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'Keeping Children Safe' is designed for any adult in Scouting whose involvement brings them into contact with our youth membership - Leaders, Commissioners, Helpers, Skills Instructors, service crews, parent helpers, etc. This short programme works by helping individuals increase their understanding of the unique role they play in keeping children safe from harm.

The Keeping Children Safe programme uses a distance learning technique that ensures that, wherever an individual is located, everybody receives a consistent message, at a time and place that suit. The programme comprises three short modules; each with an accompanying questionnaire, in a multichoice answer format, designed to reinforce the key learning points. When all modules have been completed, participants receive feedback that enables them to check their answers and confirm their understanding of the programme. The programme material builds into a high quality reference handbook which participants retain and individuals who successfully complete the programme receive a certificate of completion from the NSPCC.

The programme is written in a clear and concise style, using everyday language and avoiding jargon. The layout is user-friendly with useful checklists - Do's and Don'ts - which help individuals build up their knowledge and skills.

The programme is not designed to train people to become child protection specialists. It provides training that complements and reinforces the Association's child protection policy. It enables individuals, both new to Scouting and with a current involvement, to understand their own responsibilities in relation to child protection and emphasises the importance of following good practice guidelines when working with children and young people.

Module One: "Understanding the basics"

Good practice framework; why people should act; definitions of harm; signs & indicators of abuse; effects of abuse; facts/myths of child abuse

Module Two: "What to do if you have concerns"

Policy framework; organisation's responsibilities; handling disclosures; reporting concerns, suspicions & allegations; talking to parents; handling inappropriate behaviour from colleagues; managing your own feelings

Module three: "Principles of good practice"

Practical application of policy; code of conduct; developing personal responsibilities; possible scenarios; key messages

To register please follow the registration procedure described below. No further action is required from you regarding the management of the programme, which is handled by NSPCC/Educare.

• Participants register using the proforma attached, by forwarding to the Scout Information Centre, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW. Tel: 0845 300 1818. Fax: 020 8433 7103. Email: info.centre@scout.org.uk

• Following registration, NSPCC/Educare sends each participant a welcome letter, a copy of module one, a questionnaire, a personal record sheet and a further information sheet.

• Participants read through the module and return the questionnaire in the pre-paid envelope to NSPCC/Educare.

• Module two is despatched in the following fortnight and is completed in the same way. This is followed by module three.

• A final letter giving the individual's score and answers with explanations is sent within two weeks of completion of the programme.

• All participants completing the programme successfully receive a personalised certificate from the NSPCC.

• A report is despatched to a nominated person in the County/Area (i.e. County/Area Child Protection Co-ordinator)

The form is available to download in two parts:

• Front
• Back

Funding has been made available for 'Keeping Children Safe', thereby reducing the total cost per Scout Association participant to £8.00.

For this the participant receives:

• Three high quality programme modules which build into a complimentary child protection reference

• Training in raising their own awareness of child protection issues, completed at their own convenience

• Feedback on how they have done

• A certificate of completion

The key benefits of the 'Keeping Children Safe' programme are:

• Provides accessible training for every adult member

• Reinforces a consistent message across a wide geographical area

• Increases the opportunities for briefing and awareness training in this vital subject

• Child Protection can immediately be addressed in the induction of new adults

• Provides an audit facility that enables further training needs and support to be identified

• Participants will gain confidence in child protection issues and will understand how the Association's child protection policy safeguards them in their work with children