Assessing risk
Doing things safely is fundamental to everything we do in Scouting.
Everything we do involves an element of risk, so we have to have plans in place to manage this. The great news is that we assess risks all of the time, whether it be; checking before crossing the road, or checking the temperature of a bath before you get in it.
In Scouting we take the safety of all our members very seriously and to help keep people safe it is important to assess risks so that we can do all we can to protect young people and volunteers.
This guidance will help you to do that both before and during an activity or event.
‘Business as usual’ Risk Assessments:
Click the link to read POR, chapter 9, rule 94
Staying Safe & Safeguarding Risk Assessments
Click here to visit the Scouts pages on Risk Assessment here you will find:
- Forms
- FAQs
- Example Risk Assessments
- Safety Checklist for Leaders
- Safety Information
We have always been required to risk assess all activities and programmes from ceremonies, to games, to hill walking and swimming.
From the 18th August*, the requirement is now to document them so that you can share them with others that are supporting you and so you can demonstrate that you have adequately considered the risks.
You can find lots of example risk assessments here.
*These changes launched on 18 August 2020 with a transition period through to 1 January 2021, to help you implement the processes locally.
“Not taking risks one doesn’t understand is often the best form of risk management.”
Raghuram G. Rajan
Covid-19 Risk Assessments
Click this link to see the page for COVID 19 Risk Assessments for face to face activity here you will find:
- Help Video
- Leader Guidance
- Template
- Submission Form
National Youth Agency Guidance – https://nya.org.uk/guidance/
Government Guidance – https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
As part of the return to Face to Face Scouting, you must assess the risks involved in meeting face to face.
For Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, leadership teams should work together to write a risk assessment for their section and share it with their Group Scout Leader and Executive.
They will check and offer support as needed. The GSL will then submit the Risk Assessment for approval to the DC (or their nominee).
The DC and District Executive will review and if risks have been adequately (and realistically) managed, they will approve your restart of Face to Face Scouting.
For Explorer and Network units, you must write your Risk Assessment, and submit it to your DESC / DSNC for checking and they will submit to DC for approval.
To help the DC and executive, it is helpful if you can share information that shows you have considered the checklist within the guidance.
The first step in the risk management process is to acknowledge the reality of risk. Denial is a common tactic that substitutes deliberate ignorance for thoughtful planning.
Charles Tremper