{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS120000 \u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EPublished June 2024, replacing January 2023\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EIntroduction\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe all do risk assessments or safety checks every day, such as when we cross the road. We choose an appropriate place to cross, look both ways and make a decision about whether it\u2019s safe to cross.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe know that young people learn by doing. Activities encourage the development of young people and they can feel a huge sense of achievement in completing them. We want to provide\u00A0\u003Cstrong\u003EEXCITEMENT\u003C/strong\u003E, but not\u00A0\u003Cstrong\u003EDANGER\u003C/strong\u003E.\u00A0\u003Cstrong\u003EADVENTURE\u003C/strong\u003E, but not\u00A0\u003Cstrong\u003EHAZARD\u003C/strong\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAssessing risk starts in the early stages of activity planning and goes on throughout the activity, until all participants go home at the end of the activity. Embedding risk assessment within the planning process allows us to deliver safe, enjoyable and exciting programmes for young people.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWho is responsible for risk assessment?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe simple answer is everyone has a part to play in assessing and managing risk. All adults have a role to play in keeping Scouts a safe place for our members and achieve this by working together and cooperating. Make sure that everyone understands the role they play and also that young people understand how they can help keep Scouts safe for themselves and others.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Scouts provide safety Learning for all adults which includes support in undertaking risk assessment. This is also reinforced in other more specialist and role specific learning.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELine managers are responsible for ensuring that adults have completed appropriate learning modules for their role, whilst Adult Volunteers are responsible for ensuring that young people have appropriate training or instruction to help with their understanding of risk. Adults are also responsible for ensuring that they identify their own learning needs and if they require more support or assistance to flag this with others who can help. All activities require a leader in charge. This is someone who makes sure that key tasks are completed. Adult Volunteers are responsible for identifying and agreeing on the leader in charge for each activity.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E5 Steps to risk assessment\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are five simple steps. If you\u2019ve done risk assessments elsewhere, these should look familiar.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/10477/risk-assessment-diagram-august-2020.png","width":936,"height":452,"altText":"A diagram to show the five steps of risk assessment (August 2020)","caption":"The five steps to risk assessment.","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk//media/10477/risk-assessment-diagram-august-2020.png\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022risk-assessment-diagram-august-2020\u0022\u003ESee the five steps to risk assessment diagram enlarged \u0026gt;.\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EA\u00A0\u003Cstrong\u003Ehazard\u0027s\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003Eanything that could cause harm, or cause something to go wrong It could be cables across the floor, a slippery or uneven surface, or the weather \u2013 these are all unsafe conditions. Unsafe acts could be a hazard as well, that is, something that someone might do that could cause an accident. Finally acts and behaviour which in themselves are not immediately unsafe should be considered where they may result in a hazard or reduction in risk control. For example distraction from a child accompanying an adult volunteer reducing the adult\u0027s concentration or ability to supervise.\u00A0\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMake sure you look at all your activities, including things that might not be done very often, non-routine tasks.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETalk about it with others in the volunteer team and look at what actually happens rather than what should happen.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELook for the hazards which are really significant, not every single little thing.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can use the\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/staying-safe-safety-checklist/staying-safe-leaders/\u0022\u003ESafety Checklist for Section Volunteers \u003C/a\u003Eas a good starting point. There\u0027s a long list of some common hazards you might find. You can add to them as you talk with other volunteers involved in the activity.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIn addition, there could be hazards relating to people involved in the activity. For example, safeguarding, or the needs of individuals with additional needs, should be documented in the risk assessment as appropriate to the activity and circumstance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://vimeo.com/showcase/7353819/video/470170949\u0022\u003EWatch our video explaining \u0027Look for the hazards\u0027\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Step 1 \u2013 Look for the hazards"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWho\u0027s\u003C/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;involved in the activity - young people, adult volunteers, visitors?\u0026nbsp; What could happen to cause them harm?\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EYoung people\u003C/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;might not recognise a hazard, especially younger members or those with additional needs. Younger sections, such as Squirrels and Beavers, will require more supervision.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETeenagers, such as Scouts and Explorers, are also more likely to take risks, so we need to be aware of how they perceive risk in order to help keep them safe.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome people might simply have got used to a hazard being present and adjusted how they behave around it, but\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003Evisitors\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003Emight not know that the hazard\u0027s present. It\u0027s important to communicate your risk assessment to all present, this may need to be adjusted with new people. Step 4 has some tips on how you do this.