{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EPart 1: Policy\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E1. Policy Statement\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Values of Scouts are Integrity, Respect, Care, Belief and Co-operation. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that we continue to live our values by being transparent, open, and accountable, especially when something goes wrong. It outlines the responsibilities and\u0026nbsp;procedures related to our Duty of Candour when incidents occur that result in harm or unintended outcomes.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWe will always endeavour to apply our approach to candour unless:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPrevented from doing so by law or,\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDirected not to do so by statutory agencies/ regulator or,\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDoing so may cause harm to anyone coming into contact with TSA.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWe aim to:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFoster a culture of openness and learning within The Scout Association (TSA).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEnsure that adverse events or mistakes are communicated openly.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhere required, defend positions openly and honestly.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPromote trust through transparency with our members, our communities, our partners,\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003Eand stakeholders.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EView incidents as opportunities for learning and improvement.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEncourage a culture of continuous learning and reflection.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E2. Scope\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis Duty of Candour Policy focuses specifically on Safety and Safeguarding incidents.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E3. Definitions\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdverse Event/ Incident threshold:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EAn event or incident that results in or involves allegations of harm (intended or unintended) to a child, young person, adult volunteer or member of staff taking part or involved within Scout activities. The event could result, or appear to have resulted, in moderate harm, severe harm,\u0026nbsp;sexual harm, or prolonged physical and/or psychological harm or, in the worst case, the death\u0026nbsp;of an individual.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll events/ incidents of this nature and incidents meeting the TSA critical incident threshold will be considered under this policy.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn addition to alleged or substantiated events or incidents The Duty of Candour lead should reasonably consider serious near misses that meet the threshold.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDuty of Candour:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EDuty of Candour is a legal duty for services delivering health and regulated activities such as those regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Although not a statutory duty for TSA, it is implementing this policy as part of our commitment to openness and honesty with young people, parents and carers, staff, and volunteers particularly when something goes wrong, and where it appears to have caused or could lead to moderate, significant harm or even death now or in the future.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E4. Who does this policy apply to?\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis policy applies to any Safety and Safeguarding incidents reported as per the requirements of POR or TSA policies/ procedures.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETSA HQ will consider and exercise the Duty of Candour where incidents meet the necessary\u0026nbsp; threshold, including collaborating with volunteers at a local level where necessary\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETSA HQ will lead engagement with individuals, their families and carers who may have been subject to an adverse incident/ event, ensuring they receive prompt, relevant information that may assist them in understanding what occurred. They will get an apology and will be told about any action we undertake to try to prevent another similar incident from occurring irrespective of fault.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESuch an apology is not an admission of fault or liability.\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E5. Accountability and responsibility\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Duty of Candour Lead is accountable for the implementation of this policy. This includes making decisions, approving when apologies should be made, and information to be provided as part of our approach to candour. Within TSA the lead is the Executive Director of\u0026nbsp;Operations.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EResponsibility for implementation rests with each of the HQ Safety and Safeguarding teams\u0026nbsp;who will review all incidents, reported or otherwise, to assess whether they meet the necessary threshold for this policy and supporting procedure to be enacted.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe legal team will provide advice in terms of the content of the apology, and will support\u0026nbsp;with related implementation. Advice may also be sought from TSA\u2019s Risk and Compliance Group.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWithin the movement all volunteers and staff are responsible for reporting Safety and Safeguarding incidents as per POR and supporting TSA to promote candour.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E6. Our commitment when something goes wrong\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen delivering activities, no matter how well planned and managed, we recognise there remains a risk that unintended or unexpected events could result in harm.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe recognise that when this happens, parents and carers expect to be told promptly and accurately what happened. They want to know what we know, how we are responding, and what actions we will take to stop the same things happening again. This policy and supporting procedure helps everyone to understand how we do this.