Getting Everyone Back Together Safely

As lockdown measures start to ease Scouts Scotland have been working with UK Headquarters, Youthlink Scotland and Public Health Scotland alongside the Scottish Government guidance to understand what a safe return to face-to-face activities may look like when the readiness level reduces from red.

We are currently at the AMBER readiness level in Scotland. This means groups allowed to meet outdoors in group sizes of 30, this includes young people and adults.. 

Scottish HQ have produced a Covid-19 Framework for the delivery of Scouting.

Below is the framework and set of guidance on how elements of face to face Scouts could take place and the safety measures we would need to take into account.  

The Scouts Framework – for face to face activities

The Scouts Framework is aligned with Government-approved guidance for the Youth Sector developed by the National Youth Agency. This framework will apply in every nation within UK Scouting and walks through:

  • the permissions process for restarting any face to face activity
  • the key considerations to be ready to restart face-to-face activities and how these will be phased
  • Legal and liability conditions
  • Key control measures for everyone to follow

Guidance for completing risk assessments and approving face to face activity

There is lots of guidance on the UK Scouts website on what the procedures are for getting everyone back together safely.  

You will need to complete a COVID-19 Risk Assessment to gain approval to recommence face to face Scouting which requires sign-off from your GSL or DESC/Group Executive before submitting it via this link for approval by your DC/District Executive  

In order to assist you in completing your COVID-19 Risk Assessment, we have created a South East Scotland model risk assessment which you can use to help shape your own Risk Assessment, taking into account your local circumstances.  

You will also need to complete a risk assessment for undertaking specific activities and have these signed off according to your District’s approval process.  

Whilst it is important to ensure all the risks are identified and are mitigated, please remember the KISS mantra – keep it simple and safe!  

 

PLEASE REMEMBER:

There is no pressure to return to face to face Scouting. You know your young people, you know the limitations of your meeting place, the ability of your leaders to be able to return and what your parents are willing to sign back up to. There is no rush to make any changes so, do take a break and have some time for yourself over the Summer and when you do return, offering a fully digital programme or a mix of digital and limited face to face Scouting, is perfectly OK.