Volunteer expectations and responsibilities

You have a right to:

• accurate information on scouting at local and national level
• a clear description of the role you have taken on (role descriptions can be found at here
• a safe volunteering environment
• negotiate a choice of roles and tasks on a flexible basis
• a named person (volunteer line manager), you can go to for advice, support and peer mentoring
• access to training opportunities and a training adviser
• protection from exploitation by other volunteers and service users 
• say ‘no’ without feeling guilty
• have your contribution valued by all areas of the organisation
• receive constructive feedback on your contribution
• have opportunities to develop skills
• have local scouting deal with disciplinary and grievance matters
• to volunteer in a friendly atmosphere.

In return, you are required to commit to scouting’s values and abide by our organisational policies, rules and procedures. Specifically, you are expected to:

• wear scout association uniform as appropriate to your role
• treat everyone associated with scouting (children and adults) with courtesy & respect
• cooperate with other volunteers and staff
• carry out agreed roles and tasks to the best of your abilities
• be committed to your role, reliable and punctual
• ask for help or support when needed
• follow and adhere to the policies, procedures and rules of The Scout Association
• refrain from public criticism of scouting
• undertake relevant training as necessary 
• exchange information and offer feedback 
• notify the appropriate person if you are unavailable/unable to fulfil your volunteer duty. 

We understand that our adult members and supporters have the right to smoke and we recognise that people have a choice.

As an adult in scouting, you are a role model for the young people in your care. Young people are impressionable and will inevitably be influenced by adults' behaviour - especially that of those whom they respect.

Whilst it is understood that it is not illegal to smoke, scouting is about developing young people, including their health and welfare. As such, smoking in front of scouts of any age must be avoided.

The law also ensures that all scouting premises are smoke-free. This includes premises which are rented on section nights, and also buildings on campsites.

It is important that our adult volunteers do not smoke around young people. Not only does smoking around young people subject them to passive smoking, but it also increases the fire risk. If you do smoke, try to refrain from smoking during a section meeting or in scout uniform. The majority of section meetings run for two hours or less and any adult should be able to refrain from smoking for such a short period of time.

We all have a responsibility to make sure we offer scouting to young people in a safe environment. The well-being of the young people is paramount and we must ensure that no young person is subjected to tobacco smoke. Smoking during scouting activities or evening meetings by our youth members over the age of 18 should be discouraged.

Further guidance can be found on the national site here.

All our adults need to be physically and mentally fit to undertake the responsibilities of their role. When responsible for young people, adults must not drink alcohol.

During ‘off duty’ periods, our adults also need to take into account the effects alcohol can have and how it may affect their fitness to fulfil their duties for the duration of the section meeting, activity or event.

We are committed to being a leading organisation in health and safety management. Together, we can all help to ensure the health and safety of ourselves and others. The green card ‘scouting and alcohol’ that accompanies this agreement, sets out our national policy on alcohol for all adults involved in scouting. 

All our volunteers are expected to behave in accordance with our code of conduct. By agreeing to take on a role in scouting in South London, you agree to abide by the code of conduct and the policies, rules and procedures which are relevant to volunteers as detailed in the current edition of Policy, Organisation & Rules and this agreement.

• If you are unable to attend a section meeting or ‘business’ meeting please let your section leader or the appropriate chair know in good time and preferably at least 24 hours before.

• All adults are required to take responsibility, with the other leaders in their group, for the activities they provide both indoors and outdoors.

• All accidents must be reported to your group scout leader or district explorer scout commissioners as appropriate and logged in your accident book.

• No smoking is allowed during section meetings. Any smoking on a designated break must be away from the activities and young people in a safe place.

• Drug or alcohol abuse will not be tolerated.

• Adults should try and ensure that all young people have equal opportunities to take part in activities.

• Adults need to be aware of any disruptive, bullying or aggressive behaviour of any young people, and seek help from others in dealing with them. Try to have a consistent approach to these throughout the team.

• Physical restraint of children is not permissible, unless it is to ensure the safety of the child, other children, volunteers or other people. All incidents must be recorded in an incident book and reported to your group scout leader or district explorer scout commissioners as appropriate.

• If a child talks to you regarding a child protection disclosure or any other personal issue the correct procedures must be followed. Please refer to our young people first code of practice or our county safeguarding coordinator for further guidance.

• Any grievances received from parents or members of the public should be referred to your your group scout leader or district explorer scout commissioners or district commissioner as appropriate.

• You should avoid taking responsibility for young people’s personal belongings.

• Adults need to familiarise themselves with all the policies, rules & procedures of The Scout Association these are available in The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association, (referred to as POR.) available to download from www.scouts.org.uk/por

• DO think about why you want to volunteer.

• DON'T start volunteering until you know what is expected of you.

• DO ask about local Scouting and where you will fit in.

• DON'T over commit yourself - reliability is vital.

• DO make sure you know to whom you are responsible and to whom you can go for help and advice.

• DON'T leave because you are fed-up or are having problems. Discuss how you feel with others in your group/unit, district or the county.

• DO accept volunteer expenses. You can always give them back as a donation to your group/unit if you do not need reimbursing.

• DON'T ever accept money as payment from someone you have helped in the course of volunteering. Explain to them that they can make a donation to scouting if they so wish.

• DO keep any arrangements you have made. If you cannot make a meeting, or you are going to be late, let others know in plenty of time.

• DON'T betray any confidences entrusted to you In the course of your day to day volunteering (i.e. things discussed at team or executive committee meetings).

• DO enjoy yourself and encourage others who may be interested in volunteering with scouting.