{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS120801 Published February 2026, replacing October 2024\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EIntroduction\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis page provides a guide to applicants wishing to gain a nights away permit. It should be read in conjunction with Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association. Find out more about the scheme for \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/nights-away-and-camping/nights-away-permit-scheme/advisers-guide/\u0022 title=\u0022Advisers\u0027 Guide\u0022\u003ENights Away Assessors\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;and for \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/nights-away-and-camping/nights-away-permit-scheme/commissioners-guide/\u0022 title=\u0022Commissioners\u0027 Guide\u0022\u003ELead Volunteers and Approvers\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\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 webpages.\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":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003EThe Nights Away Permit Scheme\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EA Nights Away Permit allows you to lead nights away events for young people within Scouts. It shows people in Scouts, the young people and their parents and carers that you have the necessary skills and experience to be able to lead these important events.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EThe Nights Away Permit Scheme is a national scheme, so when you have a permit it\u0027ll allow you to lead nights away events for young people from any District or County.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EEach permit can be tailored to the level of your skills, experience and requirements, meaning that restrictions may be placed on such matters as areas, venues or group sizes. This makes sure that you can lead events at the right level.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat will be assessed?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo gain a permit, you\u0027ll be assessed in four areas:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E1. Technical Competence.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E2. Knowledge of Scout Association Rules for Nights Away.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E3. Safety and Safeguarding.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E4. Personal Suitability.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoBodyText2\u0022\u003EThe last two will be checked by your responsible Lead Volunteer or Permit Approver (see \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/nights-away-and-camping/nights-away-permit-scheme/lead-volunteer-and-approvers-guide/\u0022 title=\u0022Lead Volunteer and Approvers Guide\u0022\u003EFS120803 Nights Away Permit Scheme - Lead Volunteers and Approvers Guide\u003C/a\u003E), Knowledge will be checked by the responsible Lead Volunteer or a Nights Away Assessor, and Technical Competence by a Nights Away Assessor. (see \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/nights-away-and-camping/nights-away-permit-scheme/assessors-guide/\u0022 title=\u0022Assessors Guide\u0022\u003EFS120804 Nights Away Permit Scheme \u2013 Assessors Guide\u003C/a\u003E).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: justify;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EDuring your Technical Competence assessment you will be assessed for your skills, knowledge and experience. This is likely to be through a practical assessment, except where you are renewing an identical permit, and you have recent on-going experience. This assessment is not supposed to trick you or catch you out.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: justify;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EIt is to assess your level of technical competence, and your Nights Away Assessor should also be able to support and provide advice to you throughout the process of planning, running and evaluating an event, as well as assessing you.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: justify;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EFull details of the syllabus you will be assessed against can be found in the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/nvqchtii/ac120900-nights-away-may-2025.docx\u0022 title=\u0022AC120900 Assessment Checklist for a Nights Away Permit November 2024\u0022\u003ENights Away Assessment Checklist\u003C/a\u003E. If you are unsure about anything to do with the assessment or how it will be run, please talk to your Nights Away Assessor beforehand.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoBodyText2\u0022\u003EIf the Nights Away Assessor or responsible Lead Volunteer or Permit Approver recommends certain restrictions on your permit they should let you know why this is. They should also be able to tell you what further experience or skills you require to gain a permit with fewer restrictions.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cdiv class=\u0022WordSection1\u0022\u003E\n\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003ELearning and support\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: justify;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EThere is no compulsory learning modules that you need to complete before going forward for an assessment.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: justify;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EThe important aspect is being able to prove you have the skills during the assessment, not where you got them from. However, there are a number of places that you can find learning and support.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: justify;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EThe most obvious and recommended place to learn skills is through Module 16 (Introduction to Residential Experiences) and Module 38 (Skills for Residential Experiences) could give you some additional basic knowledge.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: justify;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EIn addition to this valuable experience can be gained by attending or helping on the leadership team for residential events being run by someone else who holds a nights away permit.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003C/div\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003EUsing your permit\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Textbody\u0022\u003EOnce you have gained your permit you can use it to run the activity up to the level permitted by any restrictions placed on it. Please remember that although there is no requirement to hold a first aid qualification to gain a nights away permit, and that your permit will remain valid whether you hold a first aid qualification or not, you are required to have a first aid holder present at every nights away event.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022margin-bottom: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EAll groups undertaking a nights away event must have immediate access to someone who has a current first aid qualification, minimum First Response. The level of first aid competence required for each event will be determined by the event risk assessment.