{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"value":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/1133171740","gridType":"embed","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":false,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EHello!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn this short video you\u2019ll get an overview of what you, District or County Lead Volunteer, need to know about suspensions for safeguarding reasons.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESuspensions allow time and space for any necessary investigation or enquiry to take place, whilst protecting all the individuals concerned and the movement.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESuspensions related to a safeguarding concern are a bit different from suspensions for other reasons.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Lead Volunteer must work with the UK HQ Safeguarding Team to manage the suspension and decide on any actions. This is to reduce the risk of harm to Young People and to ensure a thorough investigation.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELet\u2019s take a look at how suspensions for safeguarding reasons happen in practice.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt Scouts, the welfare of children and young people is our priority. To minimise risks to them and to adults, we might need to suspend a volunteer if there\u2019s a safeguarding concern.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome of the reasons for a safeguarding suspension are:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAn allegation of a serious criminal offence.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAn investigation by statutory agency.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe actions have caused or could cause serious harm to a member or non-member.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn some cases, the suspension starts at HQ level. The UK HQ Safeguarding Team contacts the District or County / Area / Region Lead Volunteer to inform them about the concern and suggest the suspension.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn other cases, the suspension might start locally, then must be passed on to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn both scenarios, the Lead Volunteer and the UK HQ Safeguarding Team work together to define and agree actions and outcomes.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EManaging a suspension for a safeguarding reason might be challenging and you might feel nervous. The UK HQ Safeguarding Team will provide you with guidance and support through all stages of the process.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe UK HQ Safeguarding Team might:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInvestigate the safeguarding concern.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELiaise with statutory agencies.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESupport Lead Volunteers with undertaking local enquiries.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERecommend actions to the Lead Volunteer.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EExplain what information the Lead Volunteer can share with others.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EManage the suspension through My Membership.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESend the necessary written communication to the suspended volunteer.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EProvide the Lead Volunteer with updates.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERecommend the suspension outcome.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EClose the safeguarding case.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESo what\u2019s your responsibility as a Lead Volunteer?\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDistrict and County/Area/Region Lead Volunteers are expected to:\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWork in partnership with UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInform the volunteer about the suspension.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOffer a Liaison Person to the suspended volunteer and share their contact details with UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENotify other relevant volunteers (like the Group Lead Volunteer) and keep them informed, maintaining confidentiality.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep the suspended volunteer and their Liaison Person informed.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESupport local volunteers in making arrangements to cover the suspended volunteer.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECollaborate with UK HQ Safeguarding Team to create a support plan for victim(s) and young people impacted.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMonitor local actions and share updates with UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAgree suspension outcome with UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECommunicate suspension outcome to volunteer and manage any conditions for return, if appropriate.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW176946973 BCX0\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW176946973 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW176946973 BCX0\u0022\u003ERemember that you\u2019re not alone when managing a suspension for a safeguarding reason.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW176946973 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW176946973 BCX0\u0022\u003EThe UK HQ Safeguarding Team will support you with these actions. You can seek their advice anytime you need.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW176946973 BCX0\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW176946973 BCX0\u0022\u003EYou can also contact your Lead Volunteer to ask for support and a lending ear. And you can check if there\u2019s a Volunteer Safeguarding Lead in your District or County to support you.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW176946973 BCX0\u0022\u003EOnce the statutory agency involvement has concluded and the internal process have been done, you\u2019ll discuss and agree the suspension outcome with the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW176946973 BCX0\u0022\u003EThere\u2019re 4 possible outcomes:\u003Cbr\u003EReinstate: The volunteer returns to their role with or without changes.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW176946973 BCX0\u0022\u003EEnd the role(s): The volunteer returns to Scouts, but in a different role or team.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW176946973 BCX0\u0022\u003EEnd membership: The volunteer can\u2019t return to Scouts, but they may apply to re-join after a defined period of time.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW176946973 BCX0\u0022\u003EExclusion: permanent ending of membership.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe timelines for suspensions for safeguarding reasons vary significantly from case to case, depending on the investigations needed. Each case is unique.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe UK HQ Safeguarding Team will explain the expected timelines, where possible, and guide you through each step.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe UK HQ Safeguarding Team is there to support you through the whole process. They\u2019ll provide you with any additional guidance you might need.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can also read the Suspensions for safeguarding reasons webpage for more information and get tips on how to manage the suspension locally.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThanks for watching!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","label":"Video transcript"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EWhat suspensions for safeguarding reasons are\u00A0\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt Scouts, the welfare of children and young people is our priority. To minimise risks to them and to adults, we might need to suspend a volunteer if there\u2019s a safeguarding concern.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome of the reasons for a safeguarding suspension are: \u00A0\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAn allegation of a serious criminal offence.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAn investigation by statutory agency.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe actions or inactions have caused or could cause serious harm to a member or non-member.