Knives are a key tool in bush craft and survival skills which is an important part of Scouting. 1st Burnmoor Scouts are committed to the responsible use of knives within the programme. To ensure safety the following rules must always be followed:

These rules refer to use of pen knives, lock knives or fixed blade knives. Kitchen knives and craft knives also could harm others, so should be used with equal care, direction 
and supervision.

Training will be carried out with Scouts which will include; method, maintenance, safety, first aid and law based on the Scouts Knife Safety factsheet. Once training is complete they will undergo an assessment to ensure they have understood the training, if the leader is satisfied with the Scouts knowledge they will issue them with a knife activity permit (KAP) which will be valid for one year and logged on OSM.

Only when Scouts hold a KAP they can use a knife during an activity.

The group will hold a set of knives which will be kept in a locked box when not in use and will be well maintained. Scouts do not have to spend money on their own knife.

Scouts with a KAP are able to bring a knive to meetings, events or camps when appropriate and prearranged with the leader in charge, knives must be brought by an adult and given to the leader in charge, this is to make sure that knives are only available at appropriate times, knives will be assessed to ensure they are appropriate and in good, safe condition. 

Beavers and Cubs are not permitted to use knives, knife safety forms part of the survival skills activity badge for Scouts and its important knife users are able to 
understand the law and responsibilities relating to knives, so it is appropriate that we only teach this to Scouts and older members.

Any activity with the use of knives will always be supervised by leaders or helpers with the correct knowledge about 1st Burnmoor’s policy and training.

When using knives Scouts must uses the correct methods learnt in training and carry out the activity in a safe, responsible manner.

Missuse may result in the loss of KAP, suspension or dismissal.

Leaders and adult helpers may bring their own knives when appropriate to do so, they must be used in a safe manor and not be used by young people. When not in use they must be kept safely out of the reach from young people.

If you have any queries or concerns regarding this policy, please don’t hesitate to speak to a leader.

1st Burnmoor Scouts are very lucky to have an amazing space for both our group members and the community to enjoy, the grounds are continually being developed and also require ongoing maintenance, we couldn’t achieve this without the help from volunteers.

To ensure the safety of everyone, 1st Burnmoor have the Grounds Work Safety Policy.

Grounds Work safty policy

• Everyone is responsible for the health and safety of themselves and others.
• Young people must be accompanied by an adult and remain under their supervision at all times.
• All adults must ensure they do not put themselves in a situation where they are alone with an under 18 y/o, ensure you remain in sight of other adults at all times when young people are present.
• Any concerns should be raised with a group member who will be able to pass on the information as per the group and Scouting policies.
• Equipment belonging to 1st Burnmoor can be used within the grounds, ensure:
• It is in working order.
• Report any damage.
• Only use equipment you know how to use and are confident using.
• Ensure equipment is put away after use.
• Equipment must not be taken from the site unless with express permission from a Group Scout Leader and must be returned after the agreed period.
• Any injuries or accidents must be reported to a group member who will be able to pass on the information as per the group and Scouting policies.
• No smoking in the presence of young people.
• Under 18s must not consume alcohol under any circumstances.

For more information on Scouting safeguarding please see young people first code of practice.

To prevent our neighbouring streets from becoming congested during the use of 1st Burnmoor Scout Hall and Grounds we have the following parking policy in place:

• Arrive on time for pick up and drop off.
• When possible leave the car at home, walk, cycle or scoot if you can.
• When bringing a car, try to car share if possible.
• When bringing a car, aim not to park along Sidney Street.
• When bringing a car, park away from the hall, there is on-street parking along Lumley New Road and Pithouse Lane.
• For those with mobility issues and would benefit from parking within the car park, please speak to a volunteer and this can be arranged, if so please aim to arrive slightly earlier to avoid the congestion.
• When staying at the hall, aim to use the car park within the grounds.
• Report any abuse to the leadership team.

1st Burnmoor Scout Group uses closed-circuit television (CCTV) to provide a safe and secure environment for volunteers, members, and visitors to the Group’s premises, and to protect the Group’s property.

The Group’s CCTV facility records images only.  There is no audio recording.

The purposes of the Group using CCTV systems include:

• To assist in the prevention or detection of crime or equivalent malpractice.
• To assist in the identification and prosecution of offenders.
• To monitor the security of the Group’s premises.
• To ensure that health and safety rules and procedures are being complied with.
• To assist with the identification of unauthorised actions or unsafe working practices that might result in disciplinary proceedings being instituted against volunteers and to assist in providing relevant evidence.
• To promote productivity and efficiency.

Location of cameras

Cameras are located at strategic points throughout the Group’s premises. The Group has positioned the cameras so that they only cover communal or public areas on the premises and they have been sited so that they provide clear images.  No camera focuses, or will focus, on toilets, shower facilities or changing rooms.

All are also clearly visible.

Appropriate signs are prominently displayed so that volunteers, members and other visitors are aware they are entering an area covered by CCTV.

