Introduction

The 17th Harrow Scout Group Behaviour Policy is designed to provide a framework for the responsibilities of Leaders, parents and young people in the group.

The Leaders devote a considerable amount of their time to planning and preparing activities for the young people to give them opportunities to grow and develop through activities and games. The Leaders are all volunteers.

We accept that the children are not in school, however, we do expect the same level of respect they would show to teachers/classmates to be displayed toward both the Leaders and other members of the group.

Our meetings are for a short period each week and it is unfair on everybody if time is disrupted trying to maintain control when a small number of individuals cause disruption.

The discipline procedures outlined in this policy will ultimately involve the parents as young people generally behave better when parents are informed. In the worst-case scenario, a persistently disruptive young person will be asked to leave the group.

Our policy is for the members to follow the PROMISE made when they were enrolled in the group and reconfirmed as they move up through the sections. Young people must also follow the guidelines of the Scout Method which is detailed later along with the Scout Association’s Safeguarding and Anti-Bullying policies.

As Scouts, we are guided by the following 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 cooperate with others and make friends.

A young person will not be invested unless they show they understand the promise which usually takes several weeks. To support this, a young person will not be invested until 4 weeks have been completed (satisfactory attendance for 4 meetings). During this period, the young person will learn about Scouting, get to know the Leaders and learn about our Behaviour Policy.

We understand that some young people may have additional needs, (diagnosed or otherwise) and/or be experiencing difficult times in their lives. We need to know this information in advance, both in person and recorded on OSM, to enable us to better understand the potential behavioural challenges that may occur and support them in the best possible way.

As volunteers, our Leaders may request additional information to support the young person and/or parent assistance during meetings. All information will be treated with the strictest of confidence.

As Leaders of Scouts, we are required to operate within the framework of the Scout Association’s Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR). The POR provides support and guidance to help us all run Scouting. This document is available for anyone to download and view at the Scout Association website via the link below:

Scouting’s Policy Organisation and Rules (POR)

The group leaders will do their best to help your young person in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.