Health and Safety

We follow the Scouts’ Safety Policy, which means all Scouting activities should be delivered in a way that is safe and without risk to health, so far as is reasonably practicable. We believe that creating a safe environment is just as important as the activity itself — it’s what allows our young people to thrive, learn, and have fun with confidence.

Roles and Responsibilities for Safety

Group Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees is responsible for making sure the Scouts’ Safety Policy is being followed. They hold the Group Scout Leader to account and ensure that our headquarters is safe for everyone (POR 2.5.2.5).

Group Lead Volunteers
Group Lead Volunteers are responsible for ensuring all volunteers are properly trained for their roles, that the necessary checks have been completed, and that any accidents are investigated. They also makes sure volunteers are supported in their responsibilities and that the Safety Policy is followed in full (POR 2.5.2.4).

Everyone in the Group
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. All members should stop any activity if they have concerns about safety, follow emergency procedures, risk assess all activities, and share best practice (POR 2.5.2.2).

Leader in Charge of an Activity
The leader in charge must ensure their activity is run safely and in line with the Scouts’ Safety Policy (POR 2.5.2.3).

Risk assessing is an important part of how we keep activities safe and our HQ in good condition. As part of their training, Leaders complete a risk assessment for every activity they lead or take part in.

When we carry out a risk assessment, the findings must be shared with others — and the best way to do this is through a written document. These assessments should be reviewed before each activity and updated as often as necessary during the activity (POR 2.5.1.4). These are also reviewed annually.

To support this process, we have a general risk assessment for use of the HQ, which is updated annually. The Group Board of Trustees must ensure this review has taken place.