Recording and retention of images

Images produced by the CCTV equipment are intended to be as clear as possible so that they are effective for the purposes set out above.  Maintenance checks of the equipment are undertaken on a regular basis to ensure it is working properly and that the media is producing high quality images.

Images may be recorded either in constant real-time (24 hours a day throughout the year), or only at certain times, as the needs of the Group dictate.

As the recording system records digital images, any CCTV images that are held on the hard drive are deleted and overwritten on a recycling basis and, in any event, are not held for more than two months. Once a hard drive has reached the end of its use, it will be erased prior to disposal.

Images that are stored on, or transferred on to, removable media such as CDs are erased or destroyed once the purpose of the recording is no longer relevant.  In normal circumstances, this will be a period of one month. However, where a law enforcement agency is investigating a crime, images may need to be retained for a longer period.

Access to and disclosure of images

Access to, and disclosure of, images recorded on CCTV is restricted.  This ensures that the rights of individuals are retained.  Images can only be disclosed in accordance with the purposes for which they were originally collected.

Disclosure of images to other third parties will only be made in accordance with the purposes for which the system is used and will be limited to:

• The police and other law enforcement agencies, where the images recorded could assist in the prevention or detection of a crime or the identification and prosecution of an offender or the identification of a victim or witness.
• Prosecution agencies, such as the Crown Prosecution Service.
• Relevant legal representatives.
• Line managers involved with disciplinary and performance management processes.
• Individuals whose images have been recorded and retained (unless disclosure would prejudice the prevention or detection of crime or the apprehension or prosecution of offenders).
• The Group Scout Leader or Group Executive Committee are the only person(s) who are permitted to authorise disclosure of images to external third parties such as law enforcement agencies.

All requests for disclosure and access to images will be documented, including the date of the disclosure, to whom the images have been provided and the reasons why they are required.  If disclosure is denied, the reason will be recorded.

A meeting at the Scout Hall.

• The Leaders hold assess to contact information of all youth and adult members in the section, on OSM via the PC or by mobile web browser. Leaders have mobile phones with reception, that can be used if contact is needed.
• Leader phone numbers can be found on the notice board in OSM Parent Portal for each section. Primary contacts can communicate through the leaders if they need to contact their child whilst at a meeting.
• Young people are not to bring any electrical devices including mobile phones.
• Contact details of the District Commissioner are available for leaders in the office of the hall and on the OSM Dashboard.

A meeting away from the Scout hall

• The Leaders hold assess to contact information of all youth and adult members in the section, on OSM via mobile web browser. Leaders have mobile phones that can be used if contact is needed.
• Leader phone numbers can be found on the notice board in OSM Parent Portal for each section. Primary contacts can communicate through the leaders if they need to contact their child whilst at a meeting.
• Young people are not to bring any electrical devices including mobile phones.
• Contact details of the District Commissioner are available for leaders on the OSM Dashboard.

Nights Away

• The Leaders hold assess to contact information of all youth and adult members attending the event, on OSM via mobile web browser and for the duration of the event a printed copy. Leaders have mobile phones that can be used if contact is needed. For some events it may be necessary to have a leader or group official used as a home contact who will have access to the information of attendees and event leaders and be the point of contact.
• Phone numbers for leaders who will be at the event or a home contact can be found in the event details in OSM Parent Portal. Primary contacts can communicate through the leaders in an emergency if they need to contact their child whilst at an event.
• Young people are not to bring any electrical devices including mobile phones.
• Contact details of the District Commissioner are available for leaders on the OSM Dashboard and are to be taken to the event.

*OSM access is via password protected accounts with permissions granted to leaders as required. All leaders undergo GDPR training.

When using technology during a meeting or taking part in an online meeting the following should always be followed:

Young people

• Write emails and online messages carefully and politely; as they could be forwarded or seen by someone not intended.
• Know that people you meet online may not be who they say they are. If someone online suggests meeting up, then immediately talk to an adult.
• Know that bullying in any form (on and offline) is not tolerated.
• Do not deliberately upload or add any images, video, sounds or text that could upset, threaten the safety of or offend anyone.
• Always protect personal information online.
• Speak to an adult you trust if something happens to either yourself or another member which makes me feel worried, scared or uncomfortable.
• Always follow the Code of Conduct.
• Ensure you have read and talked about these rules with my parents/carers.

Parent/Carer

• Read and talk about these rules with your child.
• Read and talk about the Code of Conduct with your child.
• Read and always follow the Young People First Code of Practice (yellow card) when involved in Scouting activities.
• Ensure you appropriately monitor your child’s internet use and have the appropriate parental controls in place on all devices.

Leaders

• Take responsibility for the security of setting systems and the data they use or have access to.
• Model good practice when using technology.
• Embed online safety into programme delivery, wherever possible.
• Have an awareness of a range of online safety issues and how they may be experienced by the young people in their care.
• Identify online safety concerns and take appropriate action.
• Always follow the Young People First Code of Practice (yellow card) including having a minimum of 2 adults present during online meetings.

