Health and Safety.
This is going to be the big thing for the coming year so Leaders please ensure you keep up to date with current practices to ensure the safety of all.
The following is from
Wayne Bulpitt,
UK Chief Commissioner
|
|
• The new safety checklists (sent to all members with the August/September edition of Scouting magazine) should be made available through Scout Shops. • Information around risk assessments should be improved (including creating templates) and more thoroughly communicated. • Many volunteers do not know the process for reporting near misses to UKHQ. • Many volunteers would like access to real-life case study examples of significant safety risks. • Examples of good practice to help local Scouting provide better support (at County, District and Group level) would be valued. • Members would find it beneficial to have volunteers at a County and District level who they could go to for advice and guidance. By analysing the survey results, there are some clear quick wins, as well as some areas for longer term work.
We have already:
• Made the safety checklists for leaders, managers and Executive Committee Members available from Scout Shops. You can also access them at scouts.org.uk/safety. • Updated POR following pre-launch feedback from members in order to improve Scouting’s culture of safety. • Brought together and updated existing safety information into one easily accessible area of the website at www.scouts.org.uk/safety. • Updated the ‘purple card’ (safe Scouting and emergency procedures) and distributed it to all members in the August/September edition of Scouting magazine. • Actioned (and will continue to action) a thorough safety communications plan, which began with my comments in the June/July edition of Scouting magazine. If you would like to revisit any safety communications, an archive can be found on the updated safety website pages.
Over the coming months we will:
• Recruit volunteers to be part of a safety working group. • Continue to promote the idea and importance of a ‘leader in charge’. • Update role descriptions and induction packs to include key safety messages. • Develop programme ideas for all sections to promote safety awareness. • Provide Chief Commissioners and Regional Commissioners with County/Area/Region ‘safety dashboards’, including accident statistics for their management meetings. • Review the near miss reporting process once we understand the type of incidents that are reported. We fully appreciate the need to give practical examples of what to avoid as well as how to balance safety with adventure. • Promote awareness of the responsibility for individuals to report concerns and near misses and actively challenge unsafe behaviour. • Provide support for young people to develop their awareness of safety. • Build on our existing training scheme, widening the scope of those adults required to complete Module 1: Essential Information within five months of their appointment. • Launch mandatory ongoing safety training in 2013 to sit alongside the current safeguarding training. The transition plan will follow a similar process to that of the ongoing safeguarding training when it was first implemented. You can find out more about both of these training changes by reading the FAQs at scouts.org.uk/safety. As line managers within Scouting, I ask you to continue to support safer Scouting by; promoting the updated safety resources as widely as possible; including safety as a key part of agendas for all meetings; and continuing to stress the importance of having a ‘ leader in charge’ for all Scout activities.
URGENT Safeguarding Awareness
Alcohol and Scouting
From fact sheet 185092
A Précis
As an adult in Scouting, you are a role model for young people,
Drinking alcohol may not mean setting a bad example.
However,
In certain circumstances doing so has the potential to place adults in a compromising position with regard to their responsibilities for child protection and their duty of care.
The Scout Associations’ Safety Policy
The Scout Association has a key policy, which requires Scouting to be provided in a safe manner without risk to health, so far as is reasonably practicable.
All adults need to be physically and mentally fit to undertake their responsibilities in this area.
When responsible for young people, adults must not drink alcohol.
Policy Organisation and Rules 2.4d.
Good Practice
Camp
During a Scouting Events which are attended by under 18 year olds , the following should apply
i) At any one time at least two adults , depending on the size of the event must not consume alcohol.
ii) Any adults who do consume alcohol nust not interact with young people and should be off duty.
iii) Adults should not consume alcohol in the presence of under 18 year olds
iv) Where possible adults should consume alcohol in an area not accessible to under 18 year olds.
v) Adults who do consume alcohol should behave in a responsible manner at all times
vi) Consideration should also be given to running alcohol free events and to the cultural and religious needs of those taking part.
vii) Any member of the Scout Network and Scout Active Support should be expected to follow the same guidance as for adult Leaders.
viii) All young people and adults in the Group / Section should be aware of the standards expected of them.
ix) Young people should be helped to understand the issues associated with alcohol and how to access information and advice.
