4. People involved in creating an Individual Support Plan – definition of role

As noted above the Designated Carer is a person who, outside Scouts, provides the care for the individual person. This will most commonly be the young person’s parent, foster carer, legal guardian or a care professional; if this is the case they do not need to have another adult present while administering the care.

The Scouts National Vetting Process and an understanding of the Scouts Safeguarding policy and all other aspects of the code of conduct (Yellow Card) will apply. Any professional carer will be subject to the appointments process as outlined in POR to ensure their suitability for the role. This will need to be verified by the County / Area / Regional Commissioner or their nominated representative following the creation of the Individual Support Plan. The Designated Carer should also be named and agreed by all parties, particularly by the young person receiving care.

The role of Designated Carer is unique as the purpose of the role is part of a range of reasonable adjustments that would be considered by The Scouts in order to either:

1. Provide care and support for a young person who has an illness, disability or an additional need so they can participate in scouting activities on the same basis as any other young person; or
2. Provide care and support for an adult with an illness, disability or an additional need and who, with reasonable adjustments, would have the mental and physical capability to fulfil their role and responsibilities safely and productively.

This is different to the Nominated Person who will facilitate intimate or personal care for young people only.

As noted above the Nominated Person is a volunteer who, due to their professional training or experience outside Scouts has received appropriate training to complete intimate and personal care. This will need to be verified by the County / Area / Regional Commissioner or their nominated representative following the creation of the Individual Support Plan. The Nominated Person should also be named and agreed by all parties, particularly by the young person receiving care.

As with any volunteer in the movement The Scouts National Vetting Process, an understanding of The Scouts Safeguarding Policy and the code of conduct (Yellow Card) apply to the Nominated Person. In addition to the Nominated Person a second adult volunteer must also be present during the provision of all intimate or personal care.

As noted above the Nominated Person will facilitate intimate or personal care for young people only.

It is essential the young person is actively involved in the planning and provision of their care. Wherever possible young people should be offered the choice of the Nominated Person or Designated Carer. Where there is any doubt that a young person is able to make an informed choice on these issues, the young person’s parents or carers are usually best placed to act as advocates.  It is important never to assume that a young person alone cannot make a choice.   

We recognise that the parents and carers of our young people are the experts in the provision of their care. Alongside the involvement of the young person, the parents and carers should be active participants in the creation of the Individual Support Plan. They will have developed effective strategies to support the young person on a daily basis and will offer invaluable guidance. In many circumstances, the parents/carers will step into the role of Designated Carer.

These managers should be aware of that an Individual Support Plan is in place to enable them to enact their roles and support those involved. For Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts this will be the Group Scout Leader; this ensures continuity of support as a young person moves between sections. For Explorers and Network the relevant Commissioner should be made aware.

This policy repeatedly refers to the need for a County / Area / Regional Commissioner confirm their agreement with an Individual Support Plan. The County / Area / Regional Commissioner is able to designate a volunteer to act as their representative; this volunteer must have a full and complete understanding of the issues reflected within this policy and should have professional or voluntary experience working with young people with additional needs. It is anticipated this will typically be the Assistant County / Area / Regional Commissioner (Inclusion), the Assistant District Commissioner (Inclusion) or similar role holder who frequently delivers training and support in this area.

Depending on the age and the complexity of needs of the individual the process may also include their parent/carer as well as advice from relevant professionals such as their GP, Paediatrician, Occupational Therapist, Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Social Worker, Psychologist or appropriate external organisations. Parents or Carers should be offered this opportunity during the assessment process. It is recognised that the demands on the time of these professionals is often a constraint to arranging such a meeting, therefore provision should be made to coordinate with other appointments where this input is needed.

A young carer is a young person (under the age of 18 years) who assumes informal caring responsibilities at home or on scouting activities. These can vary significantly from administrating medicine to less formal personal care.

Whilst we recognise the amazing role these young people undertake, we believe that whilst in Scouts we want young people to have the freedom to fully participate in scouting activities. The Scouts will allow a young person to act as carer in a Scouting environment only when no adult alternative can be found and their Parent/Carer are in agreement with this arrangement. It is also important that we have gained the young person’s agreement. To act as a young carer in these circumstances the young person must be between the ages of 16-17 years and the care they are giving is only to their parent or sibling. It is also a requirement that the young carer must be a member of The Scouts. It is also essential that due regard is given to ensure that any young carer participates in a quality programme and a range of opportunities afforded to them. Consultation with Children’s Social Care or signposting to appropriate support services may be made where appropriate or requested.