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 safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice and The Charity Commission requirements.

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.

The Scout Association will:

• Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people;
• Ensure that everyone is clear about their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate mandatory learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and young people;
• Provide all children and young people on joining the organisation with information for themselves and their parents or carers covering The Scout Association’s safeguarding arrangements;
• Widely promote The Scout Association’s safeguarding policies and procedures;
• Ensure that trustees, staff and volunteers take seriously all concerns and allegations of abuse and respond appropriately;
• Securely maintain and store confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns;
• Prevent the use of unsuitable individuals through the robust use of Disclosure and Barring arrangements as they apply in each nation within the UK, and the application of best practice in the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers working with children and young people;
• Ensure that robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation; and
• Address without delay any failure to comply with this policy.

Monitoring

This policy will be reviewed annually and revisions recommended to the Board of Trustees. This policy may also be reviewed in the following circumstances:

• Changes in legislation or government guidance (including Working Together as revised within each nation, relevant legislative changes and nation specific child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures);
• In the light of learning identified by a Local Safeguarding Children Board;
• As required by the Charity Commission; and as a result of any other significant change or event.