Woodcraft Folk is committed to the safety of children, young people and adults involved in its groups, camps and project activities. Woodcraft Folk therefore commits to implementing safer recruitment and selection of all volunteers and staff. As part of this commitment all volunteers and staff will be subject to vetting and screening checks appropriate to their role, which may include:
- Seeking written references
- Checks against the list of individuals barred from working with children and young people
- Seeking information on any relevant criminal conviction or caution
- Probationary or trial periods
A criminal record does not automatically bar individuals from working or volunteering with Woodcraft Folk. This document describes the process undertaken to make fair judgements as to the suitability of new and existing staff and volunteers.
Woodcraft Folk will not engage any individual who is barred from working with children under the Childcare Act 2006 of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations 2009. This includes those which are barred by association under the above regulations e.g. those who reside in a household in which someone who is barred also resides or is employed.
Full details are contained in the Screening & Vetting Procedures, which can be donwloaded from this page.
Key Requirements for Volunteers
Everyone volunteering to support Woodcraft Folk’s activities must complete registration with Woodcraft Folk and:
- Provide two refereneces – at least one must be external to Woodcraft Folk
- Declare any criminal convictions relating to the abuse of children, however long ago they may have been (this is an exemption from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974)
- Confirm that they are not barred from working with children, and that they do not reside with someone who is barred (disqualified by association)
- Read and agree to abide by Woodcraft Folk’s Safeguarding Policy
- Read and follow the Local Safeguarding Plan
- Undergo relevant safeguarding training, whether in person or online
Roles that involve working with children regularly (more than once a month), at a camp or in another residential setting will usually require a criminal record check – an Enhanced DBS in England and Wales, or membership of the PVG scheme in Scotland.
If a background check indicates previous convictions or other relevant information, it may be necessary to complete a risk assessment, with further information from the applicant and (if relevant) their local group or district, before a decision is made as to whether an individual can volunteer. For more information please contact safeguarding@woodcraft.org.uk.
The assessment will take into consideration the nature of the offence, the number of offences, the age of the individual at the time of the offence and the time period since the offence. Particular attention will be given to all offences against children or of a violent or threatening nature – as these are in direct conflict with our aims and principles of peace and co-operation.
Where there is no risk to children, young people or other adult volunteers Woodcraft Folk is committed to the active rehabilitation and integration of previous offenders, and would seek to offer support, training and guidance for anyone with a non-violent criminal record to participate in Woodcraft activities.