Activity Notifications and Approvals

For all activities involving Beavers, Cubs, Scouts or Explorers, volunteers must ensure they have the correct approval in place, as set out on this page.

Arrangements differ between Swindon North and Swindon Ridgeway districts, as described below.

Swindon Ridgeway (all groups south of the railway line, plus Wootton Bassett and Brinkworth)

Nights Away

When organising any activity involving a night away, you will need to:

Ensure you have a Nights Away Permit holder who will be responsible for the event
Have an In Touch system in place
Document your risk assessment
Notify the District Commissioner at least seven days in advance of the activity using the Nights Away Notification form

Activities covered by the Adventurous Activities Permit Scheme

When organising any activity covered by the Adventurous Activities Permit Scheme*, you will need to:

Check the activity rules in the A-Z of activities
Have an In Touch system in place
Document your risk assessment
Notify the District Commissioner using the Activity Notification Form - but this step is not required if the permit holder leading the activity holds a role in Swindon Ridgeway

* The complete list of activities covered by the Adventurous Activities Permit Scheme can be found here. Archery and caving are always included. Climbing, abseiling, hill walking, off road cycling and water activities may also be covered, depending on the nature and/or location of the activity. Note that Coate Water is categorised as a Class C water.

Shooting, air activities, scuba diving, motor sports

When organising one of these activities, you will need to:

Check the activity rules in the A-Z of activities
Have an In Touch system in place
Document your risk assessment
Notify the District Commissioner using the Activity Notification Form

All other activities (including your usual weekly or monthly meetings)

For all activities not covered above, your Group Scout Leader (or District Explorer Scout Commissioner) is responsible for authorising all activities.

You will need to:

Check for any activity rules in the A-Z of activities
Have an In Touch system in place
Document your risk assessment
Ensure you have a named leader in charge of the activity

Swindon North (all groups north of the railway line, except Wootton Bassett and Brinkworth)

Nights Away

When organising any activity involving a night away, you will need to:

Ensure you have a Nights Away Permit holder who will be responsible for the event
Have an In Touch system in place
Document your risk assessment
Notify the District Commissioner at least seven days in advance of the activity using the Nights Away Notification form

Activities away from the building you usually meet in

When organising one of these activities, you will need to:

Check the activity rules in the A-Z of activities
Have an In Touch system in place
Document your risk assessment
Notify the District Commissioner using the Activity Notification Form

Activities requiring a qualification to run (including a Scout Permit)

When organising one of these activities, you will need to:

Check the activity rules in the A-Z of activities
Have an In Touch system in place
Document your risk assessment
Notify the District Commissioner using the Activity Notification Form

All other activities (including your normal weekly or monthly meetings)

For all activities not covered above, your Group Scout Leader (or District Explorer Scout Commissioner) is responsible for authorising all activities.

You will need to:

Check for any activity rules in the A-Z of activities
Have an In Touch system in place
Document your risk assessment
Ensure you have a named leader in charge of the activity