Unsuitable adult working with children

[readyornot22]

Has anyone had any issues with scouting? I am really concerned about the suitability of an individual volunteer (been with scouts long term, position of poewrr) to work with children. It is like a closed network and thy close in to protect this person when I say anything. What can I do?
should I pursue this through children’s services for example?

Any context?!

What have they done to cause concern?

But yes if you are concerned escalate, maybe look at nspcc website for advice

Ring your local council children safeguarding team - they will advise you on what to do.

They will be DBS checked in this day and age. If you have concerns you can (and should) raise it. If you think they’re too well liked locally go to your district or to HQ.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Report any concerns to the area designated safeguarding lead. But if you are not convinced with their local safeguarding structures, go higher. And if you have evidence and this person continues working with children, keep reporting.

Contact LADO in your LA

Why are they unsuitable?

Some experience of scouting. Person will have been DBS checked but if you have concerns you should definitely report. You might not be the first - who knows ? Just not been evidence before. Enough complaints from enough people will remove the person though. They look after their volunteers yes, but their reputation more.

Scouting will have completed an enhanced DBS on this adult. It will have picked up any allegations and convictions no more than 3 years ago.
Of course this is only ad good as the info available on the day it was done.
Contact the district team lead and if not satisfied then gilwell safeguarding team.

All a DBs proves is that someone hasn’t been caught doing something untoward. Escalate.

On what grounds do you think they're unsuitable to work with children?

Depends why you think they're unsuitable really. Are we talking swears too much or child molester levels of unsuitable?

My children have friends in scouts and I know a few mums who help at scouts. It's a big thing in our area and most local kids join. One of the mums that helps spent a long time recently chatting to me about the safeguarding procedures etc.. and in our area at least, all seems safe and open and they have v good safeguarding procedures to follow.

However, in my line of work I have met a number of both perpetrators and victims of sexual abuse which occured in cubs & scouts (mainly in the 80s & 90s) and for that reason I will never allow my children to join scouts. I know it's ridiculous as times have changed, and maybe if they really badly wanted to join I'd let them, but thankfully they don't.

Whatever your concerns are, I'd speak to the scouting head office people. I am sure they'll b able to advise.

Context?

As others have said, if you have anyrhijg substantive to report, contact scouting HQ and also LADO. So if you have heard them making inappropriate jokes about children at the pub, seen an inappropriate picture on their phone, seen something in their social media... make it official and report it in writing. Just a funny feeling..... then it's not likely to lead to anything.

If it is something legal but dodgy it may still trigger someone to look more closely. I'm aware of someone who was banned from working with young people due to sexual activities that are legal but not appropriate in the circumstances e.g. role play about potentially underage/vulnerable people.

Unsuitable how

https://www.scouts.org.uk/information-for-parents/keeping-children-and-young-people-safe/

https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/reporting-a-concern-to-safeguarding/