Report evidence summary
Stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised. 16
The Scout Association Issue guidance clarifying, documenting and communicating delegated activity-approval processes.
View source
The Scout Association Establish a two- and three-year review schedule for safety information and resources.
View source
The Scout Association Launch and mandate enhanced online safety training, extend it to additional roles, assess learning, and require three-yearly refreshers.
View source
The Scout Association Require nights-away notifications to confirm that written risk assessments are prepared, shared with line managers, and communicated to adults and young people.
View source
The Scout Association Improve safety-incident review processes to identify root causes and ensure local learning points are acted upon.
View source
The Scout Association Appoint health and safety professionals to key committees to assess procedure efficacy and robustness.
View source
The Scout Association Conduct the Safety Incident Learning Inquiry using evidence from the Inquest and related investigations to identify further learning.
View source
The Scout Association Provide monthly training-compliance data and reminder emails to guide local interventions and improve compliance.
View source
The Scout Association Review guidance on communication systems for activities where young people have greater independence or remoteness from leaders.
View source
The Scout Association Implement closer local scrutiny of risk assessments for events and activities.
View source
The Scout Association Introduce and circulate the Safety Advisor role to support safety-policy implementation and compliance locally.
View source
The Scout Association Update, expand and circulate written risk-assessment guidance, templates, examples and supporting resources.
View source
The Scout Association Update requirements for maintaining and refreshing volunteers’ first-aid qualifications.
View source
The Scout Association Agree six new safety staff posts, including a Head of Safety, National Headquarters Safety Manager and four Compliance Officers.
View source
The Scout Association Update and circulate free-time and supervision guidance covering expectations, boundaries and management of associated risks.
View source
The Scout Association Review and publish clarified terrain definitions and Terrain Zero guidance for hillwalking activities.
View source Respondent positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when it does not describe a specific action. 8
The Scout Association A dynamic risk assessment was undertaken, although there was no evidence that its conclusions or controls were communicated to the group.
Disputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it. View source
The Scout Association The volunteers’ evidence did not indicate unfamiliarity with risk assessment; they had been trained in conducting assessments appropriate to their roles.
Disputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it. View source
The Scout Association The federated structure, central policies, local oversight, training, database and monitoring provide appropriate safety oversight despite organisational distance from local groups.
Existing arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed. View source
The Scout Association There was no evidence that the organisation itself had failed to implement its safety policy, although procedures were not followed in this case.
Disputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it. View source
The Scout Association Financial pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic prevented full recruitment of the intended 10 to 12 additional safety staff.
Unable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action. View source
The Scout Association Most trip planning and preparation, particularly the Snowdon ascent, complied with safety policies, rules and procedures.
Disputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it. View source
The Scout Association Written risk assessment was not necessarily required in every situation under the applicable guidance, provided findings and controls were communicated.
Disputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it. View source
The Scout Association Current guidance does not require leaders to hold participants’ contact lists, partly because communication is focused on leaders and parents and safeguarding concerns arise.
Existing arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed. View source
× Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to implement the Scout Association's safety policies
Wider context from the report “1. The arranging of the trip did not adhere to the Scout Association's own safety policies.
2. Such policies were not adequately understood at grass roots level.
3. Safety policies exist but are not implemented.
” Is this part of a recurring concern? No recurring-concern membership is currently published.
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to provide boys with safety instruction or briefing
Wider context from the report “13. No instruction or briefing was given to the boys.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to obtain required trip approval
Wider context from the report “8. There had been no approval sought for the trip as required from the District Commissioner.
” Is this part of a recurring concern? No recurring-concern membership is currently published.
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure of scout leaders to discuss the trip plan
Wider context from the report “10. There was no meaningful discussion between the scout leaders as to the plan for trip on the Orme.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Inadequate understanding of risk assessment requirements
Wider context from the report “6. There is not a full understanding of what a risk assessment is.
