{"number":"","body":"","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW154590853 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUpdated March 2024\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EOverview\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis guidance relates only to subjects who are adult volunteers. Where we refer here to an adult this refers to members of The Scout Association who are 18 years old or older.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAn exclusion will be considered where the total information available about the individual implies that their involvement may adversely affect the:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ehealth and welfare of young people\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ewelfare of adults, scouting operations or the individual concerned\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ereputation of Scouting.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Head of Safeguarding reserves the right for the Safeguarding Team to use professional judgement to make risk based decisions.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOffences and behaviours within each section are not exhaustive.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe should recognise that our understanding of safeguarding and safer recruitment changes over time. Past decisions made by the Scouts may be considered differently by future standards.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are three categories of exclusion guidance:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022color: red;\u0022\u003ERed:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E categories for which the only option is exclusion, with no right of appeal [sections 1 to 5 inclusive below]\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022color: orange;\u0022\u003EAmber:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E categories for which the circumstances may impact on the next steps actions [sections 6 to 10 inclusive below]\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor this category, the account from the subject will be requested and the outcomes available are:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eexclusion with the right of appeal (see appeal process)\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Edecline (cancelled membership) up to a maximum period of five years \u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDistrict decision\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022color: green;\u0022\u003EGreen:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E categories for which action taken will be locally considered [section 11 below] or considered \u2018clear\u2019 [section 12 below]\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022color: red;\u0022\u003ERed\u003C/span\u003E\u00A0\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E1. On Barred or Disqualified List\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIndividual barred. It is a criminal offence for a person who is on the Children\u0027s Barred List to volunteer in any capacity for Scouting.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/47/contents\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (gov.uk)\u0022\u003ESafeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/2007/1351/contents\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007\u0022\u003ENorthern Ireland Order\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2007/14/contents\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 (gov.uk)\u0022\u003EProtecting Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disqualification-under-the-childcare-act-2006\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Disqualification under the Childcare Act 2006 (gov.uk)\u0022\u003EDisqualification under the Childcare Act 2006\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIndividual is on the Vulnerable Adults Barred List. Scouts does not ask for information about the Vulnerable Adults list, but is often informed of it.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext steps: Exclusion \u2013 no appeal\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E2. Any offence perpetrated as an adult against a child demonstrating a sexual interest in children or behaviour indicative of a sexual interest in children\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA range of threshold applied by different statutory agencies, be that an outcome of admission of guilt, conviction, caution, reprimand or Community Resolution Order.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA finding of guilt made in a criminal court (\u0027beyond reasonable doubt\u0027) or in civil courts (\u0027balance of probability\u0027).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis includes offences defined by the:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESexual Offences Act 2003\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EProtection of Children Act 1978\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECriminal Justice Act 1988\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECoroners and Justice Act 2009.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt includes offences of:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Erape and other sexual assaults\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eindecent images of children\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGrooming\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Etrafficking (children)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Evoyeurism (children)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eexposure of genitals with intent to distress or alarm (children).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis also includes sexual offences against children in another jurisdiction, such as outside the UK.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhere the adult is 18 or 19 years old at the time of the offence and the young person was 17 years old, and statutory agencies deemed the offence to be \u0027age appropriate\u0027 and consensual, it would be more appropriate to consider the offence under Section 7.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext steps: Exclusion \u2013 no appeal\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E3. Other offences or behaviours perpetrated by an adult against a child whereby a child has suffered significant harm (physical or psychological)\u00A0\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA court or police outcome of admission of guilt, conviction, caution, reprimand or Community Resolution Order in the criminal or judicial finding in another court defined by the Crown Prosecution Service as \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/child-abuse-non-sexual\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Child Abuse (non-sexual) (cps.gov.uk)\u0022\u003Enon-sexual child abuse\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis should include the offence of child neglect where the adult was convicted in the criminal court or made an admission of guilt, accepted a caution or a finding was made in the civil courts.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis also includes behaviour which is assessed by statutory agencies as posing an ongoing risk of harm and is unlikely to change over time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhere the adult is 18 or 19 years old at the time of the offence and the young person is 17 years old, it may be more appropriate to consider the offence under Section 7.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext steps: Exclusion \u2013 no appeal\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E4. Adverse information from a statutory agency or other professional source\u00A0\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe source should be a statutory agency such as:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ethe police\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Echildren services\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ea Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ea \u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Departments, agencies and public bodies (gov.uk)\u0022\u003Egovernment department, agency or other public body\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAdverse Information must be in writing and confirm that the agency advises that this person is not suitable to hold a role in Scouting.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext steps: Exclusion \u2013 no appeal\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E5. Conviction for serious offences against the person (adult)\u00A0\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA court or police outcome of admission of guilt, conviction, caution, reprimand or Community Resolution Order.