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: justify;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EHaving a permit does not override the need for all activities to have the (usually informal) approval of the responsible Lead Volunteer, and in the case of nights away events this is done through the Nights Away Notification Form (NAN).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: justify;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EBefore any nights away event takes place you need to send all the details that can be found on Form NAN, using your local digital solution or using the Nights away notification function in the membership system to your Lead Volunteer or Nights Away Approver. It is the Lead Volunteer or Nights Away Approver that gives approval for events to take place, not campsite wardens or managers.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: justify;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EYou may act as Permit holder for more than one Group at an event, but they remain your responsibility, and you must ensure that the appropriate Lead Volunteers are informed.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022ScoutSubHead\u0022\u003EEvent Passports\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003ETo encourage young people led residential events, such as patrol camps or Explorer Scout expeditions, when you hold a nights away permit you can grant a nights away passport to an under 18 year old. This\u0027ll allow the young person to lead a residential event for members of their own section and it only lasts for a single event.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Textbody\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYou can only issue a Passport to the level of your own permit. It\u0027s not to be used if an adult, who hasn\u0027t got a permit, is going to be present for the duration (or a significant part) of the residential event in a leadership capacity.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EBefore granting a Passport, you\u0027ll need to check that you\u0027re happy that the young person has the skills to lead that event safely and successfully, as you remain responsible for the event. The young person given the passport will be leading the event, so it can\u0027t be given if there\u0027ll be adults present running the event, who\u0027re looking for a way around the Rules, as they don\u0027t have permits.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EYou can get hold of passports through the \u003Ca href=\u0022https://scoutsbrand.org.uk/catalogue/item/event-passport\u0022\u003EScout Brand Centre.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EActivity leaders \u0026amp; permit holders\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: justify;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EDuring the course of a residential experience the permit holder has overall responsibility. However, some activities during the course of the residential will require an activity leader overseeing their team. i.e. a climbing team member on a campsite, a horse-riding team member, activity team member who is responsible for that part of the programme.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022text-align: justify;\u0022 class=\u0022Standard\u0022\u003EIn these instances, the activity leader should have a more thorough knowledge of the activity and consequently are best placed to ensure that it is safe and fun for all. The permit holder is still responsible and must ensure that the activity leader is competent to lead that part of the programme and the appropriate risk assessments have been completed satisfactorily. If the permit holder has any concerns during the course of the activity, then they should take the appropriate action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all concerned.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EApplying for a permit\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoBodyText2\u0022\u003ETo get a permit you should apply using the permit application within the membership system, as part of this process you will log your experience and identify a Nights Away Assessor.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoBodyText2\u0022\u003EAlthough there is no requirement to get approval from anyone in applying for a permit, it is good practice to let your Group Lead Volunteer or responsible Lead Volunteer know of your intentions beforehand. They can often provide valuable guidance and support.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoBodyText2\u0022\u003EOnce you have been assessed by the Nights Away Assessor, they will issue a recommendation for the level of permit they believe your skills and experience are capable of fulfilling.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022MsoBodyText2\u0022\u003EThis recommendation is not a permit, the permit will be granted on the membership system once your Lead Volunteer/ Permit Approver has completed the remaining parts of the process.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022Textbody\u0022\u003ERenewal\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Textbody\u0022\u003EAll permits have an expiry date which is a maximum of 5 years from the issue date. After this the permit ceases to be valid. Renewal of a permit is conducted in the same way as initial application except the form of assessment is likely to differ.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Textbody\u0022\u003EThe permit holder will need to apply for a permit through the membership system, this will identify a Nights Away Assessor who will consider the experience of the applicant and decide the most appropriate form of assessment.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022Textbody\u0022\u003EA practical assessment is unlikely to be required but the Nights Away Assessor may wish to meet the applicant or may simply consider the experience listed and issue a recommendation to the District Lead Volunteer or Nights Away Approver on the strength of the known evidence.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"Download now","body":"","link":{"name":"AC120900 Assessment Checklist for a Nights Away Permit November 2024","id":null,"url":"https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/nvqchtii/ac120900-nights-away-may-2025.docx","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Nights Away Assessment Checklist","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Read Nights Away Digital Tool Guide","body":"\u003Cp\u003ELearn how to apply for Nights Away events in My Membership.\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":"Nights Away requests in My Membership","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"This page provides a guide to applicants wishing to gain a nights away permit.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"15 July 2023","reviewDate":"02/11/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":46686,"nodeName":"Applicants\u0027 Guide","title":"Applicants\u0027 Guide","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Applicants\u0027 Guide","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"This page provides a guide to applicants wishing to gain a nights away permit.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NjY4NiJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/planning-your-programme/nights-away-and-camping/nights-away-permit-scheme/applicants-guide/"}