The Safer Recruitment process is designed to ensure that only suitable adults are selected to work with children and young people, and that all volunteer leaders are recruited in a safe, consistent, and transparent manner. The following steps should be completed (for all new applicants or returning leaders) in the order outlined below. There is a separate process for Battalion appointments here.

Before commencing the formal Safer Recruitment process, the Company Captain/Correspondent should meet with the applicant to discuss the role, consider their suitability, and confirm their willingness and commitment to be a volunteer leader.

1. Applicant Completes the LREG1-SCOT Form

The applicant should:

• Complete Parts 1–4 of the LREG1-SCOT form.
• Provide details of two suitable referees in Part 4.
• Send the online Reference Request link to both referees.

2. The Company Captain/Correspondent should

• Complete Part 5 of the LREG1-SCOT form.
• Forward the form to the Safeguarding Coordinator/Lead or appropriate Church Official.

3. Church Nomination

The Safeguarding Coordinator/Lead or appropriate Church official should:

• Arrange for Part 6 of the form to be completed and signed by the Minister, Session Clerk (Church of Scotland), or relevant Church official.
• Return the completed form to the Company Captain/Correspondent.

For Companies partnered with the Church of Scotland, the Session Clerk should also ensure a record of the affirmation is documented in the minutes of the next meeting of the Kirk Session. The completed LREG1-SCOT form should not be held back in order for this to be undertaken.

4. Submit the Completed Form

The Company Captain/Correspondent is responsible for submitting the fully completed LREG1-SCOT form to BB Headquarters.

5. Identity Verification

Identity documents belonging to the applicant will need to be checked by the Company Captain/Correspondent or Battalion Official, and a PVG ID Checking Form completed.

6. PVG Scheme Membership Application

Once the completed LREG form and identity verification have been received, BB Headquarters will support the applicant to complete and submit their PVG Scheme membership application. See PVG Scheme Applications (Scotland).

7. Mandatory Training

All applicants, including returning leaders, must complete mandatory e-learning modules in Safeguarding and Managing Risk before they can be fully registered as leaders. BB Headquarters will provide applicants with instructions on how to register with Online Brigade Manager (OBM) to complete these modules. 

Once registered:

• All Helpers and Residential Activity Helpers are required to complete the Safeguarding and Managing Risk modules of Youth Leader Training within 12 months.
• Warrant Officers are required to complete Youth Leader Training (YLT) within 12 months.

Please note, there are additional training requirements for other roles. Before appointment:

• Lieutenants are required to complete YLT.  
• Captains are required to complete YLT and Company Management Training.   

8. Final Approval

BB Headquarters will ensure that all elements of the Safer Recruitment process have been successfully completed before approving the applicant as a leader. The new or returning leader (and the Company Captain/Correspondent and Battalion Secretary) will receive notification of this in an email. Once received, the new or returning leader can attend BB sessions and activities. For new appointments, a lifetime leader registration card should be received within 4-6 weeks. 

For further advice or support, please contact BB Headquarters at support@boys-brigade.org.uk or call 0300 303 4454.