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor example, if you have a heavy entry door, those who come through it every week may know how it closes, but new visitors won\u2019t be aware. You should think about how this could be kept open, such as using signs to make people aware or supervising the entrance.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAdults\u003C/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;are often very good at identifying hazards which might hurt young people, but can sometimes forget to look after themselves. We also find that adults sometimes do things which they\u2019re not used to, which can result in injury - we\u2019re not always as flexible or strong as we think we are!\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp style=\u0022mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal; background: white;\u0022 class=\u0022MsoNormal\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVisitors\u0026nbsp;\u003C/strong\u003E includes everyone who is not a member or adult volunteer including children accompanying an adult. The risk assessment must include everyone involved, present or affected by the activity.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce you\u2019ve identified who might be harmed, you need to think about\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003Ehow\u003C/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;someone may be harmed. Someone falling from a wall would be injured differently depending on how high the wall is or what surface they land on \u2013 this is the\u0026nbsp;\u003Cstrong\u003Ehow\u003C/strong\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EKnowing who may be harmed and how they may be harmed means you can now think about what the risk is.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERisk\u003C/strong\u003E is the chance of someone being harmed by the hazard, or the chance of something going wrong. For example, walking along a wall a foot from the ground has little risk, but walking along a six foot wall with no railings is more likely to result in a fall and the person be hurt.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://vimeo.com/showcase/7353819/video/470177537\u0022\u003EWatch our video explaining \u0027Who might be harmed and how?\u0027\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Step 2 \u2013 Who might be harmed and how?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EControls\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0are ways of removing or reducing risk.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen deciding how risks are going to be controlled, it\u2019s useful to work through the following questions, in this order:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECan the hazard or thing that might hurt/go wrong be removed entirely?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIs there a less risky way of doing something?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat can be done to reduce the risk of people being in contact with the hazard?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWhat instructions and supervision are needed?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EIs protective clothing or safety equipment available to reduce risk?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAlways start at the top of this list and, if you can, remove a hazard entirely. Removing a hazard entirely is always the best choice, but if this isn\u0027t possible then explore the other options in order.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThink about any special considerations or controls needed for those with additional needs. You can check out the guidance on\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/inclusion-and-diversity/supporting-those-with-additional-needs-and-neurodiversity/reasonable-adjustments/\u0022\u003Emaking reasonable adjustments\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0to help make Scouts as inclusive as we can.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen considering these questions, you should also consider what\u2019s reasonable and practical. Don\u2019t just simply go for the quickest or cheapest option, but think about what would be reasonable for you to put in place as a control where you are, in the setting you are operating in.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENever be afraid to change or stop an activity if the risk increases.\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs part of considering what controls you\u2019ll have, think about what will trigger you to stop or change the activity and document this. Also, think about what you will do instead and, where possible, document this.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://vimeo.com/showcase/7353819/video/470201433\u0022\u003EWatch our video explaining \u0027How are the risks controlled?\u0027\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Step 3 \u2013 How are the risks controlled?"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EJust thinking about a risk assessment isn\u2019t enough. It needs to be\u00A0\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Ca rel=\u0022noopener\u0022 href=\u0022https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk/media/10480/risk-assessment-form-august-2020.docx\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022 title=\u0022Risk assessment form august 2020\u0022\u003Erecorded\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt could be documented, usually on paper, in a structured format. However, it can also be saved to a mobile device or notepad. Audio recordings would be acceptable if members aren\u0027t able to record their risk assessment in writing.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe key is that the method you choose allows for it to be shared with and understood by the other adults and young people involved (\u003Cstrong\u003Ecommunicated\u003C/strong\u003E). There is no point in having a risk assessment that people don\u2019t know about as they cannot manage the risk\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDocumenting it helps you think through all the steps and is easier to review when you next do a similar activity. It also makes sure that what you\u2019ve decided to do is clear and well communicated.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThink about:\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHow do\u00A0\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003Eyou\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0involve others (adults and young people) in doing and documenting the risk assessment?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHow will you inform them about the risks identified and the controls in place to keep them safe?