Behaviour Policy

Group behaviour policies and procedures

1st Haynes and Wilstead Scout Group has an obligation to protect the welfare and ensure the safety of all its members including leaders therefore all members are expected to follow this policy while on Scouting activities. The scouting mission is to ensure that all members have fun and develop skills in a safe manner therefore we are asking you to read over this policy with your member to ensure they are aware of how they should conduct themselves and the consequences if they choose to behave in an inappropriate manner. During sessions members have the right to respectful treatment and to learn or try new things in a safe environment.

To show respect for others during scouting sessions members should treat others how they wish to be treated. This includes being polite to one and other, using appropriate manners, helping everyone feel included and helping others where they can.

Where referred to in this policy disruptive conduct refers to behaviour which causes leaders to temporarily stop activities because of an individual’s actions. This includes conduct such as (but not limited to): talking over others, initial refusal to follow instructions and inappropriate comments or language. Dangerous conduct is classed as any behaviour that may cause members or property, group or otherwise, to come to harm because of these actions. This includes actions such as (but not limited to): fighting, failure to listen to health and safety information, misuse of equipment and disorderly behaviour around potentially dangerous equipment.

Consequences of disorderly conduct

In the event of disorderly conduct, the following steps will be taken by section/activity leaders to try and ensure a swift and fair resolution to situations.

Conduct reminder

Member will be reminded of how they are expected to behave. Parents will not be informed at this stage

Initial warning

Member will be given an informal warning for disruptive conduct. Parents will not be informed at this stage

Formal warning with time out

Member will be given a formal warning and placed in 5- minute time out away from the activity. Section leaders may choose to discuss with the member the effect of their behaviour on others and the session. Parents will be informed of the incident at the end of the session, the incident will also be recorded on OSM.

Yellow card

A yellow card will be issued to a member if dangerous/disruptive behaviour continues after a time out, in this instance a parent/guardian will be required to come and collect their child from the session/event location. Parents will be informed in writing before the next session of the incident, the group scout leader will be informed and may issue a 1- week suspension from scouting activities. This incident and action taken will be recorded on OSM.

Red card

A red card will be issued to a member if they receive 2 yellow cards within the same term. In this instance a meeting will be held with parents/guardians, relevant section leaders and the group scout leader to decide a member’s future with the group. This could result in extended suspension from activities or permanent exclusion dependent on factors such as seriousness of incidents and behaviour history decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. If scouting policies require the group to do so the district/county commissioner will be informed of the incident and outcome. The outcome of the meeting and any relevant reasoning will then be sent to the parents/guardians. This incident and action taken will be recorded on OSM.

Leaders may skip any of the above stages if they feel it is necessary to safeguard the wellbeing of members, leaders, or members of the public. They may also skip stages to prevent damage to equipment.

If a member has been suspended a meeting should take place between section leaders, parents/guardians, the member and the group scout leader if necessary. The purpose of this meeting should be to reflect on what went wrong and discuss the best way to move forward to ensure the incident is not repeated.

Should you wish to contest the section leader issuing the yellow card you must contact the group scout leader via email to GSL@1stHaynesAndWilsteadScouts.co.uk within 7 days of the cards issue.

Anti-Bullying/Harassment policy

The group has a strict no tolerance to bullying or harassment and takes any allegation of bullying seriously to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of our members.

Any allegation of bullying or harassment made to a 1st Haynes and Wilstead Leader/Committee member by a member or parent/guardian will be dealt swiftly and appropriately in accordance with Scouting POR Rule 2.5 ensuring that all members are safe.

Supporting members with additional needs

The group is committed to upholding equality and diversity across all sections therefore we are happy to work with parents to make individual adaptations to this policy where additional needs may exist. To proceed with this please contact your section leadership team will be happy to meet with you to discuss how they can support your child best. Please bring any medical evidence or assessment you feel is necessary to help your section leaders make appropriate accommodations. During this meeting, a review date should be set to ensure the agreed adaptations are still appropriate.

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