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©  1999-2004  Rochdale District Scout Council 

  It is the policy of The Scout Association to safeguard the welfare of all Members by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.

Accordingly, The Scout Association is committed to:

  • taking into account in all its considerations and activities the interests and well-being of young people;
  • respecting the rights, wishes and feelings of the young people with whom it is working;
  • taking all reasonable practicable steps to protect them from physical, sexual and emotional abuse ; and
  • promoting the welfare of young people and their protection within a relationship of trust.
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 lease which 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 younger people to talk to others 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 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 well-intentioned
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 youth peer activities (eg 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   exaggerate or trivialise child-abuse issues
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"
 
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 discloses to you abuse by someone else:

  1. allow the child to speak without interuption, 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

All Adults working with young people are vetted and since 2002 this includes the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure.

 [Forms are available from the District Secretary.]

If assistance is required in completion of the form or other CRB information then use the link below to visit their web site.

Click above for help with CRB disclosure