\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow and when to risk assess\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are lots of options for this which we\u2019ll work through now.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETrustee Boards must make sure that risk assessments are documented for all premises which they own or operate. Adult Volunteers need to make sure that they have access to these premises\u2019 risk assessments, whether that\u2019s your weekly meeting place or the activity centre you\u2019re staying at for the weekend, because they\u2019ll include things which will help with the development of your activity risk assessments.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThere are lots of activities in your programme that you do all the time: it could be the arrival, start, end and departure of your meeting or the standard way you run cooking or crafts activities with your section.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOnce you have assessed these, documented the risks and control measures and then communicated them to all involved, you may not need to reassess or review them every time you repeat the activities.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWatch out for changes which might require a review and update.\u00A0 Also, you will need to remind everyone as often as necessary as otherwise they will soon forget. Ensure new people know what is expected before they take part, for example after a holiday break or when new young people join the section.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs you\u2019re doing these activities regularly you should be aware of the hazards, risks and controls. This means you may not need to get the actual document out each time. Simply work through the usual controls and think through what you are doing.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf plans change first look to your existing risk assessment as your contingencies may be covered by this already. If not think through and discuss with others what\u0027s changed, going through the risk assessment steps and making sure you communicate the new plans clearly to those involved. If you need to do that on the spot it\u2019s called a dynamic risk assessment.\u00A0 Afterwards, consider if your documented risk assessment needs updating based on actions taken to manage the risk and update it if required.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere will also be bigger or more adventurous activities or those you do less often. Make sure a risk assessment is done before the activity takes place and that it\u2019s documented. This is likely to include nights away events, trips and outings. It doesn\u0027t mean you will have to start from scratch. You can use a previous event\u2019s risk assessment as a starting point to build on.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWays of recording a risk assessment\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are many ways of recording your risk assessments: The Scouts provide an online template but you could also try annotating your activity instructions sheet, making notes on a phone, using an online risk assessment tool, or an audio recording would be acceptable if members are not able to record their risk assessment in writing.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s about finding something that works for you and your team. Just be sure that you can show you\u2019ve worked through the five steps and have communicated it with others.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFor example, if you manage your programme through Online Scout Manager you can record your risk assessments there and these will be available to other volunteers. There are some\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/example-risk-assessments/\u0022\u003Eexample risk assessment templates and tools available here\u003C/a\u003E. Whichever method you choose, make sure you date your risk assessment, and show who was involved in it and when this will be reviewed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECommunicate and explain to others\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDon\u2019t just keep this information to yourself; it\u2019s important to tell others about what you\u2019ve done and what measures are in place to keep activities safe. For nights away events you will need to share your written risk assessment with your District/ County Lead Volunteer or their nominee, as part of the approval process.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019ve talked about sharing risk assessments with young people. Involving young people in keeping activities safe is really important. We know young people learn by doing activities that teach them #SkillsForLife. Regardless of who\u2019s involved, everyone should feel that they can stop an activity if they feel it\u2019s unsafe. For example, an adult could raise their concerns with another adult, or young people in an archery session could be taught to shout \u2018Stop!\u2019 if they see anyone breaking the rules.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019ve created some guidance\u00A0to help you\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safety-in-the-programme/talking-to-young-people-and-parents-about-safety/\u0022\u003Etalk to your young people about safety\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0Briefing young people about the risks will help them to stay safe and to learn. With younger members, it can be as simple as explaining not to run with scissors and why, and how to hold them correctly and safely. Helping others to understand the risks of an activity, and what makes them a risk, will be more beneficial to all than simply saying\u00A0\u003Cstrong\u003E\u003Cem\u003E\u2018don\u2019t!\u2019\u003C/em\u003E\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf your plans change at the last minute, make sure you discuss them with all others involved so they understand what\u2019s changed to make the activity safe.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIdeas for ways of sharing your risks and controls\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETeam Planning Meeting\u003C/strong\u003E \u2013 discuss at Section Volunteer meetings. This will help you to put the assessment and controls together by asking those taking part. It also increases understanding and ownership.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETeam Briefing\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0\u2013 for all adults at the start of a camp or residential experience. Includes those who may not be regular members of the team and parents helping for the first time. Cover off the controls and reasons behind them.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECamp Rules\u003C/strong\u003E \u2013 time planned in to explain rules (and reasons behind them) at the start of a camp to young people with adult volunteers present.