West Sussex Behaviour Policy

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

As Scouts we are guided by these values:

• Integrity – We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
• Respect – We have self-respect and respect for others.
• Care – We support others and take care of the world in which we live
• Belief – We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes
• Co-operation – We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.

We promote positive behaviour to help make scouting an enjoyable and safe experience for all. All reward systems are positive and encourage teamwork and responsibility.

West Sussex Scouts Behaviour Policy has been developed taking account of Scout Association guidance and the framework is intended for use only in exceptional circumstances to address persistent challenging behaviour or continued breaking of the Code of Conduct.

Whilst the Leadership teams will do their best to avoid the need to implement the measures outlined, the Behaviour Policy exists to protect all members of the section and to support our ability to deliver safe, fun Scouting.

By requiring certain behaviours from our Members both Young People and Adults, we provide a greater freedom for the Group and everyone who is part of it.

Fortunately, the incidents relating to behaviour are few and far between. We see this as a team effort between the leaders, young people and their parents/guardians to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all our young members. We encourage children and their parents/guardians to discuss any matter that is causing concern at an early stage with their leader team or the Group Scout Leader.

Code of Conduct

• Each section has a code of conduct appropriate to their age group and they are given input into and these are displayed on the section noticeboard and signed by the young people and leaders. A copy will also be sent home to parents for information.
• Parents/guardians are expected to support Leaders in ensuring their child understands and follows the points of the code. Parents will be informed when there has been a behaviour incident at a meeting or event. We would remind parents that adult members are volunteers and that we would ask that there is mutual respect between our adult members and parents/guardians.

In the event of a behaviour incident:

• Any behaviour seen as inappropriate or socially unacceptable for the time and place, affecting the enjoyment or rights of others, or against the Code will be given a maximum of two verbal warnings. These warnings will be made taking into account the age and any additional needs of the young person.
• Any further inappropriate behaviour following the warnings will result a report to the Leader in charge present and an immediate exclusion from an activity. Parents will be informed verbally at the end of meeting of any exclusion from activity.
• If the behaviour persists from a youth member, parent(s) / guardian(s) will be invited in writing to meet with the Scout Leader and the young person to discuss the issue and to agree next steps
• Should there be any further related behaviour issues this will be reported to the Group Scout Leader for review and consideration of further action. This may include:
  • Mutual agreement with the parent(s) / guardian(s) for the young person to stay away from the next meeting or meetings
  • Further escalation and consultation with the District Commissioner, who has the authority to suspend a member from Scouting. Such a suspension would be undertaken in accordance with the process prescribed in the Scout Association’s Policy, Organisation and Rules
  • Leaders reserve the right to send a member home during any meeting or activity, by contacting a parent / guardian to arrange immediate collection, should the member’s behaviour be considered as significantly inappropriate and significantly impacting on enjoyment or safety of others. In the event of a young person being sent home then a meeting with the scout leader to discuss next steps will take place.
  • All meetings, actions and next steps will be recorded in writing and sent to all parties involved.

There must always be someone available to collect the young person at all section nights and scouting events. It is the parents/guardians responsibility to ensure that all the contact details we have for their child is up to date and that there is someone who could collect their child in an emergency or if requested due to breach of our behaviour policy

Safeguarding

• The Group follows the Scout Association Child Protection Policy. It is the Policy of the Scout Association to safeguard the welfare of all members by protecting them from physical, sexual or physical harm. We call it “Young People First”. Child Protection is of paramount importance to us. The “Young People First” code of practice is on display at the Group HQ and a smaller ‘Yellow Card’ should be carried by all adult Leaders. Young Leaders carry a similar ’Orange Card’ issued by the Scout Association.
• All Adults in Scouting at the group, including Members of the Scout Network who wish to work with young people, must accept and understand this policy. They must also agree to put the Association’s policy on child protection into practice. Leaders and Young Leaders must attend regular safeguarding training.
• As part of that protection, all adults who could have unsupervised access to young people must undergo an enhanced DBS check (or any requirement which replaces DBS checks).
• Child Protection also includes protection from bullying. It is the Group’s policy that bullying in any form is unacceptable and at this group we strive to have in place rigorous anti-bullying strategies in accordance with the Scout Association Anti-Bullying Policy.
• Remember that any behaviour that represents a serious threat to the welfare of others should be reported through the Child Protection procedures (Yellow Card).