The readiness levels across UK Scouts

The framework for face to face Scouting should be applied to whatever the readiness level is in your nation or jurisdiction. Check the readiness levels below.

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Last updated: 12th April 2021

Protecting ourselves and others

Guidance on how to protect everyone involved in the Scouts and support those made more vulnerable by the current situation. This guidance contains the most up to date information relating to social distancing, face coverings and hygiene arrangements, check this regularly to stay current.

Read the guidance

Check your COVID risk assessment

Don't forget that ahead of restarting face-to-face activities you should review your COVID safe risk assessment and make sure it's current. If nothing significant has changed or only changes to your numbers then this does not need to be re-approved ahead of you restarting.

England

Readiness level: AMBER

This means: Section meetings can take place outdoors and indoors. No residential activities.

Maximum group size:

Activities involving young people: no limit on group size but remain as only one section meeting independently of others. Indoor activities will be limited by the size of the location given social distancing remains.
Scout Network programmed activities (non social): 15 people maximum.
Adult activities (non-social) with no young people present: check local government guidance

Note: Where small sections may struggle to be viable to operate independently they may join with another section at this time.

Note: The number of adults present should be limited to those who are required to be present to support the activity. It’s important to remember that we’re still in the middle of the pandemic and we all have the duty to make sure we’re following the letter and spirit of the guidance.

Note: Activities (including those away from your usual meeting place) should be planned to minimise risk by limiting travel at all times. Check the guidance on planning activities in terrain zero. Trips should only take place where the outcomes can not be achieved locally and must be in a COVID safe manner.

Scotland

Readiness level: AMBER

This means: Limited group sessions can take place outdoors only. No visits/ trips or residential activities.

Maximum group size:

Activities involving young people: 15 people maximum.
Scout Network programmed activities (non social): 15 people maximum.
Adult activities (non-social) with no young people present: check local government guidance

Further information on what this means in the Scouts here.

Note: Physical outdoor activities are permitted but must be within the home Local Authority. No trips/visits or residentials are permitted.

Wales

Readiness level: AMBER

This means: Limited group sessions can take place outdoors only in a single location. No visits/trips/hikes or residential activities.

Maximum group size:

Activities involving young people: no limit on group size but remain as only one section meeting independently of others.
Scout Network programmed activities (non social): check local government guidance for adult social gathering
Adult activities (non-social) with no young people present: check local government guidance

Note: Activities should be in a single location and no trips/visits or residentials are permitted. This includes hike based activities and those which move a group around a number of locations in one session.

Northern Ireland

Readiness level: YELLOW

This means: Limited group sessions can take place indoors and outdoors. No residential activities, day trips, visits or hikes.

Maximum group size:

Activities involving young people: 15 young people plus leaders.
Scout Network programmed activities (non social): 15 young people
Adult activities (non-social) with no young people present (including meetings and training): maximum of 6 people

Note: Activities should be in your immediate locality and no day trips/visits or residentials are permitted. This includes hike based activities but local walks are permitted so long as limited to the immediate locality of the group.

Note: Activities should be planned around the normal section meeting place, limiting travel, duration and mixing. Equipment must not be shared between members and no food and drink as part of the programme, members may bring a drink for their own consumption.

Further information on what this means can be found here.

Isle of Man

Readiness level: RED

(Estimate 21 days as per government advice)

This means: No face to face Scouts activities may take place until further notice.

Guernsey

Readiness level: GREEN

This means: All activities can resume for members who live within the Bailiwick of Guernsey. No travel outside the Bailiwick for any Scouting purpose. No Travel to the Bailiwick for any Scouting purpose.

Maximum group size:

Activities involving young people: no group size restriction
Scout Network programmed activities (non social): check local government guidance
Adult activities (non-social) with no young people present: check local government guidance

Jersey

Readiness level: YELLOW

This means: Limited group sessions can take place indoors and outdoors. No residential activities

Maximum group size:

Activities involving young people: 10 young people plus leaders.
Scout Network programmed activities: check local government guidance
Adult activities (non-social) with no young people present: check local government guidance

British Scouting Overseas (BSO)

Readiness level: VARIES

This means: See the British Scouting Overseas website for Reopening Status of Groups.

Maximum group size: Varies

Gibraltar

Readiness level: YELLOW

This means: All activities can resume for members who live in Gibraltar. No travel outside Gibraltar for any Scouting purpose. No Travel to Gibraltar for any Scouting purpose. No residential activities.

Maximum group size:

Activities involving young people: no group size restriction
Scout Network programmed activities (non social): check local government guidance
Adult activities (non-social) with no young people present: check local government guidance