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Use of External Centres and Instructors

This section of POR outlines the conditions under which external centres and instructors and externally organised events may be engaged to deliver activities for members of The Scout Association, including requirements for accreditation, insurance, and adherence to safety standards.  

9a.6.1.1 Overriding requirement
The Leader in charge must immediately stop any activity that is not safe.

9a.6.1.2 Scope 
External centres and instructors may be used to deliver activities, provided they comply with the rules outlined below. This also incorporates externally organised events.

For externally organised events, an adequate event management plan must be in place, alongside risk assessments, medical cover and first aid cover.  

9a.6.1.3 Accreditations or qualifications 
When external providers are used for the delivery of activities for members of The Scout Association, the external provider must, where appropriate, hold a relevant accreditation or qualification for the activity they are delivering. Examples include: 

  1. Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) Licence 
  2. Adventuremark Accredited Provider 
  3. Recognition by a Government Agency 
  4. National Governing Body qualifications 

An external provider must have adequate insurance cover. See POR 9a.6.1.5.

Where leaders are responsible for young people before or after the externally led activity (e.g. during pick-up or any organised travel), Leaders must ensure that a risk assessment and appropriate First Aid cover is in place. This must include, as a minimum, an adult holding a valid First Response qualification.

As the standards and criteria for the delivery of activities abroad are very varied, it is not possible to provide specific guidance for each country and activity. Leaders therefore need to check the suitability of providers themselves and this rule supports that process with additional guidance.  

9a.6.1.4 Activities abroad
When using external providers abroad, the guidance for activities abroad must be followed. 

9a.6.1.5 Public liability insurance 
External activity providers must provide evidence of holding a public liability insurance policy which covers their activities to a minimum level of five million pounds.

9a.6.1.6 Compliance with Activity Rules 
When using external activity providers, if they meet the requirements in POR 9a.6 and have their own Standard Operating Procedures for the running of activities then members are not expected to ask them to follow Scouts activity rules.  

As mandated in POR 9a.6.1.1, the Leader in Charge must immediately stop any activity that is not safe.