Discipline and Behaviour Policy
In each of our sections, we expect a high standard of behaviour. If your child has any ASN these are to be discussed with the section leads before commencement of Scouting. Leaders are better able to support Scouts with ASN when they have been informed.
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Group Yellow Card/Red Card System.
If we consider that a particular individual’s behaviour is not acceptable, and this continues after they have been asked to stop, consideration will be given by the Scout Leader approaching parents to assist in behaviour issues. Under normal circumstances we will adopt a Yellow Card/Red card system.
The first stage is a verbal warning. If their behaviour continues to be anti-social/rude/dangerous, the Beaver/Cub/Scout will be given a Yellow Card, and the parents will be contacted to advise them why, and explain the consequences. 2 x yellow cards is an automatic Red card.
Serious misconduct includes, but is not restricted to, racism, physical violence, antisemitism, homophobia and transphobia, there is zero tolerance and this will result in a Red Card or dismissal from the group.
If issued a Red card and they will be excluded (minimum of 2 weeks) or expelled from the Group (meetings , activates & camps). There will be no reduction in subscriptions to compensate for the loss of opportunities. In some cases the Section Leader may also request a letter of apology.
Appeal – If a young person or parent/guardian feels that they or son/daughter have been unfairly issued with either a Yellow or Red card, they can appeal to the Group Lead Volunteer to review the incident and resulting course of action. Any appeal in writing (email) must be made within five days of the issue of the card.
If after the exclusion and further discussions, the situation continues with no improvement, then following consultation with the Leader, Parents and Section Lead volunteer, the Group Lead Volunteer may be forced to insist that the individual leave the Group.
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Formal Suspension and Dismissal
Formal suspension of a youth member may be appropriate where they have been accused of a serious criminal offence or behaviour that put adults or young people at serious risk of harm. The authority to suspend a young person rests with the District Lead Volunteer, in consultation with the relevant Group Lead Volunteer
Suspension is not a disciplinary sanction or an indication of guilt. Suspension ensures that no situation may arise that may cause further concern. It allows a period where further information may be received and, if appropriate, the statutory agencies, such as the police or social services, can carry out their duties. At the end of a period of suspension, the District Lead Volunteer and Group Lead Volunteer will determine if a return to Scouts is appropriate.
Outcomes following a period of suspension include:
- reinstatement
- reinstatement with conditions
- dismissal
Any alternative or further action required will be a matter of discussion with the parent, Section Leadership team and Group lead volunteer, but the Group retain the right to not keep a young person as a member of the Group.