The Scout Association has announced that an alternative version of the Scout Promise for atheists will be available from 2014, but maintains that exploring faith will remain a key part of its activities.

The Scouts has decided to introduce an alternative Promise that could be taken by atheists and replaces “duty to God” with a pledge to “uphold Scout values", following a ten-month consultation process.

The core Scout Promise that includes a “duty to God” remains.

Wayne Bulpitt, UK chief commissioner for the Scout movement, said: "We look forward to welcoming even more young people and adults to scouting. Throughout its 106-year history the movement has continued to evolve and today marks an important step in that journey.”

He added: “We are a values-based movement and exploring faith and beliefs remains a key element of the Scouting programme. That will not change.”

The move has been welcomed by non-faith group the British Humanist Association and has the support of Church of England’s lead bishop on work with young people.

The Right Reverend Paul Butler, who is also Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, said: “In enabling people of all faiths and none to affirm their beliefs, Scouting has demonstrated that it is both possible, and I would argue preferable, to affirm the importance of spiritual life and not to restrict meaning to arbitrary self-definition.”

Alternative versions of the promise that are used by Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists have been available for nearly 50 years. And in the last ten years more than 50 Scout groups have opened to cater for people mainly drawn from one of those backgrounds.

Scout membership has been increasing each year since 2005 and currently stands at 536,787.  

Earlier this year, Girl Guides scrapped mention of both "God" and "country" from its own pledge.