Support for you, your team and young people

Support for young people, parents and carers 

The UK HQ Safeguarding Team may create a support plan for victims and young people directly impacted, together with their parents and carers, as appropriate.  

Young People, parents and carers might feel upset or not understand the absence of the suspended volunteer. The UK HQ Safeguarding Team will advise you on what’s appropriate to share with them, and what’s the best way to do this. 

Check the Mental Health webpage to find information on how to support young people.

Support for Lead Volunteers  

District and County/Area/Region (Scotland) Lead Volunteers have the support of the UK HQ Safeguarding Team at all stages of the suspension process. You can seek their advice anytime you need. 

You can also contact your Lead Volunteer to ask for support and a lending ear. They might already be aware of the case and be able to advise you. You might not be able to share details of the case, but you can talk about how you’re feeling and ask for support. 

If there’s a Volunteer Safeguarding Lead in your District or County, you can share some of your Safeguarding responsibilities with them. They have safeguarding experience and knowledge that can help you. You can consider having them as the Situation Manager for the case. 

You can talk about your experience of managing the suspension with other people, however sharing details should be limited to respect the suspended volunteer’s right to privacy. Please contact the UK HQ Safeguarding Team to get advice on what you can share. 

If you’d like additional support with your mental health and wellbeing, contact your GP or get support from Mind.  

Register to the Safeguarding learning for Lead Volunteers if you’d like to learn more about managing safeguarding concerns. At this online session you’ll get guidance directly from senior volunteer and the UKHQ Safeguarding Team.

Support for the suspended volunteer  

You must offer a liaison person to the suspended volunteer. The liaison person provides a listening ear, so the volunteer doesn’t feel completely disconnected from Scouts during the suspension. You’ll find more information about the liaison person on Supporting a person under suspension.

Support for Team Members 

Safeguarding cases can have a big impact on the volunteer team. Even though you can’t share much information on what’s happening, you can offer them an opportunity talk about how they’re feeling and suggest they reach out to their Team Leader or Lead Volunteer. 

You could signpost to Mind if people need more support with how they’re feeling and their mental health.   

Check the Tips for managing the impact of the suspension for more information.

Page last reviewed: November 2025