Running Online Scouting

We have already had requests of support on how to run interactive sessions & meetings via phone or video call, we've set out some options, advice and guidance below.

HQ have provided extensive guidence for conducting online scouting, please read before conducting online meetings: Staying Safe On-Line.

Microsoft Teams

As a County we can support Groups and Districts through the use of Microsoft Teams via an Office365 account; Districts and possibly Groups may also have their own subscriptions to this service offering. 
     
In order to request access to this facility, identify a person within your Group who will be responsible for setting up and managing the calls. Please send and email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll aim to get you setup with an account within a few days.

Once you've got your account, check out this YouTube video that will explain how to get started: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es5-vrlsm5s

Users wishing to join the Teams meeting will need a computer with a microphone (and a webcam if you want to use video), or alternatively a modern smarrtphone or tablet.

Other Services

Please see HQ's advice on other video conferencing platforms & services, along with best practice guidence to ensure safe and proper use.

Safeguarding

You must abide by our Safeguarding principles and POR at all times.

You may choose to use online conferencing facilities (Teams) to hold an online meeting. The initial invitation will be sent to the parents of young people, as we should never be communicating directly either by email or text to Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. We understand that normal communications with Explorers may vary.

If you are conducting an online meeting, please ensure that a minimum of two adults join the meeting before any young person. At the end of the event, ensure that all young people have left the meeting before the adults and then close down the event.. This is to ensure that at no time is there a situation where one adult and one young person are online together.

Please consider the need to create and implement risk assessments as you would for a normal meeting.