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EExamples\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0such as advising Scouts to be careful near the wood pile and reminding them to wear strong boots and gloves to avoid injury, explaining to them about the nails and splinters. Any control measure should be simple to communicate.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cu\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://vimeo.com/showcase/7353819/video/470223662\u0022\u003EWatch our video explaining \u0027Record and communicate\u0027\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/u\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Step 4 \u2013 Record and communicate"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EDocumenting your risk assessments isn\u2019t the end of the process; you need to make sure they\u2019re regularly reviewed.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EDynamic risk assessment\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDuring an activity, things may change \u2013 you need to be able to respond and change the activity, or adapt it, if needed. This is called a dynamic risk assessment. This is based on your experience and knowledge of the situation. In most cases you will be making decisions based on what you\u2019ve previously identified. If you end up changing any control measures this needs to be communicated to the Volunteers involved in the activity, anyone else that needs to know, and then fed into the review of the risk assessment before its next use.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EStepping back and looking at what the activity is trying to achieve could lead to doing it a different way. This might be a change in route, venue, additional training, an increased adult/young person ratio or better equipped participants.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember to record the changes you have made. There are lots of ways of doing this.\u00A0 You may be able to do this at the time, adding them as notes to a copy of your risk assessment sheet, on notes on a phone, or need to add them later to demonstrate that changes were needed and may contribute to your later review of this activity for next time. Discuss the decision with others and make sure that you record somewhere when practical.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFor example;\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResponding to changes in weather\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0- you\u2019ve risk assessed for a walk and the weather deteriorates. You need to decide if you continue the walk or you take shelter. This is a vital step in the process, as failure to notice or respond to changes will create or increase risk.\u00A0 You should be prepared to stop at certain points and ask yourself things like: Should I continue with this activity? Or, when do I need to do headcounts to make sure everyone is still okay? Then consider how you share any outcomes and amendments to your plans.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChanges in the numbers attending\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0- you might be running a game for Cubs or Beavers and have increased numbers or a change in abilities of the participants. Perhaps you change the rules slightly or decide to switch to a different game.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEnvironmental changes\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0\u2013 you arrive at your meeting to find the access tower still up from the painting which has been going on. You need to think fast as the young people are soon arriving, so either relocate outdoors if the activities and weather suit or adapt your programme to work around the tower in a safe way.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EChange in timings\u003C/strong\u003E\u00A0\u2013 your planned activity finishes early and so you have 15 minutes to fill in your programme. Don\u2019t worry, you can grab an active game from your games bank and run this using your generic active games risk assessment and dynamically adapt the risk assessment to the specifics of the game.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ENever be afraid to change or stop an activity if risk increases.\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EContingency plans\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EDon\u2019t forget that, as part of your programme planning, you should have alternative activities in reserve just in case you can\u2019t do what was planned or you need to stop halfway through.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThinking about \u2018If this then that\u2019 for example if it\u2019s too cold the session outdoors may not run for as long if the permit holder doesn\u2019t arrive as they are unwell. Make sure others in the team understand what the contingency plans are \u00A0so everyone knows how to respond.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReview\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAll risk assessments must be reviewed if there\u2019s been a change of circumstances or equipment, or if there\u2019s been an\u00A0\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/incidents-and-illness/emergencies-and-reporting/\u0022\u003Eaccident or near miss.\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0 A near miss is something which could have resulted in injury or damage but didn\u2019t. This is something we should learn from to ensure it doesn\u0027t result in a harmful incident in the future. We ask you to share near misses as it helps us all to learn from events and not just local learning\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EInform your line manager and Trustee Board so that local changes can be considered if the review suggests that amended controls are required. The \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/incidents-and-illness/emergencies-and-reporting/\u0022\u003Enear miss form\u003C/a\u003E\u00A0is used to collect information about you for the purpose of logging a near miss with UK Headquarters, particularly when it involves equipment. The reporting of near misses is not to place any blame on those involved, but an important part of safeguarding others from harm in similar incidents in the future.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERisk assessments should also be reviewed every 12 months as a minimum to see if anything has changed, and updated as needed, again making sure any changes are clearly explained to those involved.