Section Meetings
Do not turn up if you have had any alcohol before a meeting,
Sometimes at work we may attend a retirement or leaving party,
Give notice to your Section Leader or myself and we will arrange cover for you.
If any adult turns up having had a drink to a meeting then they will be sent home, if this happens again then there is no place for you within the 20th Gillingham Scout Group!
Your position will be terminated and the District commissioner informed that you have been dismissed.
E-mails and Text messaging guidance for Leaders.
Fact Sheet 330086.
Précis:
Emails:
Many young people have Email addresses and this can be a cheap and effective way of communicating with your youth members. To help ensure that our communications are appropriate the following are some points for best practice when sending Emails to young people.
i) Ensure you use appropriate language; try not to use words or phrases that could be misinterpreted.
ii) Try to have a separate email account for your Scouting communications, this is better than using your personal one as then all emails are contained within the same box and can be accessed by other adults in scouting as required.
iii) If you send images, make sure they are appropriate.
iv) Do not forward chain Emails to young people.
v) Make sure that any hyperlinks you include do not lead to inappropriate content.
vi) Always copy another adult into your emails.
vii) Always save a copy of all emails you send.
viii) Blind copy email addresses to ensure you are not broadcasting peoples contact details
ix) If you receive an email from a young person which causes you concern, refer to the ‘YOUNG PEOPLE FIRST’ code of good practice (yellow card) in the first instance and follow the guidance in it. You should then immediately seek advice from your District Commissioner.
Phones and Text Messages:
Leaders of Scouts and Explorers may well find this the best method of sending out quick notices, like asking Members to remind them of start times, venues and due fees. Try to ensure that the message cannot be misinterpreted.
i) Ensure you use appropriate language.
ii) Do not send a message in capital letters as it translates the words as if they are being shouted.
iii) ‘LOL’ can be translated as “Laughs out Loud” or “Lots of Love”. So do not use.
iv) Using a kiss at the end of a text or within a signature may be taken out of context by some recipients and is likely to be seen as inappropriate in virtually every instance.
v) Always copy another adult into your text messages.
vi) Be conscious of the time when sending messages or making calls, avoid late at night and early hours of the morning.
vii) If you receive a text from a young person which causes you concern, refer to the ‘YOUNG PEOPLE FIRST’ code of good practice (yellow card) in the first instance and follow the guidance in it. You should then immediately seek advice from your District Commissioner.
Remember these are guidelines to protect you as a Leader
Getting started modules 1,3 and 6.
From Chris Powell: Re helpers: My understanding is if they help more than once a year then they must be registered on the system and complete training. The training is Modules 1,3,6, and Safeguarding Awareness / NSPCC.
Next Courses:
Getting Started Modules 2013
This years Modules 1, 3, 6 sessions are
scheduled below:-
Saturday 16th March
at the 20th HQ starting
at 09:00 and finishing approx 16:00
Saturday 20th April
at the 25th HQ starting
at 09:00 and finishing approx 16:00
Tuesdays 18th & 25th June
at 20th HQ
starting at 19:00 and finishing approx 22:00
Sunday 7th July
at 20th HQ starting at 09:00
and finishing approx 16:00
Wednesdays 18th & 25th September
at 25
th HQ starting at 19:00 and finishing
approx 22:00
Saturday 16th November
starting at 09:00
and finishing approx 16:00
A pack lunch will be required for ALL day
events. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be
provided.
Not sure what to do?
If you have not completed your 1, 3, 6
Modules then now is the time to apply.
Please use the Training Application form
which can be downloaded from the 'Useful forms' link
to the left of this page, or
Gillingham DistrictWebsite (logon to Website click
on Resources and then Adult Training and
download the Word version) and either
e-mail to Chris Powell or send in the post.
Contact Chris Powell
email Chris Powell [mailto:chrispowell2@virginmedia.com]
21 Thrale Way, Rainham, Kent ME8 9LX
Any questions then please call me on
01634 378080
Chris Powell
Nights Away
Leaders are reminded that NAN (nights away
notification) forms need to be completed
for any nights away activity and that the
necessary permits are held.
