The Scouts Public Liability Insurance Certificate

Nothing. Scouts HQ instructs Unity to arrange this insurance for the organisation and pays the premium.

The Scout Public Liability policy covers any group member or member of the general public who presents a claim. It investigates the allegations and pays for any legal fees and financial compensation if the group is found to be negligent.

No, there is no legal requirement. Third parties are likely to request proof of coverage, and you can provide it as needed.

Yes, ad hoc hiring out of your building is covered. Any third party organisations, such as a bouncy castle, pet zoo, or disco, must provide proof of their own Public Liability insurance for activities they run. The reason being a group cannot be held accountable for the upkeep of a bouncy castle or how a DJ sets up disco equipment. Both the Scouts and the entertainment providers will have Public Liability insurance to cover any acts of negligence.

The third party from whom you are renting property will have their own Public Liability insurance. This is only for their land and property. They will have PL insurance for the same reasons that the Scout's do, to protect people. Groups using a rental property for scouting activities have to ensure all the activities are risk assessed within POR.

Anyone who uses the premises on a regular basis and charges a fee for a service must have their own Public Liability insurance for their business. In this case, both the Scouts and the exercise instructor will have PL insurance to cover any acts of negligence. It is always a good idea to request a copy of the outside organisation’s PL certificate rather than assuming that insurance is in place. Likewise, if they ask for a copy of your PL certificate, this is not an unreasonable request and can be shared.

The Scouts arranged the Public Liability policy. POR Chapter 8 does include coverage for members providing first aid during scouting activities. Members who use items such as defibrillators are covered because they are widely available and designed to be used by anyone to provide emergency assistance to an individual. It excludes the provision of first aid at non-Scout events as well as general medical treatment.

Yes. Property Owners' Liability insurance covers claims by members of the public for injury or financial loss alleging negligence on the property owner. For example, if a member of the public trips on a Scout property and breaks an arm, the claim would fall within PL insurance to investigate.

Yes. Product Liability provides cover for products the group make available to the public. For example, a group may hold a fundraising BBQ and serve food to the general public. People get sick because the meat was not properly cooked. Individuals who have become ill as a result of food poisoning may wish to seek compensation.

No additional cover is required. All these exciting activities are covered providing POR is followed.

The Highway Authority is usually responsible for a public footpath. Any maintenance concerns or questions should be directed to the local authority. It's worth noting that as the landowner, the group is responsible for keeping footpaths clear of obstructions, cutting back vegetation, and maintaining gates and stiles.

Yes. The group has to do a risk assessment of the event and follow POR guidance.

You would need to take out additional liability cover for activities involving motor vehicles, aircraft and/or gliders, and marine activities with boats more 5 metres in length. https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/8-insurance/#8.1

If you’re unsure if you require additional insurance, contact Unity.

Scout groups may need to arrange for the following:

• Employers Liability. A legal requirement if the group employs staff.
• Professional Indemnity Liability. For groups who provide and charge for training to people outside of Scouting.

You can download the Scout Public Liability certificate from our website.
Please go to our Public Liability Certificate Download page to download a copy of the certificate.

No. Public Liability Insurance for Girlguiding is not handled by Unity.  Please contact Girlguiding direct for details of the Public Liability insurance and a certificate.