44th Bristol White Tree Scouts
Behaviour and Complaints Policy

1. This policy sets out the behaviours we expect from everyone involved with the 44th, including children and young people, leaders, volunteers and parents/caregivers. It also sets out what happens when behaviours don’t meet the standards we expect, and how parents and caregivers can reinforce and support expected standards of behaviour.

2. This policy recognises that our first priority is to keep everyone involved in the 44th safe, alongside an ambition to offer exciting, fun and inspiring experiences to children and young people, delivered by a community of volunteers.

The core values of scouting at 44th White Tree

3. At 44th Whitetree, we are committed to fostering an environment where all members can live by the Values of Scouting: integrity, respect, care, belief, and cooperation. These values apply to all individuals, including young people, volunteers, parents and carers. 

  • Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
  • Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.
  • Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
  • Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
  • Cooperation - We make a positive difference; we cooperate with others and make friends.

Expected standards of behaviour

4. Leaders and Volunteers will: 

  • Act at all times in line with the Scouts Safeguarding Policy and Safeguarding Code of Conduct.
  • Treat all those they lead and engage with respectfully.
  • Understand the needs of the children and young people in their section, and put in place mechanisms to meet these needs as far as possible.
  • Use appropriate levels of discipline to maintain a safe environment in which children and young people can enjoy and benefit from activities, recognising that this will look different depending on the age of the child or young person.
  • Work as a leadership team to offer a varied programme of challenging and stimulating activities.
  • Provide opportunities for young people to attain badges.
  • Deliver a safe and inclusive environment for all children and young people, prioritising safety above all else.

5. Children and young people will:

  • Listen to and follow instructions from leaders, for the safety and enjoyment of all.
  • Take part in activities in a manner which is in line with the values of Scouting.
  • Not insult, harm or embarrass others, either verbally or physically, or use inappropriate language.
  • Tell an adult if they are upset by or worried about behaviour they see or experience.
  • Not use phones during sessions, other than where the activity requires it.

6. Parents & caregivers will:

  • Offer to help at one or more meetings each term.
  • Support the work of the sections, including by reinforcing the expected standards of behaviour and working collaboratively with leaders on any behavioural concerns.
  • Ensure OSM is kept up to date with medical information.
  • Treat leaders with respect at all times, recognising that they are freely giving up their valuable time for the enjoyment and development of children and young people.

Action when behaviour falls short of expectation.

7. Concerns about behaviour should in the first instance be raised with the relevant Section Leader, with the aim of resolving the issue locally and informally wherever possible. If the Section Leader is the subject of the concern, the issue should be raised with one of the Group Lead Volunteers. Details of Section Leaders and Group Lead Volunteers for the 44th organogram can be found here. Concerns should be listened to and an attempt made to find a mutually acceptable way to address the concern. The Scouting values should be the basis for any conversation.

8. Where an issue cannot be resolved informally, a complaint may be submitted in line with the Scouting Complaints Policy. Complaints will be dealt with in line with this policy, and Trustees of the 44th will be notified of all complaints made, and the outcome.

9. Where there are concerns about the behaviour of a child or young person which is impacting on the safety and enjoyment of sessions, the Section Leader should seek an opportunity to discuss these with the parent or caregiver. Section Leaders should be clear in this conversation about what the concern is and what change in behaviour is expected, over what timescale. The Scouting values should be the basis for all conversations. Wherever possible, children and young people should be given an opportunity to correct and improve their behaviour.

10. If concerns about behaviour persist despite this opportunity, Section Leaders may decide to exclude a child or young person from a number of sessions. If concerns persist over the longer term, Section Leaders may exclude a child or young person from sessions permanently.

Children and young people requiring additional support

11. We recognise the diverse needs of children and young people, and celebrate the contributions that neurodiverse individuals can bring to our sections. Leaders will speak to parents and caregivers when a child or young person first joins a section, to understand any specific needs they may have and how best to provide an inclusive and enjoyable experience. Where children and young people need additional support in order to meet the expected standards of behaviour set out in this policy, leaders will work with parents and caregivers to agree how that can be provided. This may include asking parents and caregivers to attend sessions with the child or young person in order to provide support.