Safeguarding Committee - Independent Member

The Scout Association - Safeguarding Committee - Independent Member

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.

Independent Members bring external expertise, independent scrutiny and constructive challenge to support the Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities. The role is not operational: it is a strategic governance and assurance role, focused on strengthening oversight, improving learning and helping Scouts respond effectively to current and emerging safeguarding risks.

Main responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice, challenge and independent scrutiny to support the Committee in discharging its responsibilities.
• Assist the Committee in ensuring that Scouts remains at the forefront of safeguarding practice and development.
• Review safeguarding performance information, assurance reports, learning reports and risk information to support effective oversight.
• 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 to the development and review of safeguarding policies, procedures, guidance and assurance arrangements.
• Help identify emerging safeguarding risks and opportunities affecting young people, volunteers and the wider organisation.
• Support the Committee’s oversight of safeguarding culture, organisational learning and continuous improvement.
• Participate in monitoring and reviewing safeguarding risks delegated to the Committee by the Board.
• Contribute to discussions on strategic priorities and future safeguarding developments across Scouting.
• Act as an advocate for excellent safeguarding practice and a culture that places the safety and wellbeing of young people at its centre.

The person

 Skills

• Communicate effectively with senior volunteers, trustees, staff and external stakeholders.
• Analyse complex information and exercise sound judgement.
• Provide constructive challenge and independent scrutiny.
• Contribute effectively within a strategic committee environment.
• Work collaboratively while maintaining independence of thought.
• Quickly develop an understanding of Scouts, its governance arrangements and safeguarding framework.

Experience

The Committee is particularly seeking candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas.

• Priority area: substantial expertise in digital safeguarding, including online safety, digital harms, safeguarding in online environments, social media risks, emerging technology risks and child protection risks associated with digital platforms.
• Additional areas of interest: family law, social care practice or leadership, child protection and safeguarding within statutory services, law enforcement experience relating to safeguarding, horizon scanning, regulatory or inspection environments, quality assurance, or safeguarding within youth, education, faith or voluntary sector settings.

 Characteristics

• Commitment to the purpose and values of Scouts.
• Strong personal integrity and sound judgement.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
• Ability to operate strategically and objectively.
• 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. Members will also be expected to read papers in advance of meetings and may occasionally be consulted between meetings on specific matters.

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 an initial three-year term, subject to a six-month review, with the possibility of reappointment for a further term by mutual agreement.

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 and supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role, to governance@scouts.org.uk. Please add ‘Safeguarding Committee Independent Member’ in the subject heading.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 1^st 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.