Purpose

This policy sets out expectations for behaviour within 1st Bar Hill Scout Group to ensure all young people feel safe, respected, and included. It supports UK Scouts’ guidance and promotes positive choices through a fair and consistent approach.

Promoting Positive Behaviour

Every member at 1st Bar Hill Scout Group deserves to feel safe, respected, and included. We encourage kindness, teamwork, and listening to others so everyone can enjoy Scouting.

Our expectations are:

  • Be respectful to leaders and peers.
  • Be kind — bullying of any kind is never OK.
  • Stay safe by following instructions and using equipment properly.

Examples of Unacceptable Behaviour

To clarify expectations, the following provided examples of conduct that is considered unacceptable include (and not limited to):

  • Physical aggression: Hitting, kicking, pushing, or throwing objects at others.
  • Verbal abuse: Swearing, name-calling, or using discriminatory language.
  • Bullying: Repeated teasing, intimidation, or exclusion of others.
  • Disrespect: Ignoring leaders’ instructions, talking over others, or mocking peers.
  • Damage to property: Deliberately breaking or vandalising equipment or belongings.
  • Unsafe actions: Misusing tools or ignoring safety instructions.
  • Online misconduct: Sharing hurtful messages or inappropriate content in group chats.
  • Persistent disruption: Interrupting activities, refusing to cooperate, or distracting others.

Behaviour Framework (Yellow/Red Card System)

  • Step 1 – Verbal Reminder: A calm, clear reminder of expectations.
  • Step 2 – Yellow Card: Issued if behaviour continues or is disruptive.
  • Step 3 – Red Card: Issued for serious behaviour or repeated issues.
  • Each Card will remain on record for 3 months from issue.
  • Two Yellow Cards within 3 months = Red Card.
  • Serious incidents (e.g., aggression, safeguarding concerns) may go straight to Red.

Anti-Bullying

  • Bullying in any form—physical, verbal, emotional, or online—is unacceptable.
  • The Group will follow UK Scouts’ Anti-Bullying guidance and resources.
  • Any bullying incident will be addressed promptly and recorded in line with safeguarding procedures.

Escalation and Consequences

  • First Red Card: Young person misses one meeting or event at the leader’s discretion.
  • Second Red Card: Meeting with Section Team Lead, Group Lead Volunteer (GLV) and parents/carers; possible termination of membership from the group.
  • Leaders have the discretion to contact parents/carers to collect a young person if behaviour poses a risk to safety, disrupts the session or event (day trip or camp), or cannot be resolved on-site.
  • All decisions will be documented and communicated clearly.

Restorative Approach

Leaders will use restorative conversations where appropriate to:

  • Help young people understand the impact of their actions.
  • Rebuild relationships and encourage positive choices.
  • This approach complements, not replaces, consequences.

Communication with Parents and Carers

Leaders will:

  • Communicate early and clearly about concerns.
  • Share expectations and behaviour codes.
  • Seek information that may help support the young person (e.g., additional needs, recent changes at home).

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Section Teams: Implement this policy and record incidents.
  • Group Lead Volunteer (GLV): Oversee consistency, manage escalation.
  • Young Leaders: Follow guidance and report concerns to Section Leaders.
  • Parents/Carers: Partner with leaders to support positive behaviour.

Safeguarding

  • Any safeguarding concerns will be reported to UK Scouts HQ within 24 hours following policy requirements.