7. There is not a full understanding on when to do written and or dynamic risk assessments.
” Is this part of a recurring concern? No recurring-concern membership is currently published.
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to plan the trip route
Wider context from the report “12. There was no route planned for the Orme trip.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to maintain effective supervision and leadership of the group
Wider context from the report “14. Each of the 3 leaders assumed the 3 boys were with one of the leaders when in fact they were not. They were one their own.
15. There was no effective leadership for the group.
” Is this part of a recurring concern? No recurring-concern membership is currently published.
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Inadequate understanding of safety policies at grassroots level
Wider context from the report “1. The arranging of the trip did not adhere to the Scout Association's own safety policies.
2. Such policies were not adequately understood at grass roots level.
3. Safety policies exist but are not implemented.
” Is this part of a recurring concern? No recurring-concern membership is currently published.
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Unavailability of participant and emergency contact lists
Wider context from the report “11. The leaders did not have a participant list nor list of phone numbers for the boys.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to assess leaders' health and safety competencies
Wider context from the report “19. The health and safety training intervals for leaders are said to be every 3 years with no way of assessing their competencies.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to complete written or dynamic risk assessments
Wider context from the report “4. There was no written risk assessment.
5. There was no dynamic risk assessment.
” Is this part of a recurring concern? No recurring-concern membership is currently published.
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Absence of permanent District Commissioner oversight
Wider context from the report “9. There was an absence of a permanent District Commissioner to give oversight to the leadership of the group.
” Is this part of a recurring concern? No recurring-concern membership is currently published.
Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure of the Scout Association to oversee health and safety execution at ground level
Wider context from the report “18. The Scout Association is distant from its membership through its federated branches of 8000 charities and layers of hierarchy meaning that it cannot know how health and safety is executed at ground level.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to recognise inadequacies in operational practice
Wider context from the report “20. The lives of young people are being put at risk by the Scout Association's failure to recognise the inadequacies of their operational practice and the part this has played in the death of Ben.
” Is this part of a recurring concern? No recurring-concern membership is currently published.
Open source report
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Issue guidance clarifying, documenting and communicating delegated activity-approval processes.
Verbatim wording from the response “• Approval process: the rules governing the process by which District and County Commissioners approve activities is the subject of review by the Safety Committee. In particular, clarity is required around the informal system of delegation of approval that is described in the current rule 9.1(b) and work is being undertaken to provide more guidance for Commissioners in this regard. This guidance will clarify the options available to Commissioners in respect of activity approval and how that process should be documented and communicated to volunteers. The current aim is for this work to be delivered in April 2020.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Establish a two- and three-year review schedule for safety information and resources.
Verbatim wording from the response “• a schedule of review of safety information and resources established to ensure that everything is reviewed regularly using a two and three year cycle; and” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Launch and mandate enhanced online safety training, extend it to additional roles, assess learning, and require three-yearly refreshers.
Verbatim wording from the response “Update to safety training
In September 2020 the enhanced safety training module was launched to volunteers. This module is an online course that includes questions to validate learning and then issues a certificate of completion. It is mandatory for all volunteers fulfilling a role that requires safety training to complete this online module, to ensure consistency of training across all volunteers. Face to face training can be added at a local level to complement this training but all volunteers that are required to do safety training must complete the online module. A workbook has been created which must be completed by all those undertaking safety training who are unable to access the online training and it must then be validated by a local line manager as part of certification for that training.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Require nights-away notifications to confirm that written risk assessments are prepared, shared with line managers, and communicated to adults and young people.
Verbatim wording from the response “Update to Nights Away Notification Form
In May 2020 a new version of the Nights Away Notification Form (NAN) was circulated to volunteers. This updated NAN form includes the requirement to confirm that a written risk assessment has been prepared and shared with the respective line manager for any activities to be undertaken on the trip and is then communicated with both adults and young people involved.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Improve safety-incident review processes to identify root causes and ensure local learning points are acted upon.
