Those of you who have had young people in the Group for some time, will know that for sleepovers, camps, activity days etc. we have had to operate a “Home Contact” system with one nominated person as the point of contact between parents and those who are at the event. From this year, the Scout Association are changing this requirement, and we have to have “In Touch” procedures in place. This applies to all Scouting activities, both those referred to above, and also our weekly section meetings. In summary, we need to have a published scheme for communication between leaders and parents to cover all foreseeable eventualities. There are five main needs for communication which are listed below in our proposals for meeting this requirement.

 

Routine Messages, Notices and Information from the Group / Section to Parents

 

We have set up our own Group Website at www.5thdorkingscouts.org.uk . We will be posting information about section programmes, forthcoming events, news etc. on the website, as well as pop ups such as cancellations due to inclement weather etc. Also on the website are links to other useful sites, where information can be found regarding badge requirements, uniform, and other matters of interest. The website will be our preferred method of communicating this sort of information. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact the Group Scout Leader (GSL) to agree alternative arrangements.

 

Communication from Group / Section Leaders to Individual Parents

 

Where it is necessary to get in touch with parents on an individual basis, the preferred method will be by e-mail. If you do not have e-mail, please contact the GSL to agree alternative arrangements.

 

In exceptional circumstances, where all else has failed, contact may be by telephone.

 

Communication from Individual Parents to Group / Section Leaders

 

Where it is necessary for parents to get in touch with Group / Section Leaders on an individual basis, again the preferred method will be by e-mail. There are links on the “Who’s Who” page of the website to key members of the Group’s leadership team.  If you do not have e-mail, please contact the GSL to agree alternative arrangements.

 

In exceptional circumstances, e.g. if you need to make contact during a section meeting, contact may be by telephone through the GSL.

 

Communication between Parents and Young People at Events.

 

This will be as promulgated in the joining instructions for the event.

 

Emergency Contact

 

For all activity days, outings, camps, sleepovers etc. (unless notified otherwise in the joining instructions for the event) contact either way, will be by telephone through the GSL or ( if he is not going to be available during the event) through his nominated deputy. In the latter eventuality, contact details for the alternative contact will be posted on the website.

 

Unless all else has failed, please do not try to make direct contact with leaders at meetings or events as their prime concern will be the welfare / safety of the young people in their charge.

 

Finally: for this to work effectively, it is essential that we have up to date contact details. If you change address, telephone number or e-mail address please let us know a.s.a.p