Policy, Organisation & Rules

With approximately 9,000 scout groups in the United Kingdom and its dependent territories, a support structure is clearly necessary.

Policy, Organisation and Rules (referred to as POR), defines the structure of Scouting in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man and provides information about its management and training.

POR also provides support and guidance to help us all run Scouting. It is revised at least once a year to ensure it includes updates and important changes.

POR has sections covering:

  • Introduction
  • Fundamentals of Scouting
  • Key Policies
  • The Scout Group
  • The Scout District 
  • The Scout County
  • The structure of The UK Headquarters of The Scout Association
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Insurance
  • Activities
  • Uniform, Badges and Emblems Awards and Recognition of Service Flags and Ceremonial
  • Trusteeship, Property and Equipment Other matters
  • Complaints, Suspensions and Dismissal
  • The Appointment Process and Safeguarding and Vetting Guidance Decision Table
HM King Charles III has been confirmed as our new Patron, a great honour for UK Scouts.

The King continues a long tradition of the monarch giving their Patronage, dating back to 1912. This was when Scouts was granted its Royal Charter and HM George V became our first Patron.

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King Charles III

Our Patron, HM King Charles III