GLB-C24-2026
Dear friends,
As part of the constitutional membership requirement to “ensure a safe environment for children, young people and adults in Scouting”, all National Scout Organizations (NSOs) and National Scout Associations (NSAs) must complete a Safe from Harm Self-Assessment every three years.
The assessment helps NSOs and NSAs review their safeguarding structures, policies, and procedures against Safe from Harm requirements and international best practices, while identifying areas for continued improvement.
Each completed assessment is valid for three years from the date the Regional Safe from Harm Panel issues its review. Before this period expires, NSOs and NSAs must complete and submit an updated assessment for the next three-year cycle.
For federated Member Organizations, the assessment process remains at the National Scout Association (NSA) level. A federated Member Organization will meet Safe from Harm membership requirements only when all constituent NSAs have submitted their Self-Assessments and annual reporting requirements.
An overview of the upcoming Safe from Harm Self-Assessment expiry dates for all NSOs and NSAs is available now on the Safe from Harm Assessment Platform and on the Safe from Harm page on Treehouse.
NSOs and NSAs will receive a direct email reminder through registered Official Contacts and National Safe from Harm Coordinators approximately three to six months before their current assessment expires.
We strongly encourage NSOs and NSAs with assessments expiring soon to begin preparing for the next submission early. This includes updating supporting evidence, adding new materials developed over the last three years, and making sure National Safe from Harm Coordinators prepare the next submission in a timely manner. This will give the Safe from Harm Regional Panel enough time to review the assessment and help avoid a gap in the Safe from Harm compliance status for each NSO and NSA.
All Safe from Harm Self-Assessments should be submitted through the new Safe from Harm Self-Assessment Platform. The following resources are available to support Member Organizations:
- Using the new Safe from Harm Self-Assessment platform;
- Safe from Harm Self-Assessment FAQs;
- Safe from Harm Assessment: Evidence Clarification and Guidelines; and
- WOSM Service on Safe from Harm.
Please note that, in addition to the assessment, NSOs and NSAs must keep their Safe from Harm annual reporting requirements up to date on the World Scouting Directory to remain compliant. This includes:
- National Safe from Harm Policy
- Safeguarding Reporting Procedure
- National Safe from Harm Coordinator contact details
We thank all NSOs and NSAs for your continued commitment to strengthening Safe from Harm across the Scout Movement and helping ensure a safe environment for everyone in Scouting.
If you have any questions or need support with submitting your Safe from Harm Self-Assessment, please contact your Regional Safe from Harm focal point, or Ili Yahya, Officer, Safeguarding and Child Protection with the World Scout Bureau, by email at [email protected].
Yours in Scouting,
David Berg
Secretary General
World Scouting