This page contains some simple guidance to help prevent safeguarding concerns and ensure that everyone feels safe, respected and comfortable during residential activities.
Many volunteers will already have expectations around respect, privacy, appropriate behaviour and mobile phone use built into their residential arrangements and conversations with young people. This guidance is not intended to replace those arrangements or suggest that volunteers have not already considered these issues. Rather, it is provided as a helpful resource for those who may not have specifically addressed these areas, or who would welcome some additional support in framing expectations with young people before or during a residential.
Respecting other people’s privacy, personal space and boundaries is essential. This applies particularly in bedrooms, tents, changing areas, toilets and bathrooms, where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. If someone asks you to give them space or privacy, you should always respect their request. If you are unsure whether something is appropriate, choose the option that best protects another person’s privacy and speak to a leader if you need advice.
Mobile phones and other devices can be useful, but they must always be used responsibly. Photography or filming is not permitted in toilets, showers, changing areas, bedrooms or tents where people may reasonably expect privacy.
Never photograph or record another person without their knowledge and permission, and never share photographs or videos of others without their consent. If someone asks you to stop taking photographs or filming, you must stop immediately.
Leaders may also ask young people to put phones away during activities, meetings or at designated times. These requests should always be followed.
Bedrooms and tents should be places where everyone feels safe, comfortable and able to have appropriate personal space.
Only enter another person’s bedroom or tent when you have permission and it is appropriate to do so. Respect quiet times, personal belongings and the arrangements put in place by leaders, including any supervision or overnight arrangements.
Practical jokes or behaviour intended to embarrass, intimidate, upset or make another person uncomfortable are not acceptable.
Everyone is expected to treat others with kindness, respect and consideration. Before acting, think about how your behaviour might affect the people around you and whether they would feel comfortable with what you are doing.
If something worries you, if you feel uncomfortable, or if you see behaviour that does not seem appropriate, tell a leader or another trusted adult. Speaking up helps keep everyone safe and ensures that concerns can be dealt with appropriately.
The aim of this guidance is not to prevent young people from having fun, but to make sure that everyone can enjoy residential activities in an environment where their privacy, dignity and personal boundaries are respected.
