Parent Helpers

As the ebb and flow of ‘full time’ Adult Leaders swings, we sometimes need Parent Helper in order to keep the right ratios of adults to safely supervise the young people within Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. These scouting rules are fixed for trips away from HQ. When we are at HQ, we just need to know that we have enough adults to make sure the meeting is safe.

We’d welcome your involvement occasionally.

All adults helping with cubs MUST be aware of and follow our Code of Practice. Please make sure you read and are happy to work within the code: Scouts put Young People First. Here is our Code of Conduct aka The Yellow Card a copy of which is included below

Particularly note:

  • Scouting is always a group activity, we and you never plan to be in a one to one situation with a young person
  • As a Parent Helper, you should never be with cubs unaccompanied by an appointed leader
  • Please only sign up to help when your are familiar with the Code and happy to abide by it
  • Please do contact your Section Leader if you have any questions

Code of Practice

  • Do remember that you are a role model at ALL times, inside and outside Scouting. Set a good example for others to follow.
  • Do treat everyone with dignity and respect in line with the Scouting Values
  • Do treat all young people equally – do not show favouritism
  • Do follow the adult-to-young person ratios at all times
  • Do remember that you have been placed in a position of trust – do not abuse this
  • Do report all allegations, suspicions and concerns immediately
  • Do remember that someone may misinterpret your actions
  • Do respect a young person’s right to personal privacy
  • Do act within appropriate boundaries, even in difficult circumstances
  • Do encourage an open and transparent culture, where people can challenge inappropriate attitudes or behaviours
  • Do make everyone (young people, parents and carers, Young Leaders and other helpers) aware of our safeguarding arrangements and share our Yellow Card – our Code of Behaviour
  • Do create an environment where young people feel safe to voice their concerns
  • Do have separate sleeping accommodation for young people, adults and Young Leaders working with a younger section
  • Do plan activities that involve more than one other person being present, or at least within sight and hearing of others.
  • Do not plan to be alone with a young person.
  • Do not drink alcohol when you are directly responsible for young people and never allow young people on Scouting activities to drink alcohol
  • Do not trivialise abuse or let it go unreported
  • Do not join in physical contact games with young people
  • Do not overstep the boundaries between yourself and young people by engaging in friendships or sexual relationships
  • Do not allow activities that encourage bullying behaviour including initiation ceremonies, dares or forfeits
  • Do not use inappropriate, suggestive or threatening language, whether verbal, written or online
  • Do not rely on your reputation or position to protect you