We have a clear code of behaviour called ‘Young people first’ also known as the yellow card. You should have a copy but if you don’t please ask your volunteer line manager. This applies to all adults working in Scouting, regardless of their role. It is also included in the training that you will receive and provides guidelines about how young people should be treated. We expect everyone to follow it.
The Law and Scouting – A duty of care
Under the terms of the Children Act 1989, Leaders have a duty of care towards the young people in their custody. This means that adults should adopt a common sense approach when dealing with injuries and illnesses. If you act reasonably when dealing with a problem, it is unlikely that you can be accused of unreasonable action after the event.
Safeguarding – How to prevent incidents
he Child protection policy
The Scout Association acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and is committed to ensuring that safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practice and The Charity Commission requirements. This policy is in process of being updated and the revised version will be published in September 2020.
This policy:
- applies to all adults including the Board of Trustees, volunteers, paid staff, agency staff and anyone working on behalf of The Scout Association;
- recognises that the welfare and interests of children and young people are paramount in all circumstances; and
- aims to ensure that all children and young people have a positive and enjoyable experience of Scouting in a safe and child-centred environment and are protected from abuse whilst participating in Scouting and otherwise.
The Scout Association acknowledges that some children and young people, including those disabled and those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and accepts the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.
Resources
The training has been updated in June 2020 and the new elearning video resource available follows the September update to our protection policy.
Who should take the training?
If you are up-to-date with your Safeguarding Mandatory Ongoing Learning, you’re not required to re-do this new module but, to stay up-to-date, we’d encourage you to complete it (it doesn’t take long).
What’s included in the training?
There are five lessons in the module and an assessment at the end. You will need to score 100% in the assessment to unlock the certificate of completion.
There is a reference guide to the content of the Safeguarding Mandatory Ongoing Learning. This guide can be used for reference before, during or after you do the e-learning, read it here >
What are the training objectives?
By doing this e-learning you will:
- understand the Safeguarding Policy and how to keep young people and adults at risk safe
- understand the code of practice in the yellow card
- know how to recognise abuse
- know how to report concerns
- know what to do to keep Scouts safe.
