Standby for action….

From today (6 July), the rules in have changed and Scouts in England are moving to the AMBER readiness level, alongside the rest of the youth sector. 

 This means we now able to plan and hold safe face-to-face activities which have to be outdoors only with a maximum group size of 15, but which will still need to follow Covid-19 safety requirements. 

However, no face to face activity can take place until Groups and/or Group Sections or Units have done all the preparations to ensure a safe return and that written risk assessments and plans have been prepared and approved by the Richmond upon Thames District assessment team. 

In the next few days Group Scout Leaders and Explorer Scout Unit Leaders will receive full instructions of how that will work in our District, the email address needed for submitting assessments and exactly what needs to be done to provide a safe outdoor Scouting environment. Leaders will get guidance and support on matters of first aid, safety and welfare.

 There is no expectation as to when Sections or Groups may hold their first outdoor meeting and there is no rush.  Every Section and Group will have different circumstances and they will be best placed to consider their specific venues, facilities and capabilities, including ensuring equality of access to Scouting.  

But it’s great to see that restrictions are starting to lift. 

More background information for Scout Leaders can be found here