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou\u2019ll find the reasons for suspending adult volunteers in \u003Ca href=\u0022/por/16-adult-roles/167-apply-suspension-or-other-restrictions/\u0022 title=\u002216.7 Apply restrictions\u0022\u003EPOR Rule 16.7\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESuspensions allow time and space for any necessary investigation or enquiry to take place, whilst protecting all the individuals concerned and the movement.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EManaging a suspension for a safeguarding reason might be challenging and you might feel nervous. The UK HQ Safeguarding Team will provide you with guidance and support through all stages of the process.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EWho manages suspensions for safeguarding reasons\u00A0\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn some cases, the suspension starts at HQ level. The UK HQ Safeguarding Team contacts the District or County/Area/Region Lead Volunteer to inform them about the concern and suggest the suspension. \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn other cases, the suspension might start locally, then must be passed on to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team. \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe UK HQ Safeguarding Team must oversee all suspensions for safeguarding reasons. They\u2019ll work with the District or County/Area/Region (Scotland) Lead Volunteer to define actions and outcomes. \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe District or County/Area/Region (Scotland) Lead Volunteer can ask another Lead Volunteer or a \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-things-locally/tools-to-support-leadership-teams/how-teams-share-tasks/accreditations/leadership-team-accreditations/\u0022 title=\u0022Leadership Team Accreditations\u0022\u003EVolunteer Safeguarding Lead\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0to be the main point of contact about the case. This\u2019s an informal role known as Situation Manager.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe District or County/Area/Region (Scotland) Lead Volunteer is responsible for making the decisions on actions and outcomes, together with the UK HQ Safeguarding Team. This can\u2019t be delegated to the Situation Manager. \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Suspension Lead accreditation doesn\u2019t cover suspensions for safeguarding reasons.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EWhat the UK HQ Safeguarding Team does\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe UK HQ Safeguarding Team are professionals who offer advice and guidance, and ensure Scouts take the appropriate steps to keep everyone safe. They might:\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInvestigate the safeguarding concern.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ELiaise with statutory agencies.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESupport Lead Volunteers with undertaking local enquiries.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERecommend actions to the Lead Volunteer and Situation Manager.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EExplain what information the Lead Volunteer and Situation Manager can share with others.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EManage the suspension through My Membership.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESend the necessary written communication to the suspended volunteer.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EProvide the Lead Volunteer and Situation Manager with updates.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERecommend the suspension outcome.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EClose the safeguarding case.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EWhat\u2019s your responsibility as a Lead Volunteer\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen managing a suspension for a safeguarding reason, District and County/Area/Region (Scotland) Lead Volunteers are expected to: \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWork in partnership with UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInform the volunteer about the suspension.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOffer a liaison person to the suspended volunteer and share their contact details with UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENotify other relevant volunteers (like the Group Lead Volunteer) and keep them informed, maintaining confidentiality.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep suspended volunteer and their Liaison Person informed, as appropriate.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESupport local volunteers in making arrangements to cover the suspended volunteer.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECollaborate with UK HQ Safeguarding Team to create a support plan for victim(s) and young people impacted.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMonitor local actions and enquiries and share updates with UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAgree suspension outcome with UK HQ Safeguarding Team.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECommunicate suspension outcome to volunteer and manage any conditions for return, if appropriate.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf someone else is the Situation Manager for the case, the Lead Volunteer can ask their support with some of these tasks. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember that you\u2019re not alone. The UK HQ Safeguarding Team will support you with these actions. You can seek their advice anytime you need.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can also contact your Lead Volunteer to ask for support and a lending ear. Check the page \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-things-locally/tools-to-support-leadership-teams/suspensions/suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/support-for-you-your-team-and-young-people/\u0022 title=\u0022Support for you, your team and young people\u0022\u003ESupport for you, your team and young people\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;for more information.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPage last reviewed:\u003C/strong\u003E November 2025\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"prev":null,"next":{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/tools-to-support-leadership-teams/suspensions/suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/stages-and-timelines/","title":"Stages and timelines"},"allParts":[{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/tools-to-support-leadership-teams/suspensions/suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/understand-suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/","title":"Understand suspensions for safeguarding reasons"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/tools-to-support-leadership-teams/suspensions/suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/stages-and-timelines/","title":"Stages and timelines"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/tools-to-support-leadership-teams/suspensions/suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/tips-for-managing-the-impact-of-the-suspension/","title":"Tips for managing the impact of the suspension"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/tools-to-support-leadership-teams/suspensions/suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/support-for-you-your-team-and-young-people/","title":"Support for you, your team and young people"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/tools-to-support-leadership-teams/suspensions/suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/suspension-outcomes/","title":"Suspension outcomes"},{"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/tools-to-support-leadership-teams/suspensions/suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/what-to-consider-when-the-suspension-ends/","title":"What to consider when the suspension ends"}],"link":"/volunteers/running-things-locally/tools-to-support-leadership-teams/suspensions/suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/understand-suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/","id":86511,"nodeName":"Understand suspensions for safeguarding reasons","title":"Understand suspensions for safeguarding reasons","type":"codexPart","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Understand suspensions for safeguarding reasons","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"Understand suspensions for safeguarding reasons.","subHeader":"Understand suspensions for safeguarding reasons.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC84NjUxMSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-things-locally/tools-to-support-leadership-teams/suspensions/suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/understand-suspensions-for-safeguarding-reasons/"}