Verbatim wording from the response “The specific responses to this tragedy have been implemented alongside other improvements to safety management that were being undertaken in any event in accordance with the Safety Committee’s current programme of work. These steps included:” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Appoint health and safety professionals to key committees to assess procedure efficacy and robustness.
Verbatim wording from the response “• appointment of health and safety professionals to key committees to assist in the review of the efficacy and robustness of the procedures that are intended to fulfil our commitment to keep our members safe from harm.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Conduct the Safety Incident Learning Inquiry using evidence from the Inquest and related investigations to identify further learning.
Verbatim wording from the response “In the days that followed, the Safety Committee was engaged. The need for a Safety Incident Learning Inquiry was recognised and approved in principle but given the ongoing investigation by the police and the Coroner, this Learning Review was paused pending the outcome of the Inquest.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Provide monthly training-compliance data and reminder emails to guide local interventions and improve compliance.
Verbatim wording from the response “In the meantime senior volunteer line managers and staff have assisted the local line management in monitoring and improving training compliance by providing monthly data on compliance in order to guide and prompt the necessary local interventions, in addition to sending training reminder emails to ensure that this important matter remains a priority locally for volunteers.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Review guidance on communication systems for activities where young people have greater independence or remoteness from leaders.
Verbatim wording from the response “Our current guidance does not require a group’s leaders to have a list of participants and their telephone numbers as it is primarily focused on members maintaining communication with other leaders and parents as opposed to participants. In any event, certain safeguarding implications arise if adult leaders have the telephone numbers of young people and engage in direct communication.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Implement closer local scrutiny of risk assessments for events and activities.
Verbatim wording from the response “At a local level, the County Commissioner has implemented a system to provide closer scrutiny on risk assessments produced for events and activities as is provided for in TSA’s rules relating to the approval of activities.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Introduce and circulate the Safety Advisor role to support safety-policy implementation and compliance locally.
Verbatim wording from the response “The role of Safety Coordinators (a volunteer role at County level) was reviewed and a new role description and role title of Safety Advisor was circulated to volunteer line managers in November 2020. The role of the new Safety Advisor is:” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Update, expand and circulate written risk-assessment guidance, templates, examples and supporting resources.
Verbatim wording from the response “Update on risk assessments
The working group (mentioned above) completed its work and made recommendations in respect of Factsheet FS120000 and guidance on written risk assessments. These were approved by the Safety Committee and then circulated to volunteers in the movement for consultation.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Update requirements for maintaining and refreshing volunteers’ first-aid qualifications.
Verbatim wording from the response “• First aid training: in January 2019 requirements for first aid training for volunteers were updated in POR. Volunteers were required to maintain a first aid qualification at all times and such first aid training has to be refreshed every three years.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Agree six new safety staff posts, including a Head of Safety, National Headquarters Safety Manager and four Compliance Officers.
Verbatim wording from the response “Update on the additional staff with expertise in safety management
The financial pressures created by the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that at this stage we are unable to fully recruit the intended 10 to 12 additional staff members as originally stated in this response. Due to the financial implications of the pandemic, TSA has gone through a redundancy programme during 2020 and reduced staff headcount by 29%. However, despite this the number of staff in the Safe Scouting department focussing on safety will increase as detailed below.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Update and circulate free-time and supervision guidance covering expectations, boundaries and management of associated risks.
Verbatim wording from the response “Update on free time guidance
The Safety Committee reviewed and updated the free time guidance with revisions published in August 2020. This guidance expanded on how to set expectations and boundaries on free time and how to communicate these with young people.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Review and publish clarified terrain definitions and Terrain Zero guidance for hillwalking activities.
Verbatim wording from the response “• Terrain definitions: in 2020 a specifically constituted review group of volunteers and TSA staff (that includes highly qualified hill walking specialists) has been identified to review the various terrain definitions, and the rules and guidance relating to all hillwalking activities. For information, the terrain definitions were last reviewed by a similar group between May 2017 and January 2018.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation A dynamic risk assessment was undertaken, although there was no evidence that its conclusions or controls were communicated to the group.
