Adult Helpers at the 41st!

Adult helpers are vital for Beavers, Cubs, and outdoor activities with Scouts to ensure we maintain proper supervision and ratios. Your involvement makes the weekly programme more enjoyable, manageable, and safe for everyone.

What is the Adult Rota?

At the 41st, we encourage each parent or carer to volunteer for one or two sessions per term. Many people are happy to help occasionally if they aren’t required to make a big commitment. Since all our leaders are volunteers, we truly appreciate any extra pairs of hands to support sessions.

What Do I Need to Do?

1. Sign Up: Select evenings across the term that best suits your skills or interests. We only ask for a commitment of one session per term—but more is always welcome!
2. Use Your Skills: Everyone has unique talents that could benefit the group. Matching volunteers to appropriate activities makes the experience better for everyone.
3. Read the Yellow Card: Anyone helping with Scouts must read, understand, and follow the Yellow Card, which is our code of practice for keeping young people safe. Please familiarise yourself with this important document.

You’ll always be supervised by Team Members or Leaders. Tasks for volunteers can include:

• Running an activity with young people under supervision
• Assisting at a session or event
• Helping walk young people to nearby locations
• Preparing squash and biscuits to keep everyone energised

Your support makes a real difference to our sessions.

Do You Need a DBS for the Adult Rotas?

While you don’t need a DBS for occasional help under the supervision of a leader, we strongly encourage all our parent helpers to obtain a DBS as part of our safeguarding and risk assessment process. Having a DBS allows you to assist without needing direct supervision from a leader and opens up opportunities to join us for exciting events, including our famous yearly family camp! To help ensure the safety of all young people, anyone wishing to help independently must read and commit to the Yellow Card guidelines and hold a valid Scouting DBS as a Non-Member with Disclosure.

Important Note: Scouting DBS checks are not transferable, even if you hold another enhanced check. Therefore, anyone visiting camps or assisting regularly with the rota will need a Scouting-specific DBS.

How to Get a DBS?

If you’re volunteering with the Scouts, you’ll need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a key part of keeping our young people safe. Here’s how to get started:

1. Speak to Your Section Team Leader: To begin, let your Section Team Leader know you’re ready to start the DBS process. James, our Group Lead Volunteer, is also available if you have any questions or need support. To kick off your DBS application, we need to get you on the Scouts membership system. Please send the following details for both yourself and your husband (if applicable): First name, Surname, Date of birth, Postcode & Email address (used to send the DBS link).
2. Complete the Online Form: Once your details have been added to the Scout membership system, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to log in and update your details.
3. Complete the ID Check: After submitting your online application, you’ll need to show your original documents in person to an approved ID checker. You must declare any previous names and provide proof of any name changes. You’ll also need to show proof of ID that includes your full name and current address. This will be used to create your Scout membership profile.
4. We Submit Your Application: Once your ID has been verified, we’ll finalise your application by submitting your details to the online DBS system, Atlantic Data.

Thank you for helping us provide a safe and exciting Scouting programme for all our young people at the 41st Epping Forest in Loughton!