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://vimeo.com/showcase/7353819/video/470226187\u0022\u003EWatch our video explaining \u0027Review and revise plans where needed\u0027\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Step 5 \u2013 Review and revise plans where needed"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EOther considerations\u003C/h3\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"accordion","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","showExpand":true,"items":[{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EConsider the individual needs of your group and, where relevant, list in your risk assessment in a sensitive way. This could be the identification that someone in the group has an allergy so not to have that food item present during the meetings, or a differing control due to someone having a differing physical need. Have conversations with the parents / guardians and individuals to help with this.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Individual needs"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003ERisk assessments should include information on how you will minimise safeguarding risks such as your ratios, following the yellow card and when undertaking a nights away event, details of your sleeping arrangements, making sure that young people and adults have separate accommodation and privacy.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Safeguarding"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EBuilding a culture of safety within the Scouts will help to keep everyone safe, making sure safety is thought of in all situations and not just those activities perceived to be high risk.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Communication"},{"gridType":"accordionItem","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWhilst members are following the rules and procedures set out by the Scouts they are insured and will be supported should something not go to plan.\u003C/p\u003E","label":"Liabilities"}]},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003ESummary\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERemember, it is important that you carry out the risk assessment and modify your plans accordingly. This will minimise risk and keep Scouting as safe as we can. Don\u2019t be put off by risk assessment and don\u2019t feel on your own with it either, there is lots of support to help guide you on your way.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMake sure you\u2019ve done the\u0026nbsp;\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/learning-development-and-awards/learning/growing-roots/\u0022 title=\u0022Growing Roots\u0022\u003EGrowing Roots learning\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E which covers risk assessment. Whatever method you choose for documenting your risk assessments, make sure you\u2019ve recorded and shared it with others, helping both other adults and young people understand the risks and how they can help to reduce risk.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch4\u003EAdditional Information \u0026amp; Support\u003C/h4\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Plain","cta":"","body":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9a-activities/\u0022 title=\u0022Rule 9.a.1. Preparation, generic rules and definitions for all activities\u0022\u003EPOR 9.a. Activities\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#6e6e6e","title":"Rules in POR that apply to risk assessment","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Download the risk assessment form","body":"","link":{"name":"Template risk assessment form","id":null,"url":"https://prod-cms.scouts.org.uk/media/iwzpzt5u/template-ra-form-nov-2024.docx","newWindow":false,"target":"_blank"},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Risk Assessment Form","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Read some example risk assessments","body":"","link":{"name":"Example Risk Assessments","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/example-risk-assessments/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Example Risk Assessments","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Read the checklist","body":"","link":{"name":"Staying Safe - Leaders","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/staying-safe-safety-checklist/staying-safe-leaders/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Safety checklist for Section Volunteers","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Read the safety section of our website","body":"","link":{"name":"Safety","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Safety Information","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"","link":{"name":"Supporting Sections to deliver safe Scouting - Tips for Line Managers","id":null,"url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/risk-assessments/supporting-sections-to-deliver-safe-scouting-tips-for-line-managers/","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Support for line managers","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan\u003EIn the below video we look at the changes we\u0027ve made to risk assessments, what they mean to you and offer you support and advice to make the transition to the new processes.\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#f1f1f1","title":"Need more support?","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"value":"https://player.vimeo.com/video/448830395?app_id=122963","gridType":"embed","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass"},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Watch videos on risk assessments using Vimeo","body":"\u003Cp\u003EWe\u0027ve lots more videos to help you understand risk assessments on our Vimeo Showcase.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":null,"id":null,"url":"https://vimeo.com/showcase/7353819?page=3","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Want to watch more videos for support with risk assessments?","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Careful planning is key to keeping safe and a key part of this is assessing and managing risk. ","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"14 July 2023","reviewDate":"15/05/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":41035,"nodeName":"Risk assessments","title":"Risk assessments","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Risk assessments","headerSubTitle":"Everything we do involves an element of risk, so we need to have plans in place to manage this. This guidance will help you to do that, both before and during an activity or event.","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Safe Scouting cards","url":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safe-scouting-cards/","newWindow":false}]},"subHeader":"Careful planning is key to keeping safe and a key part of this is assessing and managing risk. 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