This page was last updated – 09th June 2021
Next anticipated review – 21st June 2021
Scouting in Wales moved to the Yellow readiness level on 3rd May 2021.
This means:
Organised Activities for Young People
Organised Activities for those over 18
Single occupancy residentials are permitted
This information is to assist with planning. It is VERY likely to change:
We are expecting a further relaxation of the rules governing residentials on 21st June 2021.
We expect this to mean:
- a single room or tent can be shared by up to six participants.
How many adults and young people can attend a section meeting?
There is no limit to the number of young people or adults* that may attend an indoor or outdoor section meeting.
*Adults attending a session should be limited to those delivering the session.
Remember that outdoor activities away from a normal meeting venue are subject to Scout adult to child ratios which differ by section.
Although multiple sections can meet together, common sense must be applied. Yellow readiness is not an opportunity to run an event with more people than would normally come together for a section meeting.
Can we hold an outdoor activity that moves between locations like a walk or hike?
Yes, day hikes, trips and multi-location activities can take place.
Can we hold a meeting, training, information or recruitment session for members, parents/guardians other adults?
Yes, meetings for Scouting purposes (non-social) are permitted. Numbers must be limited to 30 indoors and 50 outdoors.
Can Scout Network meet while in Yellow?
Yes. Scout Network can meet for Scouting activities. This is limited indoors to 30 members and outdoors to 50 members.
What are the rules on social distancing?
Adults and young people aged 11 and over should maintain a 2 metre social distance. Social distancing of young people aged under 11 should be encouraged but is not essential.
Social distancing is an effective way to help limit the spread of COVID 19. All Scouting activities should be planned to be socially distant, planning for 2m between each person. Within all activities you should not plan to break social distancing requirements in the normal operation of the activity, this means that you should only allow people to be closer than 2m in exceptional circumstances, such as to administer first aid or to conduct a rescue
What are the rules on face coverings?
Adults and young people aged 11 and over must wear a face covering when unable to maintain a 2 metre social distance.
Can we sing, chant or play musical instruments?
No, this is not allowed.
Can leaders attend several section meetings on the same night?
Yes, adults can attend multiple section meetings or activities on the same day. They should ensure they are aware of social distancing and face covering guidelines and follow hand hygiene procedures as outlined in your Yellow risk assessment.
Can young people several section meetings on the same night?
Yes, young people can attend multiple section meeting or activities in the same day. This includes young people attending both Explorers and Young Leader sessions. They should ensure they are aware of social distancing and face covering guidelines and follow hand hygiene procedures as outlined in your Yellow risk assessment.
Can more than one section meet on the same night / in the same location?
Yes, sections can meet the same time in the same location providing the space is large enough to allow sensible social distancing can be maintained.
Some of our young people have 1 to 1 support, is this still allowed?
Carers able to attend Scout sessions. They are exempt from distancing from the child or adult they care for.
What are the rules about eating food?
Regulated gatherings that include the consumption of food or drinks must follow the rules on hospitality: people must be seated in groups of a maximum of 6 people from up to 6 households (not including children under 11 or carers from any of these households) when consuming food or drinks. This applies to events that are held indoors and outdoors
What is the difference between a COVID risk assessment and an activity risk assessment?
COVID risk assessments are venue specific. They cover all aspects of COVID security relating to a location rather than a specific activity. They must be submitted via the COVID risk assessment portal and approved prior to undertaking a Scouting session. Further information can be found here: https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/getting-back-together-safely/
Activity Risk Assessments do not contain general COVID control methods. They are held and used locally and do not need to be submitted to the COVID Risk Assessment portal. They contain the risk and control methods specific to an activity.
Do I need to resubmit my COVID risk assessment from 2020?
If your Risk Assessment for Yellow was approved last year you must make sure that that it is still relevant. If it is still relevant and accurate, then you do not need to resubmit it via the portal.
Don’t forget that if there are any significant changes in the way you will be operating, or the hazards associated with your return then you will need to update your risk assessment and discuss with the approver the changes you have made, you may be asked to resubmit it.
Do we need a risk assessment for each individual venue?
Try to think ahead about all of the venues you might be using and include them in your Yellow risk assessment. If you plan to use another venue that’s not already in your Yellow risk assessment you will need to submit a new risk assessment
Can all sections be approved for a readiness level on the same risk assessment?
Yes. A Group Scout Leader could write the Group’s Risk Assessment in conjunction with the Leaders of each section. It is then presented to, and approved by, the Executive Committee and noted in their meeting minutes that it was approved, it is then sent to the Approver within the District or Area.
Think carefully when planning a residential. More information about planning a residential can be found here.
