Development policy

Subject to rules governing age ranges and mixed membership, the Scout Movement is open to all young people of whatever background.  The Scout Association recognises, however, that access to Scouting is not equally available to all groups and communities across society as a whole.  The Operations sub-Committee of the Board of Trustees and the Regional Development Service at UK Headquarters support the Movement in its work to make Scouting available to all.

In particular, through the use of innovation and experiment, it supports local Scouting in meeting the needs of young people in areas of urban disadvantage or deprivation, in highly rural areas, and among minority ethnic communities.  It also works in collaboration with other agencies to support those disadvantaged young people who might benefit from its programme and ethos, and who may never become full members of the Movement.

You can read the full policy by downloading: Key Policies