Policy, Organisation and Rules

8.1.1 Personal Accident and Medical Expenses Policy

8.1.1.1 This insurance is provided by Headquarters and covers the total membership as shown on the annual census return together with new members joining during the year in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and British Scouting Overseas. 

Details of the current benefits under this policy may be obtained from Unity.

8.1.1.2 Special travel insurance should be obtained for authorised Scout visits abroad. 

Parties of up to five Scouts who are not members of The Scout Association visiting the United Kingdom to take part in Scout activities organised by a British home unit are also covered by this policy. Larger parties may be insured by the host unit if the visiting Scouts are not already insured through their home Association.  

8.1.1.3 The policy covers accidents and medical expenses in the British Isles and on the continent of Europe.

8.1.2 Personal Accident and Medical Expenses Supplementary Insurance

8.1.2.1 Supplementary insurance may be arranged to provide higher benefits.

8.1.2.2 Non-members are not provided with the same automatic basic Personal Accident Insurance as members.

Non-members based in the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands may be insured under a basic policy and may have the benefit of Supplementary Insurance similar to that which is available to other adults.

Details are available from Unity on request.

8.1.3 The Scout Association Legal Liability Policy

8.1.3.1 This policy, incorporating Public Liability and Property Owners Liability, covers The Scout Association and may, at its request, provide cover for Commissioners, adult members and other persons authorised to be in charge of, or to assist with, Scout activities against claims made by members under their control, or their parents or guardians, or by third parties, alleging legal liability arising out of accidents or incidents occurring during any authorised Scout activity and fundraising events. This is covered by the Public Liability section of the policy.

8.1.3.2 This policy covers the liability which rests upon any Scout authority which owns or is responsible for land or buildings (except for liability under any agreement). This is covered by the Property Owners Liability section.

8.1.3.3 It is a condition precedent to indemnity being granted by The Scout Association that any assistance required in investigating and/or defending any potential litigation will be given by those involved in the incident giving rise to the claim.

8.1.3.4 The Scout Association Legal Liability Policy does not cover legal liability arising out of the ownership or driving or piloting of motor vehicles, aircraft or gliders where compulsory third party insurance is required. If you are unsure whether you require additional insurance, contact Unity.

It does not fully cover liability for injuries to third parties or for damage to third party property arising out of the ownership or operation of boats.

Unity can arrange marine liability insurance and will provide details on application.

8.1.3.5  The provision of any indemnity given by The Scout Association is subject to the terms and conditions of any legal liability insurance policy which may be in force.

8.1.4. The Scouts Trustee Indemnity Insurance Cover

8.1.4.1 The Trustee Indemnity insurance policy is designed to cover trustees in the event that they are held personally liable for the loss of charity assets or for making a decision which results in the charity sustaining a loss in financial terms.

8.1.4.2 The Scouts have a national policy to cover trustees of any Scout charity. The premium is paid centrally by the Scouts, so Trustees do not need to take out any additional cover. 

8.1.4.3 The cover extends to any person elected, co-opted or appointed to act as a Trustee to Scout assets which are usually members of a Trustee Board. 

8.1.4.4 Details of the current benefits under this policy may also be obtained from Unity. 

8.2.1.1 Every Scout group, District and County must maintain insurance cover, to be reviewed annually, in respect of the following risks:

1. property and equipment, owned, hired or borrowed, including the risk of loss or damage to equipment whilst in transit or at camp or on expeditions
2. minibuses and other motor vehicles, including passenger risk, in the British Isles or abroad
3. marine and boating risks
4. aviation and air activity risks.

8.2.1.2 Insurance cover must be taken out in respect of risks incurred when undertaking travel.

8.2.1.3 Insurance cover must be taken out in respect of employers’ liability for people a Scout group, District and County may employ.

8.2.1.4 The Scout Association Legal Liability Policy cover extends to cover every Scout Group, District and County, subject to Rule 8.4 Compliance with Rules. There is no requirement to purchase additional Public or Property Owners’ Liability policies.

8.2.1.5 Unity is the official insurance broker of The Scout Association and is one company that arranges insurance cover that meets the standards described above.

8.3.1.1 If a Scout group, District or County is arranging to use land, premises or other facility belonging to another authority, organisation or an individual, and is required to sign an agreement or indemnity, details must be sent to Unity as soon as possible.

8.3.1.2 The acceptability of the agreement or indemnity terms by Unity and the adequacy of The Scout Association's Legal Liability Policy in relation to them must be confirmed before proceeding with the arrangements or signing any agreement or indemnity.

8.4.1.1 For insurance cover by UK Headquarters to be effective, the Rules of the Association must be complied with, particularly those Rules governing the organisation of activities and safety precautions applying to activities.

8.4.1.2 Some adventurous activities carry a potentially larger third party risk than others, and appropriate insurance arrangements have therefore to be made by Unity.

For this reason, Groups, Districts or Counties undertaking the following activities must notify Unity beforehand:

1. Air activities
2. Karting

8.5.1.1 If action is taken in relation to effecting insurance or reporting claims, injuries or fatalities, this action must be taken by the Leader or other adult responsible for the individual's or party's participation in the event or activity.

8.5.1.2 Incident report forms when received, should not be completed by any adult involved in the incident but should be handled by a suitable independent person.