Scout Group Behaviour Policy

The Sherburn in Elmet Scouts' behaviour policy.

Principles

This policy has been developed in consultation with all group council members, Wetherby District Leadership and is informed by national best practice.

Sherburn Scout Group is run by volunteers, who are often employed full-time or have caring responsibilities. All volunteers give up a lot of personal time, not all at section nights/events often out of sight preparing section nights, trips and camps to ensure that young people in the Scout Group experience adventure and fun.

Addressing unacceptable behaviour by young people detracts volunteers from providing the Scout movement’s balanced programme and affects the experience of others in the section.

Although not required very often, there are occasions when it is necessary to take definitive action to rectify a situation of poor discipline or behaviour.

The Scout Group recognises the need to publish the process by which we manage any problems within the Group as a result of unacceptable behaviour to ensure fairness and equity.

This is also important for the protection of all young people who join the movement and for the volunteers should any situations arise that require action.

This behaviour policy will be implemented with consideration of their age, and ability of those involved.

All sections thrive on a basis of fun and achievement and we accept that this includes an element of “cheekiness” and “mischievousness” but we need to clearly distinguish between this and consistent disruptive and unacceptable behaviour.

Examples of unacceptable behaviour are:

• Bullying (whether physical or verbal),
• Use of racist, homophobic or sexist language
• Continually ignoring the rules of the section or the directions of the volunteers,
• lDangerous actions or actions likely to endanger others, or being continuously
• Disruptive in games and activities.

Experience has shown that unless action is taken to address the situation quickly, the quality of Scouting on offer will deteriorate and the risk of losing members increases.

All members of the group and parents/carers must be familiar with the expectations of the Group and what action may be taken should they be necessary.

If you have any questions relating to this policy, please ask your section Team Leader or Group Lead Volunteer (GLV) glv@sherburninelmet-scouts.org.uk

Sherburn Scout Group Behaviour Policy

1. Section Behaviour Code

Each section is to draw up, with inclusion of young people and leaders, a section code of conduct at least annually. This will be publically displayed on section notice boards and electronic copies made available for parents/carers. See annex c.

In the event of a young person breaking the section behaviour code the following process should be adhered to by section leaders.

2. Verbal Warnings

If the behaviour of a Squirrel/Beaver/Cub/Scout is considered to have fallen below that stated in the ‘Code of Conduct’, that Squirrel/Beaver/Cub/Scout, or group of Squirrel/Beavers/Cubs/ Scouts, will be given a verbal warning by a Team Member*. The offender(s) will be told to stop whatever they are doing and warned what will happen if they don’t comply.

Examples of unacceptable behaviour could be: -

• Continual talking or verbal disruption when a ‘Leader’ has asked for quiet.
• Continuing with unacceptable or disruptive behaviour after being directly told to stop.
• Persistent refusal to follow instructions, or the rules of a game

Team members retain the option to communicate with parents/carers the issuing of a verbal warning; this can be achieved in person, a telephone call or email, depending on opportunity and time resources

3. Yellow Cards.

If a verbal warning is ignored, the Squirrel/Beaver/Cub/Scout will be issued with a Yellow Card (annex a).

• The Section Leader will record the name and details of the incident.
• The Beaver/Cub/Scout will automatically “sit out” the activity. (The length of time to be age-appropriate and decided by section leaders)

More serious inappropriate behaviour could result in an immediate Yellow Card.

Examples of this type of behaviour include: -

• Threatening language or behaviour – (not involving use of physical violence).
• Careless disregard of property leading to its damage.

If a Yellow Card is issued the parent/carer and GLV are to be informed either in person, telephone call or email dependant on circumstances and time resources.

4. Red Cards

If the Squirrel/Beaver/Cub/Scout commits a second Yellow Card offence on the same night they will receive a Red Card (annexe b).

Name and details of the issue will be recorded and the Squirrel/Beaver/Cub/ Scout will not be allowed to take any further part in that evening’s Drey/Colony/Pack/Troop meeting.

Parent(s)/carers will be advised of the issue of a Red Card, as soon as it is practical to do so. Depending on the situation the Team Leader may send for the parent/carer to collect their child early. Sending a member home, (if they make their own way to Troop meetings) could also be an option, but only after the parent/guardian had been contacted and advised.

Certain behaviours could result in the immediate issue of a Red Card.

Examples of these include;

• Bullying or physical unprovoked attack on another Group Member.
• Blatant vandalism to property or equipment
• Deliberate defiance of clearly given instructions - particularly where safety is threatened

If a Red Card is issued the parent/carer and GLV are to be informed either in person, by telephone call or by email depending on circumstances and time resources.

5. Suspension

If a Sqirrel/Beaver/Cub/Scout receives a Red Card, they will automatically be suspended from the next meeting and will not be allowed to attend camps, outings or take part in any activities away from Sherburn Scout Group HQ during that term.

There will be no reduction in subscriptions to compensate for the loss of opportunities.

In some cases the Section Leader may also request a letter of apology.

The purpose of the suspension is to allow the individual(s) concerned, to consider whether they wish to continue as part of the Scout movement (on group terms) or whether they would rather leave to try other activities.

6. Continual Offending

If a Squirrel/Beaver/Cub/Scout receives three Yellow Cards in any term they will be suspended.

The punishment will roll over into the following term if the issue of the card is within the last week of the current term.

7. Appeal

If a Squirrel/Beaver/Cub/Scout feels that they have been unfairly issued with either a Yellow or Red card, they can appeal to the GLV to review the incident and punishment.

Any appeal must be made, in writing, within five days of the issue of the card.

You can challenge the GLV decision by appealing to the Wetherby District Commissioner dc@wetherbydistrictscouts.org.uk

8. Request to Leave

If after the suspension and further discussions, the situation continues with no improvement then following consultation with the team leader, parents/carers and GLV, the GLV may be forced to insist that the individual leave the Group.

*Team member can be any adult who holds a Scout Appointment, or an adult who is helping with a specific activity which they are suitably qualified to instruct.