The current NAN form (version 5) that should
be used, can be downloaded from the district
website -go to Resources>Nights Away.
Please note that all NAN Forms, no matter
what section, should be emailed to: nan@
gillinghamscouts.org.uk
MIDAS COURSES
KCVYS - Minibus Driver Training & Assessment
KCVYS aspires to provide the best possible training and assessment at an affordable price and at appropriate times, by negotiation.
Our Key Aims are
1) To improve passenger safety and comfort
2) To raise awareness of:
a. Traffic Law
b. Legal responsibilities
c. Duty of care
d. Defensive driving
3) To keep updated by regular assessor re-training
4) To receive and evaluate minibus information from CTA, DoT, DVLA and VOSA
KCVYS provides either directly or indirectly advice and information on the operation of minibuses.
KCVYS
1) Operates under the Community Transport Association’s MiDAS scheme
2) Uses only one highly trained and nationally recognised assessor/trainer.
3) Maintains centrally all driver’s course records
4) Provides an ongoing programme of full and re-assessment courses for drivers of standard and accessible minibuses.
We are strategically placed at Hopewell Business Centre, Hopewell Drive, Luton, have our own training room and assessment vehicle.
By arrangement, we deliver these nationally recognised 4 year valid certificated courses for the benefit of schools and council departments in Medway.
If you or your staff require MiDAS/ PCV D1/ PAT training, please email me or refer to our web-site for dates and details www.kentcvys.org.uk
DATES at Hopewell Drive, Luton, Chatham 09.15hrs
October
27,
November
8 , 14, 18, 23, 28
December
7
2013
January
11
16
20
24
28
February
2
8
13
17
21
27
March
2
8
13
21
26
31
April
5
10
16
21
25
30
May
4
8
13
19
23
27
31
June
5
10
15
18
24
30
July
3
8
13
18
23
29
August
3
9
September
1
10
16
21
25
30
October
4
9
14
19
23
28
November
5
11
17
21
25
29
December
2
7
All held at
Minibus Assessed Drivers Courses Ltd,
Unit 17 Hopewell Business Centre
105 Hopewell Drive
Luton
Chatham
Kent
ME5 7DX
Company No: 8058721
Phone number: 0741 555 6676
Website: minibusadc.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE PRICE INCREASE AS FROM 1/4/11
VOL ORGS - £52.50
OTHER - £65.00
The courses start at 09.30 Youth House Gillingham.
For a course at your venue/your minibus, must be a course of 5, (ie you willbe charged for 5 even if no shows)
If you have booked on a course and do not show you will be charged 50% of the cost of the course.
Payment within 30 days of invoice
You must take your driving license with you on the day.
Restrictions:
You must be over 21 and have held a full license for 2 years.
Over 70's need a medical.
If you have passed your test after 01/01/97 you cannot take your MIDAS test unless you are driving as a volunteer, and you cannot drive our current bus unless you have a full PSV licence.
Passenger Assistant Training
Courses for 3 people per session (we can train 6 people in one morning or afternoon) the cost per person is £17.50, plus mileage fee, courses held at your venue with your vehicle. Please call for dates.
PCV (D1) training
3 day course (this includes the test), please call for dates and costs
Young Leader Training
Please note it is mandatory that all YL's working within any section must complete YL's Training Module A within 3 months of joining the section.
If you have any YL who you would like to attend a training session, or have any questions, please contact either Colin Brisley (colin.brisley@gillinghamscouts.org.uk <mailto:colin.brisley@gillinghamscouts.org.uk> ) or Stephen Rainsbury (stephen.rainsbury@gillinghamscouts.org.uk <mailto:stephen.rainsbury@gillinghamscouts.org.uk> ). The Module is available to any 14 - 18 year old person whether they are, or are not, working within a section.
Module training evenings will be arranged and details circulated via GSN.
