Our Behaviour Policy

Scouting is a voluntary activity. Nobody has to be a member but membership is subject to everyone accepting the rules of the Scout Association and the policies of the 1st Upholland Scout Group including this behaviour policy. Scouting is about having fun and enjoying ourselves but NOT to the detriment of others. It is essential that everyone should always feel safe.

Aims

The aim of the Scout Association and 1st Upholland Scout Group is to promote the development of young people to achieve their potential – physical, mental, emotional and beliefs as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local and wider community.

So that these aims can be achieved we:

• Have a clear emphasis on good behaviour
• Encourage pride in being a member of 1st Upholland Scout Group and the Scout Movement
• Deal firmly and quickly with unacceptable behaviour
• Involve parents in celebrating success as well as seeking support when necessary

We encourage:

• Honesty and trust
• Respect for others and their views and values
• Self-discipline
• A sense of right and wrong
• Politeness
• Commitment
• Good manners

Promotion of Good Behaviour

Our Behaviour Code is based on the Scout Promise (and its sectional variations)

This is for all members

We will:

• Treat everyone fairly and with respect and accept people’s individual choices
• Not accept bullying, swearing or violence however manifested
• Not use the Group’s social media and web accounts inappropriately
• Take responsibility for our actions
• Stay calm and walk away from arguments and disputes
• Do our best in everything we attempt
• Be sensible, follow rules and accept the decisions of Leaders
• Be polite and truthful
• Work together and support each other
• Listen carefully to other people
• Enjoy our Scouting and not spoil other people’s enjoyment

Unacceptable behaviour

– at any time

• Dangerous behaviour
• Fighting, aggression, harassment or abuse
• Bullying either physical, verbal or emotional
• Dishonesty or blaming others for our actions
• Deliberately ignoring rules or instructions
• Lack of respect for any person
• Swearing or bad language
• Anti-social behaviour
• Deliberate damage to buildings or equipment

If unacceptable behaviour is identified we’ll take the following action:

Level 1 response:

The member will be told to stop what they are doing with a clear explanation of the reasons. If it is a Young Member exclusion from that activity for a short time may follow.

If unacceptable behaviour repeats then:

Level 2 response:

Details of the incident will be noted by the Section Leader and parents or carers will be contacted. The member will be excluded from an activity for at least 10 minutes.

If unacceptable behaviour further repeats:

It will be reported to the Group Scout Leader who will implement:

Level 3 response:

The incident will be recorded by the Section Leader and the parents or carers will be contacted. The member will be excluded from that activity followed by a TWO WEEK exclusion from all group activities.

Group management will contact the parents or carers.

Following the members return to activities and should unacceptable behaviour be further repeated:

Level 4 response:

Suspension from membership of the Group will be considered. The Ormskirk and District Scouts District Commissioner will be advised. Suspension and further actions including appeals will be dealt with according to the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.