Scouting Ireland, National Office, Larch Hill, Dublin 16, Ireland. T: 01 4956300 www.scouts.ie
Gasóga na hÉireann / Scouting Ireland No.: POL-BOD-SG-007
Issued: July 2026
Amended: Sept 2026
Next Review Date: Sept 2029
Owner: Safeguarding Annual Code of Conduct Agreement Policy
Related Documents Membership Policy of Gasóga na hÉireann / Scouting Ireland Scouting Ireland Code of Behaviour: To assist adults engaging with children in scouting Scouting Ireland’s Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy Membership Risk Assessment Policy: Adult members suspended without prejudice for a safeguarding purpose. Membership Risk Assessment Policy: Youth members suspended without prejudice for a safeguarding purpose. Responding to Victims of Abuse within Scouting Ireland Scouting Ireland’s Procedure for Suspension without Prejudice Scouting Ireland’s Disciplinary Process Safe from Harm – Youth Programme Complaints Policies & Procedures
Revision Schedule Revision
Date
Description
Reg. No. 397094, Charity No. CHY3507, Reg. Office - National Office, Larch Hill, Dublin 16. Scouting Ireland is a company Limited by guarantee exempt from using the word "Limited".
Scouting Ireland, National Office, Larch Hill, Dublin 16, Ireland. T: 01 4956300 www.scouts.ie
Annual Code of Conduct Agreement Policy All Scouters, Adult Supporters, Youth Members registered with Scouting Ireland on the Membership Management System (MMS) are required to review and acknowledge their commitment to the Scouting Ireland Code of Conduct each year. An annual pop-up notification will be presented when a member logs into the MMS. Members must accept the Code of Conduct before they can access the system. Failure to acknowledge the Code of Conduct will prevent access to the MMS until the acknowledgement has been completed. Acknowledgements are completed electronically through the Membership Management System and are automatically recorded. The system retains an electronic record of each acknowledgement, including the identity of the member, the date, and the time of acceptance. These electronic records are maintained in accordance with Scouting Ireland's record retention requirements and serve as the official record of the member's annual acknowledgement of the Code of Conduct. As a condition of maintaining an active membership, each member - adult and 16-18 year old must confirm that they will: • • • • • •
Uphold the Scout Promise and Law in all aspects of their conduct. Comply with all Scouting Ireland policies, procedures and standards. Adhere to the Scouting Ireland Safeguarding Policy and Safeguarding Processes, including the obligation to report safeguarding concerns appropriately. Act in a manner that protects the safety and wellbeing of youth members, all volunteers and staff, Act in a manner that promotes public confidence in Scouting Ireland. Maintain behaviour that reflects the values and standards expected of a Scouter, recognising that the right to protection of their good name is dependent on upholding that good name through their conduct and behaviour.
Failure to provide this annual acknowledgement, or failure to comply with these commitments, may result in action in accordance with Scouting Ireland policies and procedures for example – • • •
Complaints Policies and Procedures Disputes, Resolutions and Appeals Panel (DRAP) Safeguarding Assessment / Procedures
Scope of Policy: This policy applies to all adult volunteers (Scouters) and 16-18 year olds (In particular those 1618year olds who are subject to Vetting and Safeguarding Policy requirements). It applies across all scouting activities (local, national and international).
Reg. No. 397094, Charity No. CHY3507, Reg. Office - National Office, Larch Hill, Dublin 16. Scouting Ireland is a company Limited by guarantee exempt from using the word "Limited".
Scouting Ireland, National Office, Larch Hill, Dublin 16, Ireland. T: 01 4956300 www.scouts.ie
Annual Sign off ‘Pop up’ on the Membership Management System: By signing this declaration, I confirm that: ☐
I will uphold the Scout Promise and Law in all aspects of my conduct.
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I will comply with all Scouting Ireland policies, procedures and standards and keep myself informed of updates and new requirements.
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I will follow all Scouting Ireland Safeguarding policies and procedures, including reporting safeguarding concerns promptly and appropriately.
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I will act in a way that protects the safety and wellbeing of youth members, volunteers, staff and members of the public whenever I am involved in Scouting.
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I will conduct myself in a manner that promotes trust and public confidence in Scouting Ireland.
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I will ensure that my conduct, both within and outside Scouting where it may affect Scouting Ireland, reflects the values and standards expected of a Scout.
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I will communicate respectfully with others.
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I will promote inclusion and will not engage in discrimination.
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I will maintain appropriate personal and Scouter boundaries.
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I will use power, responsibility and authority appropriately.
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I will not engage in bullying, harassment or other harmful behaviour and will respond appropriately if I witness it – including reporting.
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I will accept responsibility and accountability for my conduct and behaviour.
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I will declare and appropriately manage any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest.
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I confirm that I have read and understood the Code of Conduct and agree to uphold it through my conduct and behaviour.
Further Supports: • • • •
Safeguarding Department Volunteer & Group Support Department Programme Department Information Technology & Change Department Reg. No. 397094, Charity No. CHY3507, Reg. Office - National Office, Larch Hill, Dublin 16. Scouting Ireland is a company Limited by guarantee exempt from using the word "Limited".
Scouting Ireland, National Office, Larch Hill, Dublin 16, Ireland. T: 01 4956300 www.scouts.ie
Reg. No. 397094, Charity No. CHY3507, Reg. Office - National Office, Larch Hill, Dublin 16. Scouting Ireland is a company Limited by guarantee exempt from using the word "Limited".