Further information on Young Leaders can be found at:
Young Leaders Training Scheme <http://www2.scouts.org.uk/explorers/resources/YoungLeaders.htm> : http://www2.scouts.org.uk/explorers/resources/YoungLeaders.htm
Young Leader Information for Adults <http://www.scouts.org.uk/cms.php?pageid=487> : http://www.scouts.org.uk/cms.php?pageid=487
There is no cost for the training session, but please register prior to the evening.
D of E
Young people not attached to the Scout Group and not wishing to join the Explorers, their details must be passed onto Stephen Rainsbury, they are then made automatic members of the District yl, Sestion Leaders should then assign a mentor who should keep track of time served, once the service has been completed the D of E book can then be signed off.
Please note that our Group will have to pay the annual Capitation charge to District for each volunteer!
YELLOW CARD
JUST IN CASE YOU LOSE YOUR CARD: CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
DO PUT THIS CODE INTO PRACTICE AT ALL TIMES.
DO TREAT EVERYONE WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT
DO SET AN EXAMPLE YOU WOULD WISH OTHERS TO FOLLOW
DO TREAT ALL YOUNG PEOPLE EQUALLY - SHOW NO FAVOURITISM
DO PLAN ACTIVITIES THAT INVOLVE MORE THAN ONE OTHER PERSON BEING PRESENT, OR AT LEAST ARE WITHIN SIGHT AND HEARIN OF OTHERS
DO FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDED ADULT / YOUNG PEOPLE RATIOS FOR MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES
DO RESPECT A YOUNG PERSONS RIGHT TO PERSONAL PRIVACY
DO AVOID UNACCEPTABLE SITUATIONS WITHIN A RELATIONSHIP OF TRUST e.g. A SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP WITH A YOUTH MEMBER OVER THE AGE OF CONSENT.
DO HAVE SEPERATE SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, ADULTS AND YOUNG LEADES WORKING WITH A YOUNGER SECTION
DO ALLOW YOUNG PEOPLE TO TALK ABOUT ANY CONCERNS THEY MAY HAVE.
DO ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO CHALLENGE ANY ATTITUDES OF BEHAVIOURS THEY DO NOT LIKE.
DO AVOID BEING DRAWN INTO INAPPROPRIATE ATTENTION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR e.g. TANTRUMS AND CRUSHES
DO ENSURE A NO ALCOHOL POLICY WHEN YOUNG PEOPLE ARE IN YOUR CARE - ADULTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE.
DO MAKE EVERYONE AWARE OF THE ASSOCIATION'S CHILD PROTECTION PROCEDURES - YOUNG PEOPLE, PARENTS / CARERS, YOUNG LEADERS AND OTHER HELPERS
DO REMEMBER THIS CODE EVEN AT SENSITIVE MOMENTS e.g. WHEN RESPONDING TO BULLYING, BEREAVEMENT OR ABUSE.
DO KEEP OTHER LEADERS INFORMED OF WHERE YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU ARE DOING
DO REMEMBER SOMEONE LSE MIGHT MISINTERPRET YOUR ACTIONS, NO MATTER HOW WELL-INTENTIONED.
DO TAKE ANY ALLEGATIONS OR CONCERNS OF ABUSE SERIOUSLY ANE REFER IMMEDIATELY.
DO NOT TRIVIALISE ABUSE
DO NOT FORM A RELATIONSHIP WITH A YOUNG PERSON THAT IS AN ABUSE OF TRUST
DO NOT PERMIT ABUSIVE PEER ACTIVITIES e.g. INITIATION CEREMONIES, BULLYING
DO NOT ENGAGE IN INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES e.g. PHYSICAL, VERBAL, SEXUAL
DO NOT PLAY PHYSICAL CONTACT GAMES WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
DO NOT MAKE SUGGESTIVE REMARKS OR THREATS TO A YOUNG PERSON, EVEN IN FUN
DO NOT USE INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE - WRITING, PHONING, EMAIL OR INTERNET
DO NOT LET ALLEGATIONS, SUSPICIONS, OR CONCERNS ABOUT ABUSE GO UNREPORTED
DO NOT JUST RELY ON YOUR GOOD NAME TO PROTECT YOU
|
