{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW58355417 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW58355417 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW58355417 BCX8\u0022\u003EThis guidance supports the\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Euse of the Nights\u0026nbsp;Away Notification (NAN)\u0026nbsp;form\u0026nbsp;through\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Escouts\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003EDigital Tools, in line with the Scouts\u0027 Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR).\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\u0022OutlineElement Ltr SCXW58355417 BCX8\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Paragraph SCXW58355417 BCX8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW58355417 BCX8\u0022\u003EPublished\u003Cspan\u003E February\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;2026, replacing January 2026\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoBodyText2\u0022\u003EBefore beginning your Nights Away process, please check with your Lead Volunteer or Nights Away Assessor or Approver to confirm the correct procedure that you should follow.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoBodyText2\u0022\u003EDistricts are in the process of moving all approvals of Nights Away to within the new digital membership system. As a result, your County/District may implement this process right away or choose to wait until closer to the transition date (deadline to be determined). At the District\u0027s discretion, you can still use the existing systems (downloadable nights away notification form or local digital solution).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoBodyText2\u0022\u003EFor more information about the changes, please visit the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/volunteer-experience/\u0022\u003EVolunteer Experience\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0webpages.\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EThe NAN form is designed to gain approval and record key information relating to the Nights Away aspects of Scouting activities, including accommodation, catering, safeguarding and welfare plans. \u00A0To support approval and show a well-planned event, the form asks for a summary of activities. Other activities must be approved in accordance with the normal activity approval process outlined in \u003Ca href=\u0022/por/9a-activities/9a1-preparation-generic-rules-and-definitions-for-all-activities/\u0022 title=\u00229.1 All activities\u0022\u003EPOR 9.1.2\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003EMultiple Units of Scouting\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen nights away involve multiple units of Scouting or groups, it is worth considering who needs to complete a NAN. \u00A0\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENANs must be completed in line with the systems of control and to notify all relevant Lead Volunteers, meaning multiple NANs may be required for a single event.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen considering who should complete a NAN, consider:\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWho provides equipment (including kitchen and tents),\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWho is providing the catering? \u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWho collects and holds medical information,\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWho is responsible for the medical administration and welfare of the young people?\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWho has an \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/intouch/\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003EInTouch plan\u003C/a\u003E?\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWho is responsible for identifying and implementing safety controls (Risk Assessing)?\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe following examples may help further...\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA Beaver team are organising a sleepover for their colony in their local meeting point. \u0026nbsp;Betty, a Team member, is sorting all the admin, including collecting all medical information. Unfortunately, Betty can not stay overnight.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBob, a team member, is arranging the evening activity and catering. \u0026nbsp;Bijal, the Team Leader, has a Nights Away Permit.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003EWho completes the NAN\u003C/span\u003E - Betty can complete this; however, Bijal, as the permit holder, will need to take responsibility and review all of Betty and Bob\u2019s plans.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Beaver Sleepover"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EMark, the district campsite team leader, is organising their annual chilly challenge for all Scouts and Explorers in the district. \u0026nbsp;Mark has a Nights Away Permit and will provide all the catering; participants must bring their own tents. \u0026nbsp;All participants will register through a central portal that collects medical information.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003EWho completes the NAN\u003C/span\u003E \u2013 Mark can complete the NAN. \u0026nbsp;As part of his controls, he will check all participants\u0027 tents prior to it going dark.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"District Camp"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EImagin plans to take her scout group to the county camp, but does not have a Nights Away Permit. \u00A0Imagin will need to provide camping equipment and catering for her group. \u00A0The camp will provide all the activities and a risk assessment covering camping and the site.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003EWho completes the NAN\u003C/span\u003E \u2013 Imagin will need to complete a NAN for her group; however, she will need support from another volunteer with a Nights Away Permit to take responsibility and check all of Imagin\u0027s plans.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn addition, the event team will need to complete a NAN(s) for volunteers not covered by another NAN. This could be tasked to sub-team leaders for larger events. \u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","label":"County Camp"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EEdd\u2019s Explorers are looking to go on a DofE expedition with the neighbouring county\u2019s DofE team.\u0026nbsp; Edd is not the permit holder; however, he is planning to support the expedition.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003E\u003Cu\u003EWho completes the NAN\u003C/u\u003E \u2013 Edd will need to complete a NAN for himself and his explorers.\u0026nbsp; He will need to add the permit holder from the neighbouring county to the NAN and add notes to the program box to explain the nature of the joint expedition.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003EThe neighbouring County team will also need to complete NAN(s).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003ELocal communication between approvers is key to make sure suitable plans are in place.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Expedition with neighbouring county"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003ECompleting and submitting a NAN using the Digital Tools\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs every Night Away is different, it is important to discuss your plans with your Lead Volunteer and Nights Away Approvers to make sure your NAN includes all relevant information in a timely manner.