:
    You must call UK Headquarters if you experience an incident in which one or more of the following apply:
    1. a fatality as a consequence of a scouting activity
    2. a hospital stay likely to be 3 or more days
    3. multiple casualties from a reportable incident with overnight hospitalisation
    4. the collapse of a significant structure, whether injury was suffered or not

Important: If a call has been made to UK Headquarters, the online incident reporting form must still be completed.

Note: Minor injuries or illnesses that do not require such medical treatment must still be recorded locally. If medical attention is later sought, the incident must then be reported to UK Headquarters retrospectively.

7.4.1.2 Local reporting processes
All Groups, Explorer Units, Districts  and Counties must have an appropriate local process in place, to ensure that incidents are:

  1. promptly reported to the relevant Lead Volunteer (e.g. Group Lead Volunteer or District Lead Volunteer or County Lead Volunteer)
  2. accurately recorded and retained the incident details in local records.

For more information and detailed guidance on local reporting processes and practices, please visit the local reporting webpage.

These local records may help support safety learning reviews and may be requested by UK Headquarters or the relevant County ([NI] Country) Lead Volunteer following an incident.

7.4.1.3 Admission of liability
In the event of any injury, fatality, or third-party property damage, no admission of liability must be made by any member of the party or Lead Volunteer unless explicitly advised by UK Headquarters.

See POR 7.3 for the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency or critical incident.