All adults aged 18 or over within Scouting are responsible for the operation of the Association's Child Protection Policy.
It is the responsibility of all adults to ensure that:
their behaviour is appropriate at all times;
they observe the rules established for the safety and security of young people;
they follow the procedures following suspicion, disclosure or allegation of child abuse;
they recognise the position of trust in which they have been placed;
in every respect, the relationships they form with the young people under their care are appropriate.
Note: the guidelines 'Young People First' set out a code of behaviour which is essential for all adults in Scouting to follow. The guidelines are available from the Scout Information Centre.
Counties must designate one or more Child Protection Co-ordinators.
They shall have the responsibility of advising the County Commissioner and the County Executive Committee on the implementation of the Association's Child Protection Policy within the County and shall assist District Commissioners in operating the policy and its procedures.
The District Commissioner or the County Commissioner, as appropriate, must be satisfied that all those whom they appoint are 'fit and proper' persons to carry out the responsibilities of the appointment.
They must ensure that all applicants demonstrate an understanding of and a commitment to the principles and procedures supporting the Association's Child Protection Policy.
Group Scout Leaders must be satisfied that all those whom they invite to assist them in the work of the Scout Group are 'fit and proper' persons to carry out the tasks to be given to them and are aware of their responsibilities under the Association's Child Protection Policy.
In cases where there is an allegation or suspicion of child abuse the District Commissioner or County Commissioner, as appropriate, must immediately take steps to ensure that no Scouting situation arises which could cause further concern and that no adult is placed in a position which could cause further compromise.
To this end, suspension of Membership may be necessary
Where urgent issues of child protection are involved the Chief Commissioner has the authority to suspend the Membership of any adult.
The suspending authority must ensure that the Records Manager at Headquarters is informed immediately.
When District or County Commissioners do not renew, or when they cancel warrants and appointments because the holder has not acted in accordance with the Association's Child Protection Policy, or has breached the code of behaviour, set out in the Young People First guidelines, they must inform the Records Manager at Headquarters in writing of the reasons for the termination of the warrant or appointment.
