Our Policies

51st Bath has a number of policies to ensure it is a safe, well-run and fair environment for its young people and that our volunteers are empowered to run an amazing programme of events.

As a Group, as well as having our own specific policies, we are governed by the rules of The Scouts, as set out in Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR). You can find the latest version of POR on The Scouts website, www.scouts.org.uk/por.

Our policies are reviewed annually by our Group Board of Trustees (Group Executive Committee), who look to ensure they are fit for purpose and in-line with current best practice.

Our current polices (which you can read in full using the links beside each) are listed below. We also give a list of “Key Points” for each policy, pointing out the most important elements for parents or guardians. These key points are not intended to be exhaustive and are no substitute for reading the full policy.

Attendance Policy – read in full

Last Updated: April 2025

Key Points:

• Notify the section leader (please ensure you make a record of your respective section leader’s contact details) if your child is unable to attend a meeting or event.
• In circumstances where you are not able to make contact with your respective section leader, you must instead email info@51bathscouts.org.uk.
• Please respond to invitations as quickly as possible whether your child is attending or not. If you miss the deadline, your child is unlikely to be able to attend.
• If you regularly fail to notify us about absences, we may be forced to terminate your child’s membership. See the full policy for more detail.

Behaviour & Bullying Policy – read in full

Last Updated: April 2025

Key Points:

• All sections will have their own code of conduct- agreed annually by everybody in the section.
• Occasional misbehaviour will be dealt with by the section leader, and could include time outs or exclusion from activities.
• Regular misbehaviour will result in more serious consequences, such as suspension or termination of membership.
• Bullying is absolutely unacceptable in Scouting and will be treated accordingly.

Data Protection Policy – read in full

Last Updated: April 2023

Key Points:

• We have to keep some personal information from members to ensure our activities are safe.
• For more information, to make a subject access request, or to exercise any of your rights under GDPR, please contact privacy@51bathscouts.org.uk.

Expenses & Hardship Policy – read in full

Last Updated: April 2025

Key Points:

• Scouting should be accessible to everybody, and our Hardship Fund helps to make this possible.
• If you believe you would struggle to pay for Scout activities (weekly meetings or one-off events), please contact gsl@51bathscouts.org.uk and/or talk to your child’s section leader.

Financial Management Policy – read in full

Last Updated: April 2025

Key Points:

• We operate a system of financial management to ensure the safe and accurate use of charitable funds.

Payments Policy – read in full

Last Updated: April 2025

Key Points:

• We collect termly fees to pay for the weekly activities we do in Scouting.
• We also collect additional payments for some activities (including camps and special events).
• Signing up for an event is an agreement to pay for the event. Even if the child cannot attend, the fee remains payable.
• If payment is overdue for 21 days, we reserve the right to terminate the child’s membership, but the obligation to pay will remain.

Waiting List Policy – read in full

Last Updated: April 2025

Key Points:

• We operate a waiting list system for those joining our sections.
• We will prioritise certain groups of people, e.g. family members already in the group.