Frequently Asked Questions

The key points can be found in the what the law says section. For more details, including specific legal differences in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, please refer to the relevant country’s headquarters or factsheets available from Brook.

No, but you should ensure that information is available to young people in your Section if it is requested.

It is important to respect everyone’s religion and cultural beliefs, but all young people are entitled to appropriate advice and information. Please refer to the Religious and Cultural Issues section.

All schools must provide sex and relationships education and make their policy available to parents. However, many young people will want to talk to someone who is not their teacher or parent. Sometimes an adult in Scouting will be the easiest person to approach.

All schools must provide sex and relationships education and make their policy available to parents. However, many young people will want to talk to someone who is not their teacher or parent. Sometimes an adult in Scouting will be the easiest person to approach.

If a young person tells you that they are already sexually active or are likely to become so, they can be provided with information about contraception and good sexual health.

The Scout Association’s guidelines follow best practice laid out by expert organisations. Any enquiries by the press should be referred to the Media Team at Gilwell Park on 0845 300 1818.

Leaders should adopt these guidelines immediately.

Yes. Even if your Section is single sex young people may still want access to information or advice.

No, but it may mean you need to do some preparation in the UK before your visit - having regard for the laws and culture of the country being visited and also considering the guidelines of The Scout Association.

No. It is only acceptable to have condoms / female condoms available to young people in line with the Fraser guidelines.

There are many organisations that provide more information that adults may find useful. These include your local statutory agencies and other organisations such as Brook. They all have websites with factsheets and other useful information, for a list of agencies please visit the Sexual health directory.

Adults, particularly those working with young people of Explorer Scout age, should be prepared to give information to young people who seek it. If you are uncomfortable about discussing these issues, refer the young person to another adult or to your local sexual health services. You might like to have information or leaflets to hand should a young person ask.

The Safeguarding Policy requires that Scouting protects young people from physical, sexual, emotional harm and neglect. This guidance is consistent with our role in ensuring that young people can make informed decisions about their own well-being. You should follow the guidance on the Young People First Code of Practice (Yellow Card) at all times.

As the Leader of a Section their well-being is your responsibility during the time they spend with your Section. If you have Young Leaders working in your Section you should read the advice for the Explorer Scout Section. Additional support and advice may be available from the District Explorer Scout Leader (Young Leaders).

The My Body, My Choice resource pack provides quality programme ideas to assist adults in addressing sexual health matters. There is also programme support available from other organisations via the Sexual health directory.

While there are different sensitivities within a sponsored Group, young people should still have access to advice and information. Please refer to the religious and cultural issues section.

The guidelines in this factsheet should be followed when undertaking events with other organisations, including Girlguiding.

No. Contraception can only be accessible to young people in accordance with the Fraser Guidelines.

Whatever you discover/uncover – you must follow the guidelines set out in the Young People First Code of Practice (Yellow Card).

You do not need to keep records unless it falls within the Young People First Code of Practice (Yellow Card).

No. Contraception can only be accessible to young people in accordance with the Fraser guidelines.

No. Adults must avoid unacceptable situations within a relationship of trust e.g. a sexual relationship with a youth member over the age of consent. Any relationship between a youth member (even if they are over 16) and an adult in Scouting is unacceptable and must be reported in accordance with the guidance on the Young People First Code of Practice (Yellow Card).