Insurance news
Changes to Scouts’ Liability Cover for Climbing Events and Non-Member Children
From Unity Insurance Services:
As you may be aware, the Scouts provide a Public Liability insurance policy for all local Scout Groups and members. This insurance cover is there to protect groups, in the event of a claim where negligence has to be proved.
The Scouts have now increased the Public Liability cover to include:
- Non member children (NMC) Liability cover
- Campsite Liability cover
This no longer needs to be purchased by Groups, Districts, Counties or Scout campsites and activity centres saving time and money.
What has changed?
- All third party climbing and abseiling activities are now covered by the Scouts’ Public Liability policy.
- Acts of negligence by non-member children are covered for liability claims.
- There is no longer a requirement to check at County level if this insurance cover is in force. It’s an automatic cover for all groups.
What has not changed?
- Risk assessments of area and activities are still required. www.scouts.org.uk/riskassessment
- Policy Organisational Rules must be adhered to for climbing and abseiling activities.
- Employers’ Liability cover is a legal compulsory requirement for any Groups that employ staff. This is a separate insurance policy.
- Motor Liability cover is a legal compulsory requirement for any Groups with vehicles. This is a separate insurance policy.
- Counties can still purchase Non Member Children Personal Accident policies to cover accidents and medical expenses for children who are not members of the Scouts.
Note – the difference between the two types of insurance is that with a Personal Accident policy in the event of an incident, compensation can be awarded regardless of blame. Public Liability policies require negligence to be proven if compensation is to be awarded.
Claims
If a member or non-member alleges negligence and wishes to make a claim against your Group, please contact Unity and talk to Lucy Connor on 0345 040 7701.