Policy South Berkshire District Scout Council adopts a District wide child protection policy as laid down in the Policy Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. To emphasise this at a district level the following statement is made:

Aim

The aim is to protect the young people in our care.  It also provides support to all adults in positions of responsibility towards young people so that they are comfortable in their roles, know where they stand and know how they can ask for assistance or advice when required.

KEY POINTS

Mandatory

1. Each Group to formally sign up to the policy.
2. All adults who are enrolled are vetted through the district appointment process and screened through the Criminal Records Bureau screening process (CRB). The Group and District are to keep a register of vetted parents.
3. Yellow cards (Scout Association child protection information) are issued to all leaders, officers and parents.
4. The A3 size yellow card is pinned up on display on a notice board in each Group Headquarters.
5. All officers (chairs, secretaries and treasurers) are screened through the CRB process.
6. All leaders including assistants and all officers complete the NSPCC child protection correspondence course.
7. All leaders attend child protection workshops as apart of their ongoing training: workshops to include the Association anti bullying policy.

Strongly Encouraged

1. Adults who are not actively helping are to be encouraged to be vetted and CRB checked in anticipation that they might help in future.
2. Leaders to take part in the Challenging Behaviour training module provided by County.

NOTES

Responsibility for the appointment of ‘appropriate adults’ at District level is that of the District Commissioner supported by District executive and District appointments committee. Responsibility for the appointment of ‘appropriate adults’ in the Scout Groups is that of the Group Scout Leader supported by the Group executive and District appointments committee.

In a dispute about whether a leader is appropriate a decision will be made between the District Commissioner and Field Development Officer. The District Commissioners decision is final where supported by the Field Development Officer and County Commissioner.

• Costs of training including the NSPCC course are free to individuals and Groups.
• A register of participation will be kept to encourage leaders and to help at warrant reviews.

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The 'Young People First' code of good practice (yellow card)

As an adult in Scouting you have a responsibility to ensure that young people are protected from harm. It is the responsibility of each adult in Scouting to ensure that:

• their behaviour is appropriate at all times
• they observe the rules established for the safety and security of young people
• they follow the procedures following suspicion, disclosure or allegation of child abuse
• the recognise the position of trust in which they have been placed; and
• in every respect, the relationships they form with young people on their care are appropriate

All Adults in Scouting, including Members of the Scout Network who wish to work with young people, must accept and understand this policy. They must also agree to put the Association's policy on child protection into practice.

Meeting your responsibilities

To give positive guidance the 'Young people First' (yellow card) sets out a code of behaviour. It is essential that all adults in Scouting follow this code. The 'do's and don'ts' can help you ensure that:

• the welfare of the young people for whom you have a duty of care is safeguarded
• you avoid compromising situations or opportunities for misunderstandings or allegations

Every Adult should have a copy of the code of good practice 'Young People First' (yellow card). The yellow card is designed for you to keep - carry it.

Check that:

• you have your own copy
• all other adults involved in the work of your Section/Group also have a copy
• you have a copy (A3) of the Yellow Card displayed in you HQ or meeting place
• parents / carers are made aware of the 'Young People First' Policy

Code of behaviour

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