Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish a set of fundamental rules and commitments that all members must agree to to foster a pleasant, respectful, and productive environment within the Scouting community. These guidelines have been developed with the active participation of young people to ensure their relevance and accessibility, aligning with the core aims of Scouting. 

Scope: 

This policy will be introduced to members upon joining the group when moving to a new section and will be regularly discussed during section meetings. This ensures that the guidelines are consistently understood and effectively enforced. The conditions outlined in this policy apply to all Scouting events, including section meetings, camps, and other related activities. 

Behaviour: 

Members Will: 

Treat everyone with respect. 

Follow the rules and instructions for all activities. 

Support other members taking on leadership roles. 

Particularly Lodge Leaders, Sixers and Patrol Leaders. 

Treat carefully any equipment provided to use. 

Take an active part in the activities taking place to the best of your ability. 

Return to the base location when three loud whistles are used during a session 

Members Will Not: 

Use inappropriate language- including swearing. 

Go outside of boundaries set at a meeting location. 

Bring or use mobile phones or other electrical equipment to Scout events or meetings    unless permission is sought for a specific purpose. 

Touch or interfere with other people’s equipment or belongings.

Take part in or tolerate any bullying-related actions. 

Young people will not have any physical contact. (Exceptions being sports and games), this also applies to Young Leaders and adults.

Warning System (Yellow/ Red Cards): 

Warnings will be given at the discretion of the leadership team on occasions where the behaviour standards fall below our expectations. 

1. A “Yellow Card” will be issued, and a verbal warning will be given confirming why the yellow card has been awarded. 

1. A second “Yellow Card” will be issued if you have to be spoken to again about your conduct. You may be asked to sit out of an activity for a short period. Following the meeting, an email will be sent to your parents to inform them. 

1. Should you get a third warning a “Red Card” will be issued, and you will be suspended from the next section meeting. Your parents will be informed of the situation as well as the group leadership team. 

The same system will be applied to camps and trips. Where a “Red Card” is issued, you may be sent home, and a discussion with the leadership team of both your section and the event will take place to determine when you can rejoin section meetings and/ or participate in future events. 

Should you receive two or more “Red Cards” a review will take place with the section leadership team and District team. 

A review may take place at the request of section teams where behaviour is considered extremely unsatisfactory or causes safety issues; an email will be sent to inform you. 

Commitment: 

Members are expected to attend all regular weekly meetings. If a member is unable to Attend a meeting due to illness or exceptional circumstances; they should contact their section leader to let them know before the meeting. 

Where a member misses more than six meetings in a term without prior notification, their place will be forfeited and passed to the next person on the waiting list. 

Many additional camps, events and opportunities are organised for all sections. It is hoped that all members will take advantage of these. 

A full-term written notice to the appropriate section leader of the intention to leave the Scout Group is required. Failure to provide the required notice will incur a full-term payment charge in lieu of notice. Where members do not wish to return to the Group after the summer break, notification must be provided before the end of the summer term. This is to aid the planning of section sizes and their activities.

Uniform and Equipment: 

Members should attend meetings and events in uniform. A Group polo/ hoodie with Group scarf is acceptable as an alternative unless a full uniform has been requested. All outdoor meetings will require suitable footwear, a warm/ waterproof coat and a head torch to be bought. 

Where kit lists are issued for an event or activity, this should be followed carefully for the benefit of all taking part. 

Rewards: 

Where members have exceeded expectations, behaved in a positive manner or have made notable achievements, leaders may offer a reward such as treats, scouting gifts, additional badges or an extra trip. 

Points systems may be put in place within a section to build up towards such rewards over a period.