Activities in which it is acknowledged that that there is a greater risk to those involved are covered by the permit scheme. The list of Adventurous Activities is available on the Scouts website. If you are planning an activity, it's worth checking if it's on this list. If it is you will need a leader with a permit to allow you to run the session. (There are exceptions, for example if you get a qualified professional from an external organisation to run the session.)
You can view the current permit holders in the Forth Region via Compass: Hover over the magnifying glass - select 'Find Members' - 'Permit Holder Search' - then under location select 'Scotland, Scotland, Forth - Scotland.
To run activities listed on the list of Adventurous Activities requires a permitted leader to be responsible for the activity. This could be leaders in your group (perhaps from different sections), or leaders from elsewhere, if you do not hold a current permit.
Some activities can be done in a limited manner without holding a permit if you have relevant experience. For example low-level 'hillwalking' in Terrain Zero, or watersports on Class C waters. Discuss this with your GSL, as a level of competence is required (and may need to be demonstrated) before your DC will allow these activities to run.
Depending on your experience you may need to attend relevant training and assessment. If you have relevant qualification from the activity Governing body then you may have already demonstrated the necessary skills for a permit to be awarded. The process is described on the Scout website. If you are interested in gaining a permit in an adventurous activity, then please reach out to the relevant assessor via the contacts below. General queries can be sent to MAPS@frscouts.org.uk
Your permit only becomes valid after assessor approval, DC approval, and it is recorded on Compass. Only once it appears on Compass is your Activity Permit valid. Compass is the only official record of valid permits.
Congratulations on the award of your Activity Permit - once it is approved and shown on Compass you can take groups out on your permitted activity.
You are encouraged to keep a record (logbook) of any sessions you organise, run or just take part in - as this will be requested when it comes to renewing your permit. This logbook can include personal as well as scouting activities.
Complete the permit renewal form. This should include a 'log book' record of activity sessions you have run, or helped at in the last 5 years. The relevant assessor will use this information to arrange for permit renewal (which can include reassessment where deemed necessary).
Log Book Details: this can be a simple record of your activity sessions held on a spreadsheet or word document, or you can supply details via an online log book (for example the D-log for hillwalking/climbing). Any record should include:
- Details of all Scouting Activities to include date, location, group details, your role in organising and delivery, and any relevant comments.
- Details of any relevant skills training you have attended in the last 5 years.
- Details of any relevant qualifiactions you have achieved in the last 5 years.
- Can include details of relevant personal activities as further evidence of recent expereince.