Safeguarding the welfare of our youth members

The Scout Association takes seriously its responsibility to protect and safeguard the welfare of the children and young people in its care.

The Scout Association is committed to:

• taking into account in all its considerations and activities the interests and well-being of young people

• respecting the rights, wishes and feelings of the young people with whom it is working

• taking all reasonable practicable steps to protect them from physical, sexual and emotional harm

• promoting the welfare of young people within a relationship of trust

The Scout Association believes that safeguarding and protecting the welfare of all the young people we work with is the responsibility of everyone.

The Association’s ‘Young People First’ code of good practice is published in the form of a pocket size yellow card that all adults are asked to keep with them. This contains information about how to report concerns or allegations of abuse and also a code of behaviour that all adults are required to follow.

Anti-Bullying Policy

Children and young people have the right to protection from all forms of violence - physical or mental. (UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)

The Scout Association is committed to ensuring, as far as is reasonably practicable, the prevention of all forms of bullying among Members.

It is the responsibility of all adults in Scouting to help develop a caring and supportive atmosphere, where bullying in any form is unacceptable. To this end, all Scouting activities should have rigorous anti-bullying strategies in place.

Contacts for parents:

Should you have any concerns regarding the welfare or protection of Scout members, you should contact the Group Scout Leader - gsl@sea-scouts.org.uk. Alternatively please call the Scout Information Centre 0845 300 1818 and say that you wish to discuss a child protection issue.

Other useful contacts:

NSPCC Child Protection Helpline free, at any time, for reporting concerns about the safety of a child. Call 0800 800 5000

Concerned about the safety of your child on the Internet? Think U Know

Parentline Plus is a free, confidential 24-hour helpline for parents concerned about a wide range of issues. Call 0808 800 2222 or visit www.parentlineplus.org.uk

Anti-Bullying Campaign operates a helpline for parents and counselling for children who are being bullied. Call 020 7378 1446

Kidscape produces leaflets and booklets on bullying and runs a helpline Monday – Friday on 08451 205204, or visit www.kidscape.org.uk