Lesson 5: Know where to access safety resources, activity rules and guidance for the safe management of activities

We don’t expect everyone to be an expert on everything, so we have lots of reference information for you to use – as and when you need it. For example: 

• The Purple Card tells you what to do in an emergency and should be kept with you. You can read the Purple Card online or order a free copy of the Purple Card from Scouts Store.
• For guidance on bringing safety into your programme, running safe activities and events, and links to the risk assessment template and online Incident Report form, visit www.scouts.org.uk/safety.
• We have a responsibility to keep Scouts safe for all members. Potential or perceived risk should never be used as a reason to treat anyone differently. There’s lots of information and support available to help you understand the needs of our members and support their involvement in Scouts.
• Activities are an integral part of Scouts and are what makes it so exciting for the young people involved. All activities must be carried out in line with the Safety Policy and follow the relevant general and specific activity rules set out in Chapter 9 of POR. The A-Z of activities is designed to link you to all the information you need to run any particular activity.
• If you’re using programme activities from the online programme planning tool, we’ve included some handy safety alerts to help inform your planning and risk assessments. 

If you’re unsure about anything, speak to your line manager or District Commissioner for advice and support. If you don’t know who this is, contact the Support Centre.