InTouch

Posted by Geoff Brown on 12 February 2010 • 

 

The Home Contact procedure has been around for a number of years.  In this time communications have moved forward, in particular mobile phones, email and the internet.  These aren't reflected in the Home Contact scheme.  Not all events are run in the same way, but one procedure was trying to cover everything from Jamborees to day trips, from large County events to smaller activity trips.  A flexible system is required to take into account all of this.
 
The name of the revised scheme has been changed to InTouch to avoid confusion between the updated scheme and the old Home Contact procedure.  Rather than detailing a set of things that you must do, this new system gives a set of things that you need to think about so that you have a procedure in place.  This should ensure that for each event, the InTouch system is the most relevant for that occasion.
 
There is no longer a requirement to find and use a third party sitting at home by their phone for the
        
duration of the event, although this method can still be used if deemed to be the most suitable.
 
InTouch applies to all activities and all ages, including
adult only events, from an international expedition to the  weekly meeting. This means that anyone in charge of an Scouting activity must have instant access, either directly or indirectly, to the details of participants and their contacts. To fully understand the new procedure more information can be found at -
 
Factsheet 120075 which provides details of InTouch.
 
InTouch FAQs which clears up a lot of points.
 
The Emergency Procedures Card (Purple Card) which can be downloaded, although will be available from your District Commissioner in handy card form.
 
POR Rules 9.3 & 9.5 apply to InTouch.
 

                               

 

Implementation
 
On the Isle of Wight, it has been decided that InTouch is a requirement for all Scouting activities from the 31st March 2010, although it may be used earlier if wished.