A Nights Away Permit is required for any residential experience in Scouts. The process is designed to ensure volunteers have the skills, knowledge, and confidence to run safe and enjoyable events. This guide explains how to begin your permit journey using the method outlined on scouts.org.uk, the assessment will be undertaken by one of the District Nights Away Assessor (NAA) team.
What the Nights Away Permit Scheme Is
The scheme ensures that adults leading residential events are competent in planning, safety, leadership, and understanding of Scouts rules (POR). It applies to all residentials, from indoor sleepovers to greenfield camping.
Permit Types
| Permit Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Indoor | For residentials in buildings only. |
| Campsite | For camping on established sites with fixed toilet facilities. |
| Greenfield | For camping on undeveloped land. |
| Lightweight Expedition | For expedition-style camping where participants carry their own kit. |
Indoor > Campsite > Greenfield are progressive e,g, if you hold a Greenfield permit to can use it to runs an indoor residential nights away. Provided you have the skills, you can start at any level.
Lightweight Expedition is a separate permit and cannot be used for other types of residential experience.
How to Start Your Permit Journey
1. Speak to Your Line Manager
Before applying, you must have the support of your Section Team Leader and Group Lead Volunteer. This ensures your application is appropriate and supported. You should have participated a number of residential experience supporting a nights away permit holder, try to gain experience in different camp roles. My Membership automatically records when you have been included in the Nights Away Notification (NAN).
You should identify a suitable residential experience which should be the same as the permit you are applying for and who will be the permit holder for your event (This cannot be the Nights Away Assessor).
2. Contact the District NAA Team to Be Allocated an Assessor
Before submitting your application, contact the District Nights Away Adviser (NAA) team. They will:
- Allocate you an assessor
- Explain the assessment process
- Help you identify the correct permit type
- Advise on any experience you may need beforehand
This step ensures your application is directed to the correct assessor from the start when you apply in scouts.org.uk.
3. Apply Through My Membership
Once you have been allocated an assessor, submit your Nights Away Permit application through My Membership, in Scouts.org.uk. Applications should be submitted at least ten weeks before your intended assessment event.
4. Build Experience (If Needed)
Your assessor may ask you to gain additional experience before assessment. This could include:
- Supporting other camps
- Planning specific elements of a residential
- Taking responsibility for logistics, catering, or programme
- Completing relevant training
Personal camping experience does not count toward assessment, it must be Scouting residential leadership experience.
5. Assessment
Assessment is undertaken as a continual process through planning and execution, your assessor will evaluate you against the four national criteria used across Scouts:
- Technical Competence.
- Knowledge of Scout Association Rules for Nights Away.
- Safety and Safeguarding.
- Personal Suitability.
6. Plan and Run Your Assessment Event
When you and your assessor agree you are ready, you will plan and run a residential event that demonstrates your competence.
You will need to:
- Submit a NAN form
- Provide risk assessments, programme plans, and logistics
- Lead the event in line with POR and safety guidance
Your assessor may attend in person or assess through documentation and debrief.
7. Approval by the District Lead Volunteer
Once your assessor recommends you, the District Lead Volunteer reviews and approves the permit. Permits may be full or restricted depending on your demonstrated competence.
8. Keeping Your Permit Valid
To maintain your permit:
- Keep Safety and Safeguarding training up to date
- Continue running residentials
- Stay familiar with POR and safety guidance
- Maintain communication with your District Team
Permits are reviewed periodically and may be renewed or updated.
Support and Resources
Your district can provide:
- Nights Away Adviser support
- Example planning documents
- Training opportunities
- Mentoring from experienced leaders
Official Scouts resources include:
- Permit guidance
- Assessment checklist
- Digital permit application instructions
- Nights Away Notification (NAN) form
Ready to Begin?
Speak to your Section Team Leader and Group Lead Volunteer, then contact the District NAA team to be allocated an assessor. Once that’s done, submit your application through My Membership and begin your permit journey.