Scouting for all

Scouting was established in 1907 as an open and inclusive organisation with the current Equal Opportunities Policy put in place in 1996. This policy supports the principle that no member should be discriminated against on the basis of their class, gender, ethnic background, nationality, sexuality, mental or physical ability and political or religious belief.

Full details are available on the Inclusion section of the Scouts Scotland site and on the Scouts UK site. To help support this policy the Region has an Adviser (Special Needs).

Resources

Many resources are available online to help ensure that Scouting can be made available to all. The Scouting for all section the UK site contains much information, including the Additional needs directory (details of more than 20 types of additional needs).

It is also worth knowing about the Mencap Gateway Award which people with a learning disability of any age or ability can take part in, and which can be done along with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The Equal Opportunities Policy of The Scout Association is highly relevant.

Support for Additional Needs is available through the SHQ Disability and Additional Needs Fund.