General Behaviour

Behaviour which is not in the nature of Scouting or Guiding, will not be tolerated; any actions which bring the reputation of SSAGO, The Scout Association or Girlguiding UK into disrepute will be dealt with by the National SSAGO Executive Committee.

Campfire Guidelines

Before the hour of 11pm, only songs of a suitable nature for youth members of both Scouting and Guiding may be sung at the campfire.

After 11pm, songs which may be deemed offensive might be sung. It is therefore recommended that if you do not feel comfortable in such an environment, that you remove yourself from it when advised.

 

Alcohol

When drinking alcohol at a rally we strongly encourage you to do so sensibly and to monitor your own drinking in terms of what is acceptable drinking behaviour. Alcohol is NOT an excuse for poor behaviour while at the event. We would also like to remind committee members that they bear a responsibility for ensuring their members adhere to these guidelines and in adopting a rational approach to drinking.

We would like to make clear that the intoxication of members is also the responsibility of their club committees and their reps. Due to the unfair burden placed on the event committee, Team Pink and first aiders at previous events, we feel like we must stress that committee members will be the first port of call, and therefore should be proactive in preventing such situations arising in the first place. 

SSAGO is also an environment where members look out for each other - this includes looking after, specifically people within your own club, when they are consuming alcohol. Over the weekend, the rally committee and Team Pink will be incredibly busy dealing with a wide variety of things and so we would really appreciate it if people helped out if you see someone that may need some help.
We know some of you may be uncertain when looking after people who are drinking. So here are a few tip on how best to support those who are drinking and well as, hopefully, preventing things from getting more serious:

• Firstly, if you see a friend or member of your club drinking too much do ask them to take a break or slow down with their drinking.
• Make sure you and others are drinking plenty of water and you have eaten at meal times.
• If you believe someone may have drunk too much (speech becoming slurred and unsteady on their feet):
• Get them to sit down somewhere and try to keep them upright and awake.
• Give them water to sip on.
• Keep them warm.
• Get them to eat some plain carbohydrates such as bread, pasta or rice. There are usually some spare in the kitchens so do feel free to ask for some.
• Lastly, they may be feeling quite disoriented and confused, hence, reassure them that they are safe and looked after.
• Do ask those around you for a hand if you need it.

If it gets to a stage where you are extremely overwhelmed and believe you may need further, or medical, assistance please find a member of Team Pink or call the Team Pink hotline.

Noise

Please be mindful of any neighbours around the campsite, especailly overnight. To keep in line with the law, noise should be kept to a minimum between the hours of 11pm and 7am, so please be respectful of this. When moving around the camping or indoor accomodation areas, please also be mindful that some members may have gone to sleep earlier than you.

Online Behaviour

In the run up to the event and throughout the course of it, we ask members to remain sensible with regard to their messages and actions on online platforms. We encourage members to report any inappropriate behaviour to the National SSAGO Executive Committee or Event Committee.

Illegal Substances

The use of illegal substances of any kind will not be tolerated by SSAGO. The police shall be called immediately and a lifetime ban from SSAGO will automatically occur. Additionally, the member(s) involved will have their name(s) passed to The Scout Association and Girlguiding UK, and their University.

Photography

National Events typically have a high volume of attendees and are spread over a large area. There will be video, photography and audio being recorded during the event to help promote Scouting, Guiding and SSAGO as a whole.

By participating in this event you grant SSAGO full rights to use the this media and any reproductions or adaptations for these purposes and in line with The Scouts and SSAGO policy. If you do not wish to be photographed please contact the Event Committee.

Breaches and Disputes

Where breaches of this behaviour occur the Event Committee, and allocated event staff, reserve the right to perform one or more of the following actions: temporary removal of a member from an online platform; removal from an activity; removal from the event; referral to the National SSAGO Executive Committee.

The National SSAGO Executive Committee shall serve to be the point of appeal for all disciplinary actions applied by the Event Committee, or staff acting on their behalf, where a member feels they have been unjustly sanctioned. If the sanctions were applied by the National SSAGO Executive Committee an appeal may be made in line with the "Behaviour and Disciplinary Procedures" Policy. Where a member is unable to take part fully in an activity or event due to restrictions placed on them by staff as a result of their behaviour there shall be no right to a refund for any costs paid towards that activity unless a dispute is successful.

Download the Yellow Card

The Yellow Card

As adults in Scouts, the safety of young people is our priority. We're committed to:

• Taking the interests and well-being of young people into account, in all our considerations and activities.
• Respecting the rights, wishes and feelings of the young people with whom we work.
• Taking all reasonable practicable steps to protect them from neglect, physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
• Promoting the welfare of young people and their protection within a position of trust.

