Safeguarding at large scale UK based Scout events

To ensure the event is run in line with our Safeguarding Policy, all safeguarding concerns must be reported directly to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team as soon as possible (always within 24 hours), following the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card) in line with Policy, Organisation and Rules chapter 2.

At large UK based events, concerns should also be reported to the Event Lead or designated event Safeguarding or Welfare Lead. The UK HQ Safeguarding Team will then liaise with the Event Lead, Safeguarding/Welfare Lead or relevant Lead Volunteer about the concern.

If the event is jointly led with Girlguiding, volunteers must also ensure they follow Girlguiding’s reporting procedures.

Explorer Scouts as staff

Explorer Scouts can make a great contribution to an event as staff, but it's essential to remember that they're still young people under the age of 18 and the Safeguarding Code of Conduct (Yellow Card) must be followed.

If Explorer Scouts are volunteering, then it's useful to establish a staff sub-camp to give the necessary privacy to staff and young people and ensure that the Yellow Card is followed.  If Explorer Scout participants are at the event, it's important to remind Explorer Scouts staff of the expectations for their conduct as staff.  It's a good idea to distinguish between Explorer Scout volunteers and adults by the wearing of a different scarf or wristband.

Vetting

In accordance with Policy, Organisation and Rules chapter 16, adult volunteers must have a criminal record check and internal check to work with young people at an event. Without fulfilling the vetting process, an adult can only volunteer when supervised (being within hearing and sight distance) by a volunteer with a valid criminal record check. They will not be able to stay overnight until the vetting process is completed. For those volunteering on an irregular basis or very occasionally, they can only ever volunteer when supervised and cannot volunteer to stay at an overnight event. 

International volunteers are not able to complete our usual vetting process due to the fact that they do not live in the UK. Read more about safeguarding arrangements for international volunteers visiting the UK.