9th Southampton City Scouts

Who we are

9th Southampton City Scouts is a volunteer-led charity based in Shirley Warren, Southampton. We provide Scouting for young people aged 4–14 through our Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts sections, helping them gain skills for life and find a place to belong.

Our programme includes weekly meetings, outdoor adventures, games, creative activities, community projects, trips and camps. Young people build confidence, make friends, develop practical skills and learn to work together while progressing towards badges and awards.

We aim to provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment, working with families to support young people’s individual needs and help them participate. Our volunteers receive training, practical guidance and support from their section teams and the wider Scouts network.

As a local charity, we rely on volunteers, fundraising and community support to make these opportunities possible.

Our culture and values

At 9th Southampton City Scouts, we believe every young person should have the opportunity to belong, enjoy adventure and develop skills for life. Our work is guided by the Scouts’ five values:

• Integrity: We act honestly and take responsibility for our actions.

• Respect: We value people’s differences and treat everyone with dignity.

• Care: We support one another and look after our community and the world around us.

• Belief: We explore our beliefs and respect those of others.

• Cooperation: We work together and help each other succeed.

We aim to create a friendly, inclusive environment where young people and volunteers feel welcome, listened to and encouraged to contribute. Safety and safeguarding underpin everything we do, and we work with families to understand individual needs and make activities accessible.

Our volunteers work as a team, sharing ideas, planning activities and supporting one another. We agree responsibilities around people’s interests and availability, encourage learning and provide guidance as volunteers build confidence. We value open communication, reliability and kindness, and recognise the contribution each person makes.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

9th Southampton City Scouts is committed to fairness, inclusion and equal opportunities for all volunteers. In line with Scouts’ values and equality, diversity and inclusion policies, we welcome people from all backgrounds and oppose discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation.

We aim to recruit and support volunteers fairly, considering their suitability for the role, willingness to learn and ability to uphold Scouts’ values and safeguarding responsibilities. We do not require previous Scouting experience and value the different perspectives, skills and experiences people bring.

We work with volunteers to understand their individual needs and make reasonable adjustments wherever possible. These may include adapting tasks, providing accessible information, offering additional guidance and agreeing flexible volunteering arrangements.

Everyone is expected to treat others with dignity and respect, use inclusive language and challenge discriminatory behaviour. Concerns will be taken seriously and addressed through the appropriate Scouts procedures. Our aim is a supportive environment where everyone feels welcome, can contribute and has fair access to training and development.