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We have a large numbers of answers to Frequently asked questions, these can be found below, some of the links take you to other areas of the site which contain FAQ's relating to their area.

If you can't find your answer above. Please e-mail (info.centre@scout.org.uk) your questions to us.

1. What is Scouting 2007?

   Scouting 2007 has been set up to oversee all the strands for the centenary of Scouting in 2007. These strands cover the following area:

   • The 21st World Jamboree
   • The World Celebrations that are taking place in the UK
   • Uk events and activities - including the Centenary celebrations for all UK Members.

2. How can I get involved?

   There are several ways that you could become involved. You could get involved with the Jamboree itself. The Jamboree will be taking place at Hylands Park from 27th July until 8th August 2007. Details of the event, staffing the event and to recieve updates you should visit the World Jamboree web site

   As well as the Jamboree, there will be many local Group, District and County activities being undertaken. The Scouting 2007 office would be very interested in hearing what is being planned and would welcome hearing from you any ideas that you might have. You can send you ideas to Scouting 2007 at Gilwell Park, or by email.

1. Who qualifications does a person need to check a set of Group, District or County/Area Annual Accounts?

   Details are available from LT115001 Guidance on New Accounting and Audit Requirements for Groups and Districts - See Appendix 1.

2. What funding is available from HQ to support Scouting?

   Details are available from the factsheet FS190001 Grant Aid for Scouting.

1. In what year was my Scout group first formed?

   Details of a Group's registration is kept on the Membership Database. Currently this information can be gained by contacting the Scout Information Centre who can advise. When the Membership Services goes on line, this information will be accessable locally.

2. Can you tell me the history of a particular Group?

   The records held at Headquarters are very limited and are kept on several forms of recording systems; card index, micro fiche, paper copy and electronic systems. Searching for details is a complex and time consuming task and requests for such information can not be dealt with over the phone. If you have such a request you need to write to the Archives Department at Gilwell Park, with an indication of the timescale in which you need the information. Responses can take some time. In addition, you might try the County abd District who may have information.

3. Do you have any records of when I gained my Queen's Scout Award?

   Over the years, records of Queens Scout Awards have been held either within a County/Area, or Nationally. If you gained your Award before 1970 the record may be at the County/Area in which you gained your Award. After 1970 the record is probably held at Gilwell Park.

1. Are there any variations to the Scout Promise due to different faiths or nationalities?

   There are variations to 'Duty to God' and 'Duty to the Queen' to allow for different faiths and nationalities. Full details can be found on the factsheet fs322016.

2. Why does Scouting celebrate St George's Day?

   Baden-Powell chose St George as the Patron Saint of Scouting and is a celebration of triumph over adversity. For further information see the factsheet fs295414.

1. I have been asked for a letter confirming our Public Libility Insurance cover, where can I get a copy from?

   A copy of the letter can be requested from the Scout Information Centre.

2. One of my Scouts has hurt herself at Scouts, do I need an accident report form?

   POR Rule 7.4. gives details of when you need to report an incident.

   All you need to do is call the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818 and they will take basic details and will sent a full Incident form to you.

   Where you have accidents and injuries at a Scouting activity that do not require the Incident report form, you should still make record of the incident or accident in an Accident Report book. This makes sure that should anything happen in the future, a record of the accident is available.

3. What is the insurance position of people who help with sections who are not Members of The Scout Association. Are they covered under Scout Insurance?

   Their liability would be picked up fromthe Asociation's Legal Liability policy. However, if they have an accident and hurt themsefves, they will not be covered under the Association's Personal Accident Policy, as with any member of public involved with a Scouting activity.

   Scout Insurance Services Ltd recommends that Scout Groups buy additional cover for individuals that help out during the year. This includes parents, one off visitors, DofE helpers, Committee Members etc. The cover is for up to 25 un-named people. These people can change during the year. Details and cost for the cover can be obtained from Scout Insurance Services at Lancing on 01903 768524.

1. With the new Night Away Permit scheme, do I still need to do a PC Abroad form?

   Yes; these are still available from your ACC/AAC International.

2. How do I arrange to get a pen pal with Scouts from another country?

   The contact for this is a Roy and Joan Walker who are based in Norfolk. Full details can be found in the factsheet, FS260002 International Links. In addition if you have personal contacts or links within a community, these too can be used.