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOur primary focus will be communication with parents of those under 18. However, it is vital that we ensure young people feel empowered and involved. We will ensure that through parents and/or carers we can assess a child or young person\u2019s competence to understand the situation and that, as far as practically possible, they are informed about the issues and actions that have and are being taken. For anyone over 18 where there is a concern about competence, again we will work with the relevant parents or carers to assess this and support\u0026nbsp;them as far as possible.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIf something goes wrong TSA commits to:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEnsure that we have prompt and open communication with those affected, especially parents or carers, and that this is maintained so that individuals are made aware of what is happening with clear expectations set.\u0026nbsp;\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPromptly disclose details of incidents to relevant authorities, taking their direction when required regarding how much information we can disclose and when.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EProvide clear and accurate information about an incident, its consequences, and any actions taken.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAcknowledge any errors, apologise promptly and transparently\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EConduct a thorough investigation, and give parents and carers evidence that lessons learned will help prevent reoccurrence of the incident.\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESuspend or restrict the duties of individuals involved in incidents, where appropriate and in accordance with POR.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EProvide support for those involved including any injured party, their parents and carers, those suspended or placed on limited duties, to cope with the physical and psychological consequences of what has happened.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEnsure that anyone we encounter is treated in a professional, caring and honest manner that reflects Scout Values.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E7. Governance\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis policy is overseen by the Board of Trustees, which is responsible for:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMonitoring compliance with the policy across the Movement.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERegular reviews, involving sub-committees and operational teams, and recommending updates to the policy.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EPart 2: Procedure\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003Ea. Aim\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis procedure outlines how we operationalise our Duty of Candour Policy.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe aim is to provide an open and honest dialogue with individuals, staff and volunteers to ensure that all stakeholders have confidence that we will robustly investigate any incident that may cause, or have the potential to cause, adverse effects and or serious harm; that we\u0026nbsp;are committed to learning and continuous improvement; and that we will apologise should failings occur.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Eb. Application\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor staff and volunteers this procedure details their roles and\u00A0responsibilities if they become involved in an incident and the support available to them to help cope with the consequences.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis procedure should be read in conjunction with POR, which outlines the requirements to report Safety and Safeguarding incidents.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4 class=\u0022lead\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ec. Incident reporting\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn the event of any adverse incident / event, Lead adult volunteer and / or staff must:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-roman;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EImmediately report the incident according to our internal reporting procedures (i.e. to the Safety or Safeguarding teams), as set out from time to time in \u2018POR\u2019, and in other communications shared with the membership.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEnsure that the affected person and, as appropriate, their family or carers, are notified as soon as possible.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EEnsure that an appropriate apology is given, expressing appropriate sorrow or regret, as directed by HQ. Under our approach to candour, an apology is separate to any\u00A0concern about fault and liability.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWherever possible we always aim to give this apology in writing and face to face.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep a written record of this conversation, sharing this with HQ.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAdvise that the incident will be reviewed by the HQ Safety and Safeguarding teams\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003Ed. Assessment and communication\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-roman;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe HQ Safety and Safeguarding teams will assess all incidents reported to establish if they meet the threshold to enact this policy.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe Duty of Candour Lead is accountable for ensuring these assessments take place.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe Duty of Candour Lead communicates with affected parties, providing clear and honest information, and following an adverse event, we commit to:\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-roman;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EProviding a sincere and meaningful written apology to the affected person and, as appropriate, their family. The written apology and explanation should follow\u00A0\u003Cbr\u003Ewhat was shared in the verbal apology.