Verbatim wording from the response “There was evidence that a dynamic risk assessment was undertaken. However, we cannot identify any evidence that its conclusions or controls were communicated to the group.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation The volunteers’ evidence did not indicate unfamiliarity with risk assessment; they had been trained in conducting assessments appropriate to their roles.
Verbatim wording from the response “The volunteers confirmed that they had been trained in conducting risk assessments commensurate with their different roles. Their evidence did not suggest that they were unfamiliar with risk assessment. On the contrary, they understood what a risk assessment was.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation The federated structure, central policies, local oversight, training, database and monitoring provide appropriate safety oversight despite organisational distance from local groups.
Verbatim wording from the response “In particular, the role of TSA is to produce policies, rules and procedures for those volunteers who deliver scouting in the community; to ensure that those policies, rules and procedures are made available to local Scout Groups to assist them in providing Scouting activities to our young people; to provide an organisational framework for volunteers that ensures that there is oversight by volunteer line managers at District, County and country level; to provide resources to enable training for its volunteer leaders; to maintain a national membership database that records their various qualifications and certifications (as outlined above); and to monitor the efficacy and continuing suitability of these rules and processes by analyzing various sources of data - whether data on training compliance, incident reports, or by commissioning external studies - and to take any necessary action as” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation There was no evidence that the organisation itself had failed to implement its safety policy, although procedures were not followed in this case.
Verbatim wording from the response “As far as we are aware, there was no evidence that TSA itself had failed to implement its own policy.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Financial pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic prevented full recruitment of the intended 10 to 12 additional safety staff.
Verbatim wording from the response “Update on the additional staff with expertise in safety management
The financial pressures created by the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that at this stage we are unable to fully recruit the intended 10 to 12 additional staff members as originally stated in this response. Due to the financial implications of the pandemic, TSA has gone through a redundancy programme during 2020 and reduced staff headcount by 29%. However, despite this the number of staff in the Safe Scouting department focussing on safety will increase as detailed below.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Most trip planning and preparation, particularly the Snowdon ascent, complied with safety policies, rules and procedures.
Verbatim wording from the response “We understand from the transcript of the hearing that the Explorer Leader was suitably qualified as a Leader-in-Charge for this overnight activity. He had obtained the required approval from the Acting District Commissioner for the nights away activity as per the Nights Away Permit Scheme. He had obtained parental consent and had organised a safety briefing for the young people in the week before the trip. He had engaged suitable specialist mountain guides for the planned ascent of Snowdon and had ensured that leader/young person ratios were appropriate. It therefore seems that the planning and preparation for most of the aspects of the trip, and in particular the ascent of Snowdon, complied with TSA’s safety policies, rules and procedures.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Written risk assessment was not necessarily required in every situation under the applicable guidance, provided findings and controls were communicated.
Verbatim wording from the response “The evidence was that rules 4.7(k) and 9.4 of POR required risk assessments to be carried out before and during every activity; and that the relevant guidance on such risk assessments was contained in our Factsheet FS120000 (Activities – Risk Assessment). This guidance did not stipulate that such a risk assessment should necessarily be written in every situation but indicated it should be recorded and also said that one was particularly useful for a trip away. That Factsheet also emphasises under the heading “Record your Findings” that “you will always need to tell those involved in the activity what action they should take – and what action they must not take”.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
×
Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Current guidance does not require leaders to hold participants’ contact lists, partly because communication is focused on leaders and parents and safeguarding concerns arise.
Verbatim wording from the response “Our current guidance does not require a group’s leaders to have a list of participants and their telephone numbers as it is primarily focused on members maintaining communication with other leaders and parents as opposed to participants. In any event, certain safeguarding implications arise if adult leaders have the telephone numbers of young people and engage in direct communication.” Source location Response from Scouts
Open published response
Pin
Get email alerts
Request correction
Information checked against the published report and official responses