3. How many Scouts are there in how many countries?

   The World Scout Bureau in Geneva reports that there are 28 million members in 218 countries and Territories. The only countries that do not have Scouting are Andora, China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea and Mayanmar. The World Scout Bureau is trying to restart Scouting in Afganistan.

1. Where can I get a portrait of the Queen for our HQ?

   Pictures are available from the Press Office at Windsor Castle on 01753 868286, extension 2235.

2. Where can I get a portrait of Baden Powell?

   These can be ordered via the Press Office at Gilwell Park, who can be contacted on 020 8433 7210.

3. Can I copy publications and parts of the website?

   If you wish ti use Scout publications and web material for Scouting use, and not for commercial (selling or profit) you can copy the material. This includes the Scout Logos, fleur de lys and ScoutBase UK material. (A design guide (code CD DESIGN) is available from the Scout Information Centre which may be of interest).

1. How do I get a Long Service Award?

   For those who have a warrented appointment, the Long Service Awards are generated automatically at the appropriate time and sent to Counties/Areas or Districts for presentation. For those whose service records has not been continious or who have had service in appointments that are not recorded on the national database an application has to be made on Form L and sent to the Awards Section of the Records Department at Gilwell Park.

2. How do I fill in a CRB/Disclosure Scotland form?

   Many of the FAQ's will be answered on the FAQ sheets that are already available. Questions on the completion of a CRB form can be answered on the linked FAQ's below as well as the Sample form also linked below.

   • Disclosure Scotland FAQ's [PDF]
   • Disclosure Scotland example. [PDF]
   • CRB England and Wales FAQ's. [PDF]
   • England and Wales example [PDF]

   The following FAQ's are based on the the support given by the Offices at Gilwell.

3. I have not had the notification from HQ that the CRB form has been OKed?

   Normally, forms take about 4 weeks to be returned from the CRB office. Occasionally they may take longer. If you have not had a response from Gilwell in 8 weeks, please call Gilwell and the Confidential Enquiry office and they will give you the most up to date information.

4. If someone has completed a criminal records disclosure from another agency, do they need a new one for the Scouts?

   Currently Yes. The reasons for this are as follows:

   • The Criminal records disclosure is similar to a MOT test on your car. It is accurate on the day of issue. A time period will have passed since the applicant received their previos disclosure so The Association needs to ensure that the check is up to date.
   • The Scout Association requires that an Enhanced Disclosure is undertaken. Other organistions may not have have required this level of check.
   • The disclosure is not itself proof of identity. If a person is trying to join for inappropriate motives, they may have gained the check by a similar manner. Undertaking the process helps to ensure that several items of identity are checked.
   • The criminal records disclosure application form is also used so that the Records Department can undertake their own internal records check.
   • A criminal records check helps to reassure the parents, that we take the safety of their children very seriously and do all within our power to keep them safe.

5. What regulations are there for using a minibus for Scouting?

   If you are using a minibus for the transportation of Members then each minibus you use must have a minibus permit. The permits are transferable from bus to bus and driver to driver. However, if you are transporting Guides you should have a Scout permit and one for the Guides too. An application for a permit is on ScoutBase UK.

1. A Scout has an EPI pen as he is alergic to stings, am I allowed to give it to him?

   Yes provided the parents have given you permission.The parents should be asked to demonstrate how to administor the injection and this may require some simple training with a GP.

2. I have someone who wants to join who has a particular special need. What should I do?

   The best advice would be to talk to the parents as they know about their child. There is also an organisation called Contact a Family that puts people in touch with specialists and families that know about a particular set of needs. Leaders must be content that they can cope with the needs at the same time as the rest of the Section. It is possible that you may have to request some assistance from the parents of an individual to help support you, at least in the short term whilst you get to know the young person.

3. I have someone who is epileptic, can he be a Leader?

   Yes, although there may be some limitations put on the warrant; for instance they may not be left in sole supervision of the Section.

4. Does the Disability Discrimination Act affect Scouting?

   It is believed that the Act may apply to certain aspects of Scouting so long as it is 'reasonable' to do so. At the moment no one can give organisations such as Scouting a definition of 'resonable'. This can only be decided in the courts.The Scout Association will be working with the Disability Rights Commission to see how better access to Scouting by disabled young people can be achieved.Further information will be provided as it becomes available.