It is the policy of The Scout Association to

safeguard the welfare of all members by protecting

them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.

A Code of good practice for Adults in Scouting.

Designed for you to keep with you - carry it.

Second Edition

© The Scout Association 2000

What happens if .... ?

If you suspect a child is being abused:

1 immediately tell your Group Scout Leader or District Commissioner

2 record the facts as you know them and give a copy to your District Commissioner

3 ensure that the child has access to an independent adult

4 ensure that no Scouting situation arises which could cause any further concern

If a child tells you about abuse by someone else:

1 allow the child to speak without interruption, accepting what is said

2 alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation, while passing no judgement

3 advise that you will try to offer support, but that you must pass the information on

4 same steps as 1-4 as in suspecting a child is being abused

If you receive an allegation about any adult or about yourself:

1 immediately tell your Group Scout Leader or District Commissioner

2 record the facts as you know them and give a copy to your District Commissioner

3 try to ensure no-one is placed in a position, which could cause further compromise

You must refer; you must not investigate

Code of behaviour

Do put the ‘Young People First’ guidance into practice

Do treat everyone with respect

Do provide an example you wish others to follow

Do plan activities, which involve more than one other person being present, or at least

are within sight or hearing of others

Do respect a young person’s right to personal privacy

Do have separate sleeping accommodation for leaders and young people

Do provide access for young people to talk about any concerns they may have

Do encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring enough to point

out attitudes or behaviour they do not like

Do avoid situations that compromise your relationship with young people and are

unacceptable within a relationship of trust (e.g. a sexual relationship between a

leader and a youth member over the age of consent)

Do remember that someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how wellintentioned

Do recognise that caution is required even in sensitive moments of counselling, such

as when dealing with bullying, bereavement or abuse

Do NOT permit abusive peer activities (e.g. initiation ceremonies, ridiculing, bullying)

Do NOT play physical contact games with young people

Do NOT have any inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others

Do NOT jump to conclusions about others without checking facts

Do NOT allow yourself to be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour

such as tantrums or crushes

Do NOT show favouritism to any individual

Do NOT make suggestive remarks or gestures, even in fun

Do NOT let suspicion, disclosure or allegation of abuse, go unrecorded or unreported

Do NOT rely on just your good name to protect you

Do NOT believe “it could never happen to me”