Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported and included at Scouts.
At Wansdyke Scouts, we're committed to creating a welcoming environment where young people and volunteers can enjoy adventures, build confidence and gain skills for life.
We've brought together essential guidance and resources to help you keep everyone safe.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. All volunteers must follow Scouts' Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card).
Reporting a safeguarding concern
All safeguarding concerns must be reported directly to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team as soon as possible, and always within 24 hours.
There is no need to get approval from a Group or District volunteer before reporting a safeguarding concern.
Report a safeguarding concern online
Call the safeguarding team
For out of hours emergencies
Find out what is classed as an 'emergency' >
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999 or, if abroad, the local emergency services. Then call the number above.
Safety and risk assessments
Adventures are an important part of Scouts, but every activity needs to be planned and managed safely.
Before running an activity, make sure you've considered the risks, put appropriate safety measures in place and followed the relevant Scouts rules.
Useful resources include:
- Planning and assessing risk – Practical guidance for planning safe activities.
- Example risk assessments – Examples to help you prepare your own.
Accidents, incidents and emergencies
If an accident or incident occurs, make sure everyone is safe, arrange any necessary medical help and follow Scouts' reporting procedures.
Use the Purple Card – What to do in an emergencyfor immediate guidance.
Accidents, safety incidents and near misses should be reported in line with Scouts' incident reporting guidance.
Policies and rules
All volunteers must follow the national policies and rules of Scouts.
You can find the latest guidance here:
Policy, organisation and rules (POR)
The national rules governing Scouts.
Safeguarding policy and procedures
How Scouts protects children, young people and adults at risk.
Safety policy
National responsibilities for safety and managing risk.
Other Scouts policies
Other national policies, including data protection, complaints and equal opportunities.
District policies
We also have a number of local policies that provide additional guidance alongside Scouts’ Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR).
Need advice or support?
If you need help understanding safety requirements, planning an activity or finding the right guidance, speak to your Group Lead Volunteer or District support team.
You can contact our designated volunteer for safeguarding James Swallow (District Lead Volunteer - Support).
Remember: Safeguarding concerns must always be reported directly to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team straight away.