The Young People First code of practice (also known as the yellow card) sets out a code of behaviour for all adults in Scouts.

Code of Practice

• Do remember that you are a role model at ALL times, inside and outside Scouting. You must set a good example for others to follow.
• Do treat everyone with dignity and respect in line with the Scout 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 trust.
• Do report all safeguarding concerns directly to the Safeguarding Team as soon as possible, and always within 24 hours.
• Do contact the Safeguarding Team if you receive details of any statutory agency (for example, the police, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or children's services) involvement regarding a member.
• Do remember that someone may misinterpret your actions.
• Do respect children's and young people's right to personal privacy.
• Do encourage an open and transparent culture, where people challenge or report behaviour that is not in line with this code.
• Do make everyone aware of our safeguarding arrangements. Share our Yellow Card with volunteers, parents and guardians, and display it where meetings take place.
• Do create an environment where young people feel safe to voice their concerns.
• Do have separate sleeping accommodation for young people and adults, as well as young leaders working with a younger section.
• Do plan activities that involve more than one other person being present. If that's not possible, make sure other people can see and hear what's going on.
• Do not plan to be alone with a child or young person in Scouts, either online or in person.
• Do not drink alcohol when you are directly responsible for children and young people in Scouts and never allow under 18s to drink alcohol on Scout activities.
• Do not trivialise concerns or abuse.
• Do not let concerns or abuse go unreported. Contact the Safeguarding Team, especially if you feel your concern has not been taken seriously.
• Do not join in physical contact games with children and young people.
• Do not overstep the boundaries with children and young people by being involved in friendships or personal relationships with them.
• 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.
• Do not get involved with a safeguarding concern if you have a personal friendship or family connection with those involved. Step back and tell the Safeguarding Team about the connection.

Download the Green Card

The Green Card

Drinking alcohol can put adults in a compromising position regarding their responsibilities for safeguarding and their duty of care. Also, as an adult in Scouting you are a role model for young people. When adults are responsible for young people, they must not drink alcohol.

During Scouting events attended by young people under the age of 18, the following rules apply.

• Under 18s must not drink alcohol under any circumstances.
• There must be the correct ratio of adults responsible for young people at all times.
• If you are responsible for young people you must not drink alcohol.
• If you are not directly responsible for young people, and you do drink alcohol, you should still follow the Yellow Card (our safeguarding code of practice).
• If you are drinking when 'off duty', you should consider how alcohol may affect your ability to carry out your Scouting duties when back on duty.
• Young people must know who is responsible for them at all times.

Download a Safe Space Pocket Guide

A Safe Space

Your Volunteer Code of Conduct maps out what is expected of you at all times.

This is Girlguiding’s expectation of how you work with others in Girlguiding, including volunteers, staff and girls, and members of the public, including parents and partner organisations.

By following it you'll be able to check that you're doing the right thing and behaving in the right way. You'll be reminded of what Girlguiding stands for, of our mission, the Promise and of our values, to be caring, challenging, empowering, fun, inclusive and inspiring.

Most important of all, you'll be sure you are helping deliver our programme, which makes a great guiding experience. All volunteers contribute to good programme delivery, whether you're in a unit role working with young members or supporting other adults in guiding.

This Code supports you by making your responsibilities clear for you. Take it seriously and follow it with pride.

Your Girlguiding Volunteer Code of Conduct

As a Girlguiding volunteer you must always:

• Be a good role model with behaviour and an attitude that are in line with our values and the Promise.
• Comply with all applicable UK laws and guidance. If your unit is based outside the UK or you are part of an activity outside the UK, you must also abide by the law of that country.
• Make sure you follow Girlguiding policies and procedures and re-read them regularly so you are informed of updates. If you have gaps in your understanding, talk to your local commissioner or adviser.
• Deliver the Girlguiding programme to young members if you are a unit volunteer. When volunteering with adults in guiding, support them to meet the Girlguiding programme requirements, to play your part in giving a consistently great Girlguiding experience.
• Be responsible and accountable in the way you perform your role.
• Be fair and treat everyone with respect and dignity in accordance with our Equality and Diversity policy.
• Respect privacy in line with our policies and guidance.
• Communicate in an open and respectful way, whether in person, by phone, writing or digital media.
• Work together with Girlguiding members, their parents or carers and members of the public to promote Girlguiding's mission and values.