Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

South Leeds & Morley District Scout Council
Charity Number: 1043976
Jurisdiction: England & Wales
Last updated: 15th December 2025

1. Purpose of This Policy

This Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) sets out the standards expected of anyone accessing or using the South Leeds & Morley District Scout Council website ("the Website").

The Website exists to:

  • Provide public information about Scouting in the district

  • Share news, events, and resources

  • Provide internal information and notices for adult volunteers

  • Accept charitable donations

This policy helps us ensure that the Website is used safely, responsibly, and in line with Scouting values, safeguarding requirements, and charity law.

By using the Website, you agree to comply with this policy.

2. Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to:

  • Members of the public browsing the Website

  • Adult volunteers accessing leader-only areas

  • Anyone submitting content (e.g. articles, photos, forms)

  • Anyone accessing the Website using shared or individual login credentials

3. Access and Accounts

3.1 Public Access

Most of the Website is publicly accessible and intended to provide information about district activities and Scouting more widely.

3.2 Leader Area Access

Some areas of the Website are restricted for use by adult volunteers only ("Leader Area"). Access may be provided via:

  • A shared leader password, or

  • Individual district-managed accounts (e.g. Office 365 accounts)

Users must:

  • Keep login details secure

  • Not share access outside of authorised adult volunteers

  • Notify the district if access is compromised or no longer required

The Leader Area functions primarily as a notice board and internal information resource and should not be treated as a secure system for sensitive personal data.

4. Acceptable Use

You must use the Website in a way that is lawful, respectful, and consistent with the values of The Scout Association.

You must not:

  • Use the Website for any unlawful purpose

  • Upload, share, or link to content that is offensive, defamatory, obscene, or discriminatory

  • Harass, bully, threaten, or intimidate others

  • Attempt to gain unauthorised access to restricted areas or systems

  • Introduce malware, viruses, or malicious code

  • Misuse shared login credentials

  • Use the Website in a way that could bring the district or Scouting into disrepute

5. Content Standards

5.1 General Content

All content associated with the Website must:

  • Be accurate to the best of the contributor’s knowledge

  • Be respectful and inclusive

  • Reflect the values and reputation of Scouting

5.2 Youth-Generated Content

Young people may contribute content (such as articles or creative pieces) only with leader oversight and approval before publication.

Leaders approving youth-generated content are responsible for ensuring:

  • Appropriate tone and language

  • No personal contact details are included

  • Safeguarding considerations are met

5.3 Photos and Media

  • Photos and media are uploaded by leaders only

  • Appropriate photo consent is managed separately in line with Scouting policy

  • Images must not identify young people by full name unless explicitly appropriate and consented

6. Safeguarding

Safeguarding is central to everything we do.

Use of the Website must comply with:

  • The Scout Association’s safeguarding policies

  • Safe Scouting guidance (including the Yellow Card)

Any safeguarding concerns identified through use of the Website must be reported immediately using appropriate Scouting safeguarding procedures.

Safeguarding resources and reporting links are available via the Website footer.

7. Behaviour and Conduct

All users are expected to behave in a way that aligns with:

  • The Scout Association’s Code of Conduct

  • Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR)

This includes:

  • Treating others with respect

  • Challenging inappropriate behaviour appropriately

  • Supporting a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment

Bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated.

8. Moderation and Enforcement

8.1 Moderation Approach

Content on the Website is primarily moderated reactively, in response to reports or concerns.

8.2 Our Rights

South Leeds & Morley District Scout Council reserves the right to:

  • Remove or edit content at any time, without notice

  • Suspend or revoke access to the Website or Leader Area

  • Restrict future use of the Website

  • Report serious breaches to:

    • Scout Headquarters

    • Relevant statutory authorities, where appropriate

Decisions will be made in line with Scouting policy, safeguarding requirements, and charity trustee responsibilities.

9. Data Protection, Privacy, and Cookies

Use of the Website is also governed by our:

  • Privacy Policy (covers how personal data is handled)

  • Cookie Policy (covers use of cookies, including Google Analytics)

By using the Website, you consent to the use of cookies as described in the Cookie Policy.

10. Liability

While we make reasonable efforts to ensure the Website content is accurate and up to date:

  • We do not guarantee that all information is complete or error-free

  • The Website is provided on an “as is” basis

The district is not responsible for:

  • Content on external websites linked from this site

  • Loss or damage arising from use of the Website, except where liability cannot be excluded by law

11. Changes to This Policy

This Acceptable Use Policy may be updated from time to time.

The latest version will always be published on the Website. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of any updated policy.

12. Contact

If you have concerns about content or use of the Website, please contact:

South Leeds & Morley District Scout Council
Via the contact details provided on the Website