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022padding-left: 40px;\u0022\u003EThe written apology should:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli style=\u0022list-style-type: none;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EStick to facts known at the time. Do not stray into opinion or speculation, or any comment about fault or liability\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInsofar as is possible, give a step-by-step explanation of what has happened\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep the language clear and simple using a conciliatory and measured tone\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBe careful that everyone receives the same factual account of the event or incident\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThink about how you would hear or read what you are communicating \u2013 try again if it is not clear\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EReference an investigation if it is appropriate, in line with POR and the Critical Incident Management Policy\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep the affected person, and as appropriate, their family or carers updated of how any investigation is progressing\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECommunicate any new facts to the appropriate person\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAdvise the affected person of The Scout Association\u2019s continuing duty to keep the individual, and if appropriate, their family or carers informed, in writing, of any further enquiries and investigations, should they wish to receive it.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-roman;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESuspension or restriction of duties, where appropriate, of individuals involved in the incident will be carried out in line with POR.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhere incidents are reviewed and not deemed to meet the Duty of Candour threshold, relevant Lead volunteers/ staff will be advised locally and required to resume responsibility for the incident in line with POR.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003Ee. Recording and sharing of information\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDetailed factual records of incidents, actions taken, and communication with individuals, their family or carers must be fully documented and logged with TSA HQ. This includes clear details of the incident, those involved, those impacted and key actions taken including dates and times. All records must be securely stored and available to be shared at short notice.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDetails of related information will be shared, as required, with statutory agencies to ensure openness, learning and transparency. TSA HQ will support the movement to share any information required.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003Ef. After incident support and training\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe will conduct a thorough review (in line with relevant policies and process) of the incident to identify areas for improvement. This policy forms part of our suite of policies including Critical Incident Management, and After Incident Response and Support.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELessons learned are shared with individuals, families and carers, relevant stakeholders and across our movement to ensure that we share best practice and implement any lessons.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAfter incident support\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe will provide:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EImmediate and ongoing support to those affected by adverse events, including psychosocial support if needed.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESupport for youth members, adult volunteers and staff involved in the incident, recognising the emotional impact such events can have.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGuidance from either the Safety or Safeguarding team dependent on the nature of the incident.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETraining\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe will provide:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOngoing training to ensure all nominated individuals and leadership roles are aware of their responsibilities and requirements.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAll individuals must undertake our agreed e-learning and annual refresher course that will provide details on what constitutes an adverse event that would result in the Duty of Candour Policy being implemented.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDuty of Candour reporting and assessment of harm\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESource(s)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E1. \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gov.scot/publications/duty-of-candour-frequently-asked-questions/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDuty of Candour: frequently asked questions\u003C/a\u003E - gov.scot\u003Cbr\u003E2. \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.cqc.org.uk/news/stories/updated-guidance-meeting-duty-candour\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EUpdated guidance on meeting the duty of candour\u003C/a\u003E \u2013 Care Quality Commission\u003Cbr\u003E3. \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://webarchive.nrscotland.gov.uk/20250130223422/http://www.gov.scot/publications/organisational-duty-candour-guidance/\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EOrganisational duty of candour: guidance\u003C/a\u003E - gov.scot\u003Cbr\u003E4. \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://learn.nes.nhs.scot/scorm/courses/module0002654file0021850/story_content/external_files/TranscriptINTRODUCTION.pdf\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDuty of Candour\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Read our Duty of Candour Policy, which is for everyone in Scouts and includes all volunteers and staff.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"02 August 2024","reviewDate":"01/01/0001","redirectUrl":"","id":80592,"nodeName":"Duty of Candour Policy","title":"Duty of Candour Policy","type":"contentPage","image":{"url":"/media/12108/fdl-hp.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dab8e1b20252a0","caption":"Scouts purple logo","type":"jpg","size":93039,"width":1268,"height":664,"altText":"An image of a purple background showing the white Scouts logo"},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Duty of Candour Policy","headerSubTitle":"Read our Duty of Candour Policy, which is for everyone in Scouts and includes all volunteers and staff.","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"003982","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Concerns regarding Scouts\u2019 UK headquarters","url":"https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/88e5231522834691b3f62eca19cdce37","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Scouts\u0027 Complaints Policy","url":"/about-us/policy/scouts-complaints-policy/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Whistleblowing","url":"/about-us/policy/whistleblowing/","newWindow":true}]},"subHeader":"Read our Duty of Candour Policy, which is for everyone in Scouts and includes all volunteers and staff.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84MDU5MiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/about-us/policy/duty-of-candour-policy/"}