Keeping children and young people safe
What we do and who we work with to ensure the safety and safeguarding of children and young people at Scouts
Keeping children and young people safe is our number one priority. Here are some of the ways we do this:
- Volunteers have a criminal records check as part of safer recruitment.
- Volunteers must undertake written risk assessments for all activities within Scouts.
- Adult members take mandatory safety and safeguarding learning every three years.
- All adults must follow our Safeguarding Code of Conduct (Yellow Card) and Safeguarding Policy.
- All safeguarding concerns are reported to our UK HQ Safeguarding Team, who are trained to manage concerns and work with the police and other authorities.
All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team as soon as possible and always within 24 hours. To make a report, you can:
- speak to one of our Safeguarding Team on 0208 433 7164.
- email safeguarding@scouts.org.uk.
- Use the safeguarding reporting form.
You can also report anonymously using:
- our Whistleblowing Policy with this online form.
- the NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line.
Safety at Scouts
We continuously assess our policies to keep Scouts as safe as possible. This includes implementing changes based on reviews of our risk assessment process.
Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults
As Scouts, we’ve a clear code of behaviour we expect everyone to abide by, known as the ‘Yellow Card’. This code is shared with all adults who interact with young people, regardless of their role, and it’s included in the learning volunteers receive.
Reporting non-recent abuse
We appreciate the bravery it takes to consider speaking out about your experience. If you were abused while you were under 18 and in Scouts, we want to know and we want to offer support.
Practical safety guidance
Discover the guidance