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe following are some top tips to consider when completing a NAN\u2026\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003ELocation\u003C/span\u003E \u2013 this will determine where the NAN will go for approval. \u0026nbsp;Please make sure you set it appropriately. For example, if you select your Section as the location, this will go to the District Lead Volunteer / Nights Away Approver as long as they are not the Permit Holder for approval.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003EMultiple venues\u003C/span\u003E \u2013 If multiple locations are required, for example, when embarking on an expedition, please include the location of the first Night Away and add any additional locations to the Activities box.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cu\u003ENumber of Attendees\u003C/u\u003E - This is an approximation of the number of participants you expect to attend the event.\u0026nbsp; This helps the Nights Away Approver understand your plans, including the levels of supervision in place.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003EAdding Permit Holder and Adults/Leaders Attending\u003C/span\u003E \u2013 It\u2019s recommended to use membership numbers here to avoid adding the incorrect person.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENote -\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003EIn Scotland any Young Leaders \u0026amp; Young Helpers acting in a regulated role must also be added to the Nights Away Notification form so their PVG status can be checked\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;If an individual does not show, this is likely to be due to their permissions settings (Please see details \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/volunteer-experience/digital-tool-guides/personal-details-and-preferences/\u0022 title=\u0022Personal details and preferences\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C/a\u003E)\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003EInTouch Details\u003C/span\u003E \u2013 Please add a summary of your InTouch plan; this should be more than just a home contact. You can upload your full plan as a supporting document. \u0026nbsp;For more information about InTouch plans, please visit our website \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/programme-guidance/information-for-volunteers/intouch/\u0022 title=\u0022InTouch\u0022\u003Ehere\u003C/a\u003E.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\u0022text-decoration: underline;\u0022\u003ESaving\u003C/span\u003E \u2013 This enables you to save your progress and return to amend details before submitting the NAN. \u0026nbsp;Please note that NANs will not be saved if documents have been attached, and saving will not enable others to view the NAN.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW200361444 BCX8\u0022\u003EFurther\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003ENotes:\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW217395272 BCX8\u0022\u003EWhere possible, NANs should be\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Esubmitted\u003Cspan\u003E 7 days prior to the start date to give the approver time to review\u003C/span\u003E,\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Ediscuss\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eand approve the activity.\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003EHowever,\u003Cspan\u003E last-minute\u003C/span\u003E Nights Away requests do happen,\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;so good local\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Ecommunication\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;with your Nights Away approver is key.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Notice period"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW14468008 BCX8\u0022\u003EIt is important to update your NAN as changes are made to remain\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eaccurate. However,\u003Cspan\u003E we know the number of young people\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eattending may\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;change right up\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eto the event\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Estart date.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003EAs such, only an approximate number of attendees is\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Erequested.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Updating the NAN"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW178260232 BCX8\u0022\u003EThis is the person completing the NAN.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003EThis can\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Ebe any volunteer with a full role and does not have to be the Leader In Charge or Permit Holder; please see examples above.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Event Leader "},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW74723296 BCX8\u0022\u003EThe NAN form only allows for one permit holder to be\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Enamed.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003EIf this person changes during an\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eevent,\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;this should be noted in the\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u2018Activities\u2019\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;box and allow the Nights Away Approver to\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Echeck\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eappropriately.\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Planned changes to the Permit Holder"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022NormalTextRun SCXW36304504 BCX8\u0022\u003EA NAN is not needed for an\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eadult-only event, including Network events.\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003EHowever,\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;notification should be sent\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eto\u003Cspan\u003E the relevant Lead Volunteer, and activity\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003Eapproval\u003Cspan\u003E\u0026nbsp;gained.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Adult-only Nights Away, including Network"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA Risk Assessment must be uploaded to the form before submitting.\u0026nbsp; This must be relevant to the dates and location covered by the NAN and cover all elements of nights away activity.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhere risk assessments are split over multiple documents, additional information can be added to the Supporting Documents section.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Risk Assessments"}]}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"Open Digital Tools Guide page","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGuide and training clips on how to apply for Nights Away events and how to approve Nights Away requests\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":"Nights Away","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/volunteer-experience/digital-tool-guides/nights-away/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Digital Tools Guide for NAN","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Open Nights Away and Camping page","body":"\u003Cp\u003ENights Away or residential events, such as camping or sleepovers, are a key part of Scouts. 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