1^st Burnmoor’s Code of Conduct

• Respect everyone, property, equipment and time.
• Listen to each other and avoid inappropriate shouting.
• Avoid bad language, physical contact and bullying behavior.
• Be quiet and sensible during ceremonies and explanations.
• Be smart, punctual and wear our uniform with pride.
• Get involved and give our best effort to all activities.
• Avoid bringing unnecessary items to meetings (food, toys, games, etc)
• Keep the Scout Promise and the Scout Law.
• Have fun!

Consequences Should the Code not be Kept

• If I can't behave according to the code I will be given a warning.
• If my poor behavior continues then I will miss 5 minutes of the activity.
• If I still misbehave then my parents will be informed.
• If I repeat poor behavior each week I may be asked to leave the group.

1st Burnmoor are proud of the vast nights away opportunities that we offer young people with sleepovers, activity weekends, expeditions and greenfield camps.

We couldn’t hold events without the volunteers that support them, the leadership team, SASU and helpers make these happen. To ensure adults follow the rules of the Scout Association and the events run smoothly 1st Burnmoor have the Camp Adult Code of Conduct which all adults on camps and nights away must follow.

Camp Adult Code of Conduct

• The yellow card is always to be followed.
• Everyone is responsible for the health and safety of themselves and others.
• All adults are to help with camp duties.
• Section leaders are responsible for the young people in each section.
• Everyone is required at flag break in the mornings.
• Any concerns should be raised with the camp leader, or Group Lead Volunteer.
• Any injuries or accidents must be reported to the camp leader.
• No photos are to be taken of the young people when at camp, leaders will ensure photos are taken and shared within the group policy.
• Noise levels should be kept down after the young people have been sent to bed.
• Any trips off site should be prearranged with the camp leader and not affect the program.
• No smoking in the presence of young people.

Alcohol:

• Under 18s must not consume alcohol under any circumstances.
• Adults are not to consume alcohol in the presence of under 18's.
• Adults must not consume alcohol when they are responsible for young people on an activity.
• At any one time there will be the correct ratio of responsible adults who must not consume alcohol as per the risk assessment.
• If adults are to consume alcohol, it must be in an area separate from young people; adult tents, or after young people are in bed; around the campfire or in the marquee, all areas must be left tidy with no alcoholic drinks or emptys left out on show.
• Consideration should be given to the effect’s alcohol can have and how it may affect an individual’s ability to fulfil their Scouting duties the next day.

To give positive guidance, the 'Young People First' Code of Conduct (also known as the yellow card) sets out a code of behaviour for all adults in Scouting.

Every adult in Scouting should have a copy of the 'Young People First' Code of Conduct. It is designed so you can keep it with you at all times during Scouting activities.

All adults in Scouts follow our Code of Conduct Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.      If in doubt, report it. 

Do remember that you are a role model at all times, inside and outside of Scouts. You must set a good example for others to follow.

Do treat everyone with dignity and respect in line with the Scout Values.

Do treat all young people equally – do not show favouritism

Do follow the adult-to-young-people ratios at all times.

Do remember that you have been placed in a position of trust – do not abuse this trust.

Do report all safeguarding concerns directly to the Safeguarding Team as soon as possible, and always within 24 hours

Do contact the Safeguarding Team if you receive details of any statutory agency (for example, the police, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or children’s services) involvement regarding a member.

Do remember that someone may misinterpret your actions.

Do respect children’s and young people’s right to personal privacy.

Do encourage an open and transparent culture, where people challenge or report behaviour that is not in line with this code.

Do make everyone aware of our safeguarding arrangements. Share our Yellow Card with volunteers, parents and guardians, and display it where meetings take place.

Do create an environment where children and young people feel safe and able to voice their concerns.

Do have separate sleeping accommodation for young people and adults, as well as young leaders working with a younger section.

Do plan activities that involve more than one other person being present. If that’s not possible, make sure other people can see and hear what’s going on.

Do not plan to be alone with a child or young person in Scouts, either online or in person.

Do not drink alcohol when you are directly responsible for children and young people in Scouts, and never allow under 18s to drink alcohol on Scout activities

Do not trivialise concerns or abuse.

Do not let concerns or abuse go unreported. Contact the Safeguarding Team, especially if you feel your concern has not been taken seriously.

Do not join in physical contact games with children and young people.

Do not overstep the boundaries with children and young people by being involved in friendships or personal relationships with them.

Do not allow activities that encourage bullying behaviour, including initiation ceremonies, dares or forfeits.

Do not use inappropriate, suggestive or threatening language, whether verbal, written or online.

Do not rely on your reputation or position to protect you.

Do not get involved with a safeguarding concern if you have a personal friendship or family connection with those involved. Step back and tell the Safeguarding Team about the connection.

Yellow Card PDF