Safeguarding
Keeping young people safe is the first responsibility of everyone in Scouting. Paisley & District Scouts follows the Safeguarding Policy of The Scout Association and works with the Scouts Scotland safeguarding team.
In an emergency. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If a young person needs protection but isn't in immediate danger, contact your local social work children and families team.
Our commitment
- Every young person has the right to take part in Scouting free from harm, harassment, bullying, abuse and neglect.
- The welfare of the young person always comes first.
- Everyone — volunteers, parents, young people — has a duty to speak up if something isn't right.
How we keep Scouting safe
- Vetting. Every adult in a role with young people joins the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme through Disclosure Scotland and is appointed through The Scout Association's process, including references and an interview.
- The Yellow Card. Every adult follows the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults — including never being alone with a young person where you can't be seen, and how to respond to a disclosure.
- Training. Safeguarding and safety training is mandatory for all adult volunteers and is refreshed regularly.
- Safe programme. Activities are risk-assessed, ratios are followed, and nights away are run by permit holders.
If you have a concern
Anyone with a safeguarding concern has a duty to report it as soon as possible, and always within 24 hours. You do not need to be certain, and you do not need to investigate first.
- If a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
- Otherwise, report it straight to the UK Headquarters Safeguarding Team using the online reporting form. If you can't use the form, call 020 8433 7164 (Mon–Fri 9–5) or email safeguarding@scouts.org.uk.
- Tell the District Lead Volunteer or District Safeguarding contact — but reporting to Headquarters comes first and must not be delayed.
You can also contact us at info@paisleyanddistrict.org.uk and we'll make sure your concern reaches the right people.
Other useful contacts
- Police Scotland — 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency)
- NSPCC helpline — 0808 800 5000
- Childline — 0800 1111