Safeguarding Committee - Independent Member (aged 18-24)

The Scout Association - Safeguarding Committee - Independent Member (aged 18-24)

About us

Scouts helps young people step up, speak up and dream big.

We’re the UK’s largest youth movement, giving over 450,000 young people a place to belong and giving them the skills to thrive.

Everyone’s welcome here: all genders, faiths (including no faith) and backgrounds, and we’re proud to be part of a global family of 57 million Scouts.

For nearly 120 years, Scouts has created opportunities for young people to have fun, embark on new adventures (especially in the outdoors), forge new friendships, and support their communities. They do this by taking part in an exciting programme with opportunities for everything from coding to kayaking, emergency aid and international travel.  We help them believe in themselves and find their place in the world. We help them find their future.

Our formula is simple: to offer affordable activities, usually weekly, for young people in safe, inclusive local spaces.  We prioritise opening new groups in disadvantaged areas where we know we can make the most difference to young people.

Purpose of the role 

There are currently four Committees that report directly to the Board of Trustees, one of them is the Safeguarding Committee, of which you will be a member.

The Safeguarding Committee provides assurance, advice, and recommendations to the Board on safeguarding matters.

The Committee provides strategic leadership, ownership and oversight of The Scout Association (TSA)’s safeguarding policies and procedures, and ensures that safeguarding policies, procedures and practice remain fit for purpose and sector leading in protecting young people in Scouting.

The Committee also provides strategic oversight, challenge and assurance in relation to TSA’s safeguarding arrangements, including the safeguarding of adults where relevant.

The Independent Member aged 18-24 brings a young adult perspective to Committee discussions and helps ensure that the experiences, views and needs of young people are considered in safeguarding strategy, policy, practice and assurance. The role is not operational: it is a strategic governance and assurance role, with support, induction and mentoring provided.

Main responsibilities

• Provide a young adult perspective to Committee discussions and decision-making.
• Ensure that the perspectives, experiences and voices of young people are reflected in safeguarding discussions, policy development and Committee decision-making.
• Help ensure the experiences and views of young people are considered in safeguarding strategy, policy and practice.
• Contribute to discussions on safeguarding risk, assurance, organisational learning and continuous improvement.
• Support the Committee’s consideration of emerging safeguarding issues affecting young people, including risks in online and digital environments.
• Assist the Committee in reviewing safeguarding performance, learning and assurance information.
• Contribute to the Committee’s review of safeguarding assurance activity, quality assurance findings, thematic reviews, and organisational learning arising from safeguarding incidents and case reviews.
• Contribute ideas and constructive challenge to help improve safeguarding across Scouts.
• Support the Committee in ensuring safeguarding arrangements remain fit for purpose and responsive to changing risks.

The person

 Skills

• Communicate confidently and respectfully with a range of audiences.
• Listen carefully and contribute effectively in meetings.
• Analyse information, ask constructive questions and share views clearly.
• Work collaboratively as part of a committee.
• Develop a broad understanding of Scouts, its governance arrangements and safeguarding practice.

Experience

No previous committee experience is required. The Committee is looking for someone who can demonstrate some of the following.

• An interest in safeguarding and the welfare of young people.
• An interest in digital safeguarding, online safety, digital harms, social media risks or emerging technologies.
• Experience of volunteering, leadership or participation in youth organisations.
• Experience of representing the views of young people or contributing to youth voice activity.
• Education, employment or voluntary experience connected to safeguarding, social care, criminology, law, psychology, education, digital technology, online safety or related fields.

Characteristics

• Aged 18-24 at the time of appointment.
• Passionate about helping create safer environments for young people.
• Commitment to the values and purpose of Scouts.
• Curiosity, willingness to learn and readiness to contribute.
• Sufficient time available to fulfil the role.

Time commitment and meetings

The Safeguarding Committee normally meets four times per year, with three meetings held virtually and one longer meeting held face-to-face. The appointed member will be expected to read papers in advance and contribute to discussions during meetings. Support, induction and mentoring will be provided.

Applicants should expect to spend around two days per quarter on Committee business after the induction phase, including preparation, attendance and follow-up activity.

Appointment term 

Appointments will normally be for three years, subject to a six-month review, and may be extended by mutual agreement provided the individual remains within the 18-24 age range at the start of any subsequent term.

Remuneration and expenses 

In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role. The Scout Association will reimburse reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing the role in accordance with its Expenses Policy.

Safeguarding, confidentiality and conduct 

• The post holder will be expected to comply with Scouts’ safeguarding rules and code of conduct, including the Yellow Card.
• Stringent vetting procedures may include checks against internal records and Basic or Enhanced DBS checks as required.
• The post holder must not disclose confidential or sensitive information to a third party or outside organisation unless required to do so by law, and must comply with Scouts’ Data Protection and GDPR policies.
• The post holder must uphold Scouts’ principles relating to equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, and expected standards of conduct.

How to apply 

If you are interested in the position and would like to apply, please send your CV (including your date of birth) and supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role, to governance@scouts.org.uk. Please add ‘Safeguarding Committee Independent Member (18-24)’ in the subject heading.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 1st September 2026

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held virtually on a date to be confirmed.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role in more detail, please contact the Governance Team on the e-mail address shown above.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.