August 2020: A Message from the County Commissioner,
Firstly, a huge thank you to all the leaders and supporters of Scouting across the County. I have been hugely impressed and amazed with the variety of activities that have been delivered during the lock down period. I am sure that the young people and their parents are incredibly grateful for this. Well done to all.
We now need to look at how we resume face to face Scouting and I hope that you have seen the information that has been coming out from Headquarters. Please make sure that you follow the guidance and the processes that have been put in place to keep you and the young people safe – see more information below.
I know that some sections are still meeting and that others are taking a break. Whichever you are doing let us prepare for another successful Autumn across the County.
Best wishes
Nigel
Resuming face to face Scouting
None of us know what will happen over the next few months regarding the Covid-19 virus and the ability to return to “normal” etc. It is important that we remain safe and that we follow the guidance and the rules issued by Scout HQ. These will change over time as government guidance varies and we learn from our experiences. Please make sure that you follow the processes and keep an eye on the website for updates (link below)
https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/scouts-at-home/getting-everyone-back-together-safely/
At the time of writing we are at Amber readiness level, this means that we can do sessions outside for groups of up to 15 (including leaders and other adults) as well as the digital programmes as we have been doing over the last few months. Before starting any outdoor face to face activities each section must complete a risk assessment – there is a guidance and a proforma on the website. This needs to be approved by the GSL and Group Executive (or DESC for Explorers) before passing to your DC (or alternate if you have been advised) who will check and approve it. You must not start any activities until you have an approved risk assessment. Please make sure that you have used the Leaders Checklist so that nothing is missed.
In addition, all leaders supporting an activity will need to have in date Safeguarding and Safety Training and at least one must have a First Aid Certificate. The Safeguarding and Safety training can be completed online at
https://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources/2364/safety-training?cat=299,301&moduleID=10
This online training only takes about 45 mins and all leaders MUST complete it. We will shortly be sending out information about completing first aid training.
The Readiness Level may change, if we move to Yellow then the process regarding risk assessments will need to be repeated for the new situation. Equally we could move back to Red – we all hope not, in which case we will need to cease the activities authorised at Amber.
Please do you preparation well in advance of wanting to have a meeting or run an activity so that the process can be completed and to prevent disappointment. There is no reason why you could not complete the paperwork now for activities next month!
If you are unsure about anything please seek advice from your District initially, or contact the info centre, or email Nigel using cc@warwickshirescouts.org.uk.