Keeping young people safe is the first job of everyone involved in Scouting. At 1st Gotherington we follow The Scout Association’s safety and safeguarding policies as set out in Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR), and we expect every adult to do the same.
What that means in practice
- Every adult volunteering with us is checked through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and follows Scouts’ appointment and training rules.
- All adults must know and follow the Yellow Card (Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults).
- We plan activities carefully, use risk assessments, and follow the Purple Card (Safety) so meetings, nights away and trips stay as safe as they can be.
- Young people’s welfare comes first in every decision we make.
If you have a concern
Anyone — parent, carer, young person or volunteer — can raise a safeguarding concern. You do not need to go through the Group first.
Report straight to The Scout Association’s UK HQ Safeguarding Team:
- Phone:
020 8433 7164(weekdays 9am–5pm) - Email:
safeguarding@scouts.org.uk - Out of hours / Support Centre:
0345 300 1818 - Online reporting form: scouts.org.uk safeguarding
If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 999 (or 112), then tell the HQ Safeguarding Team you have done so.
You can also contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk.
Safe Scouting cards
These are the national codes of conduct we work to:
- Yellow Card — Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults
- Purple Card — Safety
- Orange Card — Young Leaders
Helping us keep everyone safe
Please tell section leaders about medical needs, allergies, additional needs or anything else that helps us support your young person well. We want every child to feel welcome, included and able to join in.
Questions about how we run things locally
For day-to-day questions about meetings, trips or how we look after young people at Gotherington Village Hall, contact the Group Lead Volunteer.
Safeguarding concerns must still go to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team using the contacts above.