Application of POR Rule 9.1

Authorising Activities in Wyre District

POR (rule 9.1) states that “the District Commissioner is responsible for approving all activities for Squirrels, Beaver, Cub, Scouts and Explorers. This will usually be by means of an informal system agreed between the District Commissioner and each Group Scout Leader or District Explorer Scout Commissioner”.

This documents the delegated responsibilities for authorising activities under POR Rule 9.1 in Wyre District:

1. Group Lead Volunteers are responsible for authorising all activities that take place in Squirrel, Beaver, Cub and Scout sections in their Group (with the exception of those mentioned elsewhere in this document). Group Lead Volunteers will need to see and consider every section’s programme and ensure that adequate risk assessments are in place for activities. The Programme Support Sub-Team Members (Section Programme Leads) are required to have visibility of every section’s programme to ensure that good practice can be shared across the district.

2. The 14-24 Team Lead is responsible for authorising all activities that take place in Explorer Scout Units in the District (with the exception of those mentioned elsewhere in this document). The 14-24 Team Lead will need to see and consider every Unit’s programme and ensure that adequate risk assessments are in place for activities.

3. The Scout Network Sub-Team Lead is responsible for authorising all activities that take place in Scout Network in the District (with the exception of those mentioned elsewhere in this document).

4. If, in any instance, a Group Lead Volunteer or the 14-24 Team Lead is unsure whether to authorise a particular activity, they must discuss it with the District Lead Volunteer.

5. Where an activity is covered within the Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme and led by a member of the District holding the relevant permit, the Group Lead Volunteer / 14-24 Team Lead (see points 1 and 2) and the Activities Team Lead must be aware of the activity taking place on each occasion. If using a permit holder from outside the District the District Lead Volunteer must be informed.

6. All Nights Away and Visits Abroad will be approved directly by the District Lead Volunteer.

7. The following activities must be notified to the District Lead Volunteer who will seek appropriate advice on suitability ahead of approving the activity to take place: Shooting, Air Activities, Motor Sports, Trampolining, Water Activities (Class C Waters).

8. For activities and events involving only adults (adult only nights away 9.2, and adult groups undertaking activities 9.8) the District Lead Volunteer must be notified of the activity taking place.

Approval of activities will be discussed at least annually at each District Leadership Team Meeting to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the process outlined above and applying consistency, also providing an opportunity for the system to be reviewed and amended as appropriate.

Useful References The Scouts – Activities: https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities

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