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Emurder\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Erape\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Emanslaughter\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ecrimes associated with organising sexual exploitation\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eoffences under the Terrorism Act(s)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eserious crimes of violence including grievous bodily harm (GBH)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Econvictions for abuse or exploitation of a vulnerable adult\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ecriminal offences where the conduct is associated to domestic abuse (Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Edrug, arms or people trafficking\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Esexual exploitation.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext steps: Exclusion \u2013 no appeal\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4 style=\u0022color: orange;\u0022\u003EAmber\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E6. Individual under 18 at time of an offence or behaviour that if committed after aged 18 would attract national attention and or fall into above \u2018red\u2019 criteria\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe decision makers must have a clear understanding that some childhood behaviours can become more embedded rather than dissipating with age such as some child-on-child sexual offending. Each case must be considered individually, informed by the best research.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext steps: Further consideration by UK Headquarters.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E7. Offence or behaviour which causes serious doubt about suitability (amber)\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor example:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eoffences against the person (including threats of violence)\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Esupplying any controlled substance\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Epossession of controlled substances\u003Cbr\u003E\u2022 isolated incident of possession of Class A controlled substances within the past five years\u003Cbr\u003E\u2022 isolated incident of possession of Class B or C controlled substances within the past two years\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ecausing death by dangerous driving\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ephysical chastisement\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eoffences under the Public Order Act 1986\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eoffences under the Firearms Acts 1968\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome sexual offences committed against an adult victim, Public Order offences. This includes where someone has received a civil order \u0022Sexual Risk Order\u0022 under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, as they are considered to pose a risk of harm.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAn allegation of a sexual offence (adult victim) not progressed to trial.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EInformation held on confidential systems or an allegation of inappropriate behaviour.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPresumption of exclusion where the total information available about the individual implies that their involvement may adversely affect the:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ehealth or welfare of young people\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ewelfare or other adults, Scouting operations or the individual concerned\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ereputation of Scouting.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext steps: Further consideration by UK Headquarters.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E8. Offence or behaviour which causes doubt about the individual\u2019s compatibility with Scouting values\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENot an exhaustive list:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eharassment\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eblackmail\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ehate crime - any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim, or anybody else, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone\u0027s protected characteristics\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EInformation held on UK Headquarters safeguarding confidential systems or an allegation(s) of a Yellow Card or Safeguarding Policy breach, breaches of POR.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOffences or behaviour which are in conflict with Scouting values, for example failure to cooperate with a safeguarding local enquiry, lack of respect to:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eyoung people\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Evolunteers\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eparents\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ecarers\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPresumption of exclusion where the total information available about the individual implies that their involvement may adversely affect the:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ehealth or welfare of young people\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ewelfare of other adults, Scouting operations or the individual concerned\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ereputation of Scouting.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext steps: Further consideration by UK Headquarters.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E9. Non-conviction information provided by other sources or held on UK Headquarters confidential records\u00A0\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAdverse information held on confidential systems at UK Headquarters whereby membership has been cancelled or an individual as resigned, and concerns have been alleged about an individual\u2019s behaviour or conduct.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe sources include but are not limited to:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Estatutory agencies\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Egovernment departments\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eeducation establishments\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eother charities where the information is deemed to be reputable.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhere required passed to medical advisor or appropriate health care professional for guidance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPresumption of exclusion where the total information available about the individual implies that their involvement may adversely affect the:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col style=\u0022list-style-type: lower-alpha;\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ehealth or welfare of young people\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ewelfare or other adults, Scouting operations or the individual concerned\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ereputation of Scouting.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext steps: Further consideration by UK Headquarters.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E10. Barred from Trusteeship\u00A0\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOnly applies to individuals for roles providing trustee status where the individual is disqualified by law from acting as a charity trustee, such as an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhere a trustee is subject of an allegation or misconduct or a safeguarding concern they would fall into the sections 1 to 9.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENext steps: Further consideration by UK Headquarters.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4 style=\u0022color: green;\u0022\u003EGreen\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E11. Other conviction, caution or admission of guilt\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ECriminal record check information will be passed to relevant Lead Volunteer and District team member(s) with technical advice and in line with the codes of practice of the relevant disclosure authority ensuring confidentiality.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E12. Minor and unrelated (to Scouting) offences\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor example: minor motoring offences, minor thefts, and criminal damage.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E0, 1 or 2 minor offences, that don\u2019t fall into another category, committed more than 5 years ago.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDisclosure considered to be \u2018clear\u2019 for Scouting purposes.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"deprecated":false,"url":"/por/16-adult-roles/safeguarding-and-vetting-decision-guidance/","id":48460,"nodeName":"Safeguarding and vetting decision guidance","title":"Safeguarding and vetting decision guidance","type":"pORRule","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":"Safeguarding and vetting decision guidance","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"Read Scouts\u0027 safeguarding and vetting decision guidance.","subHeader":"Read Scouts\u0027 safeguarding and vetting decision guidance.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80ODQ2MCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/16-adult-roles/safeguarding-and-vetting-decision-guidance/"}