We are anticipating a further relaxation of rules governing residentials on 21st June 2021.
Can we hold residentials?
Yes, but only for Scouts, Explorers and Scout Network Members. The residential must be for the purposes of completing the expedition component of a top award – DofE, Chief Scout and Queen Scout Awards.
Can a tent or room be shared between members of the same household?
Yes, if participants are from the same household they may share a room or tent – please ensure safeuarding policy is adhered to.
Do sleeping pods or compartments within a bigger tent count as ‘single occupancy’?
No. One tent, regardless of size, is considered to be one sleeping location and must be used by no more than one individual or household.
Can shared facilities be used?
Yes. Catering and hygeine facilities can be shared. Steps must be taken to minimise COVID transmission risk which should be recorded in an approved risk assessment. (For further guidance please refer to the FAQ on eating food in the running your section segment)
Can we hold a residential for Beavers or Cubs?
No, not at this point. We expect the earliest that this may occur is from the 21 June 2021, although this may very well change.
Can we hold an outdoor activity that moves between locations like a walk or hike?
Yes, day hikes, trips and multi-location activities can take place.
Can adults or young people travel outside of their local area within Wales for Scouting?
Yes. Volunteers and young people can travel outside of their local community to volunteer or attend Scouts.
Can adults or young people travel across the Wales-England border for Scouting?
Yes. Cross border travel for the purposes of adult volunteering and young people attending Scout sessions is permitted by the guidance that covers both Wales and England.
Can we use a minibus/coach, either our own or from a hire company?
Yes. The vehicle must have a COVID risk assessment as it is a ‘location’ where transmission is possible, this should be approved in the normal way. If hiring you will need to see the operators risk assessment (this applies if the vehicle is from anothe Scout Group/District). Further information about travel can be found here.
Do I have to take a lateral flow test before returning to face-to-face Scouting?
Lateral flow tests, available for volunteers who carry out face to face roles, are in no way mandatory for Scouts Groups to use. They are an optional tool that some Groups might useful in their plan for returning to face to face activities. If you don’t feel this is useful for you in your role then there is no need to use them. There is no need to report lateral flow results to Scouts HQ or ScoutsCymru.
You can find out more about lateral flow testing here: https://gov.wales/lateral-flow-testing-people-without-symptoms
How do I get a lateral flow test for me or my Group?
As a Scout volunteer you can pick up lateral flow test kits at a designated location, you can search for your nearest here: https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/
Alternatively you can request a lateral flow testing kit to be delivered to your address by completing the online form here: https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/order-lateral-flow-kits/condition
Where can I get PPE / hand sanitiser from?
ScoutsCymru have identified a supplier that has offered a good price called Gloves ‘n’ Stuff, however local suppliers may be cheaper so always check prices. You can use any supplier. To find out more about the ScoutsCymru supplier please drop us an email: admin@scoutscymru.org.uk
Does a visor count or does it have to be a face mask?
A visor is acceptable. The guidance states a ‘face covering’ not specifically a face mask
Can adults undertake maintenance work on Scout premises?
Yes, volunteers can carry out essential maintenance on property and grounds. this maintenance must be planned ahead of time and have approval from the executive committee. If the work requires more than one person to be present, the volunteers must remain socially distanced at all times and use the appropriate PPE if working inside. Common sense should be applied as to how many people can safely fit into an indoor space when other safety measures are needed e.g. footing a ladder. Lastly these occasions should be used for maintenance work only and not as a social gathering, no food or alcohol should be consumed.
Can we hire our hall out to a non-Scouting activity while Scouting is in the Yellow readiness level?
Welsh Government guidelines allow community faciliities to operate, this includes Scout halls for third party hire. You must ensure risk assessments are in place.
For more information please see: https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/getting-back-together-safely/keeping-our-buildings-safe-and-secure/
Why are ScoutsCymru not giving more notice of changes or clearer information?
The speed and content of guidance provided by ScoutsCymru is limited by the information provided by Welsh Government. We are working closely with Welsh Government to obtain clear information as quickly as possible and challenge guidance that makes Scouting more difficult to deliver effectively.
My GSL / DC / AC says I have to take everyone’s temperature, but the Scouting guidelines say this isn’t necessary. What should I do?
You are not required to take temperatures. We are not providing training on this and thermometers require regular calibration. There are also lots of reasons that young people may have a raised temperature such as regular coughs and colds or exercise.
AGM: Do we need one? Can we have it online?
AGMs can be held online. If you need to delay your AGM you will need to notify the Charity Commission if you’re registered (or notify your DC if you’re not registered)
See more in POR Chapter 3, 23