Relational behaviour and anti-bullying policy

We want every young person to feel welcome, safe and supported. We also have a clear duty to keep all young people safe as a group. This means we balance individual needs with what our volunteers can safely manage. We see behaviour as a way of showing a need, not as something to punish. We respond with curiosity, kindness and clear boundaries. 

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We respect diversity. We know that many behaviours are linked to sensory differences, communication needs or stress. We focus on understanding these needs so each young person can take part fully in our programme. 

Bullying of any kind is never acceptable. Everyone has the right to enjoy Scouts and take part without fear, pressure or harm. 

We build a culture where: 

• young people feel they belong 

• adults model calm, respectful behaviour 

• needs are understood before decisions are made 

• differences are accepted and supported 

• safety is our shared priority 

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We expect all adults and young people to treat each other with dignity and care. We use clear routines and predictable expectations to help everyone feel secure. 

Behaviour is a way young people communicate how they feel and what they need. It can show us that a young person: 

• needs help or reassurance 

• feels overwhelmed or unsafe 

• cannot express themselves in another way 

• has hit a sensory or environmental trigger 

• is hungry, tired or stressed 

We know that some young people have long-term needs that shape how they respond to the world. Some may have situational needs, such as stress at home, family illness, bereavement or parental conflict. These experiences can affect their emotions, energy and behaviour just as strongly. All needs matter, and we treat them with the same care and curiosity. 

We aim to notice these signs early and respond before distress builds. 

Adults use: 

• warm and calm voices 

• simple language and visual support 

• curiosity (“What might this young person need right now?”) 

• a focus on connection and regulation 

• de-escalation, not confrontation 

We avoid shame, threats, raised voices. These approaches often increase distress.

We want every young person to take part and feel they belong. We make reasonable adjustments for all needs, whether they are diagnosed, not yet diagnosed, or situational. These may include neurodevelopmental or communication needs (such as autism, ADHD or anxiety), or needs linked to life circumstances (such as family conflict, caring responsibilities, poor sleep, housing difficulties or illness in the family). 

Adjustments may include: 

• giving extra processing time 

• offering sensory breaks 

• using communication aids 

• changing the environment 

• adapting activities 

• reducing demands when a young person feels overwhelmed 

When a young person needs a higher level of individual support to stay safe or to take part meaningfully, we aim to provide this. We try to run at ratios above the minimum required when this helps a young person take part safely. 

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However, we rely on volunteers, and the number of volunteers available on any given day is not always within our control. This means we cannot guarantee one‑to‑one or specialist supervision. If the support required goes beyond what our volunteers can safely provide, we will talk with parents or carers to explore options.

These may include: 

• adjusting activities or expectations 

• asking a parent or carer to stay and provide additional support 

• reviewing whether a temporary or longer‑term change is needed to keep the young person and the group safe 

Any decisions are made with care, dignity and honesty. Our aim is always to include the young person wherever safe and reasonably practicable, while protecting the wellbeing of the whole group.

Strong relationships sit at the heart of our Group. Adults work to build trust with every young person. We do this through: 

• being consistent 

• noticing strengths 

• celebrating effort 

• listening without judgement 

• repairing relationships after difficulties 

We learn from each other and reflect on what works. 

We explain clearly that bullying is not accepted here. Bullying is repeated behaviour that harms, frightens or isolates another person. It can be physical, verbal, social or online. 

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We prevent bullying by: 

• setting a clear, shared code of conduct suitable to the age group 

• modelling respect, empathy and teamwork 

• responding early to unkind behaviour 

• creating space for young people to talk about worries 

• working closely with parents and carers 

If someone reports bullying, we take it seriously. We: 

• Listen to the young person and reassure them they did the right thing telling someone. 

• Act quickly to understand what happened. 

• Record what we know and share with the Group Lead Volunteer. 

• Ensure safety for everyone involved. 

• Support the young person harmed, checking in with them regularly. 

• Work with the young person who caused harm to understand what lies underneath their behaviour and help them repair relationships. 

• Talk with parents or carers of everyone involved. 

Consequences are always: 

• fair 

• related to the behaviour 

• focused on learning and repair 

• never shaming 

We avoid punishments that exclude young people unless safety requires it. 

When a young person becomes distressed, we prioritise safety. Adults will: 

• stay calm 

• reduce demands 

• offer space, movement or sensory activities 

• support the young person to regulate 

• avoid crowding or multiple voices 

After the situation, we repair relationships and explore triggers together when the young person is ready. 

All adults in the Group: 

• stay alert to early signs of distress or conflict 

• commit to modelling respectful behaviour 

• follow our safeguarding duties 

• act on concerns without delay 

• raise questions if an activity or approach isn’t meeting a young person’s needs 

We work as a team. If you need help, ask. No one manages difficult moments alone. 

If the behaviour or actions of an adult raise concerns, the Group may take further steps in line with safeguarding guidance. These may include: 

• Retraining – extra learning or coaching to support safe and positive practice. 

• Suspension from Scouting – overseen by the Safeguarding Team, used when further checks or investigations are needed. 

• Exclusion from Scouting – also through the Safeguarding Team, used when an adult’s behaviour is not compatible with continuing in Scouting roles. 

These actions are not taken lightly. They exist to protect young people and maintain a safe, respectful environment.

We support young people to: 

• be kind and respectful 

• work as a team 

• ask for help when they need it 

• include others 

• look after equipment and spaces 

• follow our shared code of conduct 

We teach these expectations using simple language, modelling and positive reinforcement. Never public rankings or comparisons.  

Each section also creates its own code of conduct. This is developed with the young people, so it reflects what matters to them, uses their language and feels fair and meaningful. They help shape the rules, understand them and take ownership of them. 

Each code of conduct is reviewed and updated with the section regularly, so it stays relevant and understood by everyone.

We value strong partnerships with families. Caring for young people is shared work. 

We ask parent carers to: 

• share any information that may help us support their child 

• tell us about changes at home that may affect behaviour or wellbeing 

• reinforce our values of kindness, inclusion and respect 

• work with us when challenges arise 

• respond to concerns raised by leaders 

• talk to us early if something is not working 

• help their child understand expectations in a calm, encouraging way 

• support strategies that help their child feel safe and regulated 

We will: 

• keep you informed 

• invite your insights 

• share successes 

• work together when challenges arise 

You can talk to any Section Team Member if you have concerns. 

We view mistakes as opportunities to learn. We focus on repair, not blame. 

If concerns continue, or safety is at risk, the Group Lead Volunteer may agree further steps with parents. 

If a parent carer feels this policy has not been followed, they can make a complaint through the Group’s usual process. 

12 June 2026