All adults in scouting have a requirement and an opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge through the Scout Associations national Adult Training Scheme.
Our Adult Training Scheme is designed to support our volunteers, so the training provided is relevant and tailored to what they do in scouting.
The scheme also recognises there may be learning and skills that have been gained through work and life experiences, and our training scheme is designed to complement these with further opportunities to enhance an individual’s skills.
The training and development opportunities available range from skills-based training such as first aid, risk assessment, safeguarding and public relations through to experience in leadership, management, communication, organisation, safeguarding, executive training and experience of working with young people.
External recognition
There are a number of ways that the training adults complete in scouting can be recognised by external organisations, and benefit them in other areas of your life. These include:
- Gateway Qualifications - Level 2 Certificate in Providing Voluntary Youth Services in The Scout Association (QCF)
- The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)
- The Institute at Training and Occupational Learning (ITOL)
More information on all these options are available in the training section in the member’s area at www.scouts.org.uk
How it works
The training scheme is made up of a series of modules that cover each of the different development areas. It is a UK-wide scheme for scouting, so the training you complete in one place will be recognised in another.
There are two parts to each module: learning and validation.
Learning
Learning provides the opportunity to gain or improve the knowledge and skills which you need to develop for the role.
The methods available for learning come in a variety of styles and include learning by doing, courses, eLearning, DVDs, workbooks and small group work. This offers flexibility as learners can mix and match and choose the method most appropriate to them.
Prior learning, knowledge and experience are also recognised as forms of learning and are valued within the Adult Training Scheme. This means that learning may not need to be completed for every aspect of training. This is especially so if an adult can clearly show that they are able to meet the module objectives by demonstrating their skills in their scouting role through the validation process.
Validation
Validation is the process of demonstrating to a Training Adviser, (a person who support adults through training), that the adult can meet the objectives of a module, in practice. This can be done through a variety of methods, including a Training Adviser observing them in their scouting role, providing evidence such as witness statements or discussing the key content of the module with the Training Adviser. Successful validation is required for each module relevant to the adult’s role.
Each module has a number of validation methods to select from. Validation methods are simple and effective and should always be something that is done as part of an adult’s normal role. The focus should be on you ‘doing something’ and this will often be backed up by discussion. Validation should not be seen as an exam – it is a positive experience in which the learner will receive supportive feedback.
We aim to make training accessible to all, regardless of geography, education, personal circumstances or special needs. Our training is also designed to provide opportunities to enable people to interact and share their experiences with other volunteers.
The scheme is made-up of 38 modules and different roles have the need to a complete different combination of modules. The modules are:
| 1 | Essential information | 19 | International scouting |
| 1E | Essentials information for executive committee members | 20 | Currently vacant module number |
| 2 | Personal Learning Plan | 21 | Growing the Movement |
| 3 | Tools for the role (Section Leader) | 22 | Currently vacant module number |
| 4 | Tools for the Role (Manager) | 23 | Safety for managers and supporters |
| 5 | The fundamentals of scouting | 24 | Managing adults |
| 6 | Changes in scouting | 25 | Assessing learning |
| 7 | Scouting for all | 26 | Supporting adults |
| 8 | Skills of leadership | 27 | Instructing practical skills |
| 9 | Working with adults | 28 | Facilitating |
| 10 | First Aid | 29 | Presenting |
| 11 | Administration | 30 | Supporting local learning |
| 12A | Delivering a quality programme | 31 | Planning learning experience |
| 12B | Programme planning | 32 | Delivering learning experience |
| 13 | Growing the section | 33 | Planning learning provision |
| 14 | Supporting young people today | 34 | Managing learning provision |
| 15 | Promoting positive behaviour | 35 | Internal moderation |
| 16 | Introduction to residential experiences | 36 | Special needs |
| 17 | Running safe activities | 37 | Advising on adult appointments |
| 18 | Practical skills | 38 | Skills for Residential Experiences |
Details of which roles need to complete which combination of modules can be found in the publication entitled, ‘The Adult Training Scheme’ which can be downloaded from the training section of the members’ area at www.scouts.org.uk
Our district training dates can be found on the calendar of the district website at www.cotswoldedgescouts.org.uk
