Step 1 – Personal Learning Plan
Every learning journey is different. Meet with your Training Adviser to create a Personal Learning Plan that takes into account the requirements for your volunteer role and your individual learning needs. The plan will show the training and the support that you will receive to help you to carry out the responsibilities and fulfil the training requirements for your role. Once you have agreed your role description with your line manager you need to create a plan for your own training called a personal learning plan. The plan will detail not only those modules that you need to do, and some others you might like to do, but also how you will do the learning required for them.
To support you in your first five months of volunteering with the Scouts you will need to complete your Getting Started training. You can complete these in any order.
Essential Information
(Module 1)
The aim of this module is to provide all adults in Scouting with the essential information needed to get started in their role.
Tools for the Role
(Module 4)
This module aims to provide key information about the role, areas of responsibility and where further information and support can be found.
Safety
The aim of this module is to provide all adults in Scouting with an understanding of safety practice and responsibilities as a member of Scouts, to keep everyone safe.
Safeguarding
The aim of this module is to provide all adults in Scouting with an understanding of safeguarding practice and responsibilities as a member of Scouts, to keep everyone safe.
GDPR
The aim of this module is to provide all adults in Scouting with an understanding of what the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) means for them, their Scout Group, District and County and how to effectively align with it.
Step 3 – Core Modules
As you work towards completing your Wood Badge, you should complete the below modules from the main scheme within three years of your appointment.
Module 5
The Fundamantals of Scouting
Module 7
Scouting for All
Module 10
First Aid
Module 11
Administration
Module 12a
Delivering a Quality Programme
Step 4 – Independent Learning
The following independent learning units are available as part of the Leadership and Management Training.
Managing time and personal skills
Learning Method – e-learning
Within this e-learning you will find a list of resources to aid the learning. The following links are not accessible within the e-learning, please access these specific resources via the links below.
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Describe the importance of being aware of their own skills and knowledge, identifying areas for development and having a plan to improve or develop in these areas.
- Outline a number of tips and techniques for managing their own time and the using the time you spend volunteering effectively.
Building effective teams
Learning Method – Video and Learning Guide
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Explain ways of building a team spirit in local Scouting and ways of supporting the development of the team as a whole.
- Describe how to run effective team meetings.
Extra interviews with adult volunteers – Building Effective Teams
Project Management
Learning Method – e-learning and Infographic
Accessing resources within this e-learning
Within this e-learning you will find a list of resources to aid the learning. The following links are not accessible within the e-learning, please access these specific resources via the links below.
- Building effective teams – learning guide
- Getting the word out – learning guide
- Financial and physical resources: video 1, video 2 and worksheet.
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Explain the importance of satisfactorily resolving problems and issues raised by adult members, youth members and parents or carers of youth members with regard to past or ongoing projects.
- Describe how to effectively manage projects and the implementation of plans in Scouting.
Getting the word out
Learning Method – e-learning and Learning Guide
Accessing resources within this e-learning
Within this e-learning you will find a list of resources to aid the learning. The following links are not accessible within the e-learning, please access these specific resources via the links below.
- Communicating with members
- Safeguarding policy
- Safeguarding Yellow Card
- Stay Safe Resources
- Stakeholder analysis – resource no longer valid
- Generating media coverage
- Advice on generating print coverage
- Advice on generating radio coverage
- Get your stories into local media
Objectives
– by the end of the unit, participants will be able to: - Identify various communication channels and explain how they can be used effectively to support and engage with existing adult and youth Members in Scouting.
- Identify various communication channels and explain how they can be used effectively to promote local Scouting.
- Explain how building and maintaining collaborative relationships with other relevant organisations can support local Scouting.
Planning for growth
Learning Method – Video and Learning Guide
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Explain the importance of growth within Scouting and understand your role in achieving it.
- Describe the role of a development plan in achieving growth and the process of creating one.
- Explain the importance of regularly reviewing your development plan.
- Explain the role of quality management and benchmarking when planning for quality growth.
Extra interviews with adult volunteers – Planning for Growth
Leading local Scouting
Learning Method – e-learning
Accessing resources within this e-learning
Within this e-learning you will find a list of resources to aid the learning. The following links are not accessible within the e-learning, please access these specific resources via the links below.
- Leadership styles found within the Skills of Leadership
- The Skills of Leadership
- Current uk version – resource no longer valid
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Explain their role as a leader in Scouting and describe the qualities of an effective leader.
- Explain the current strategic Vision for UK Scouting and how this can be practically applied to the development of local Scouting.
- Understand the importance of having a vision for local Scouting, which takes into account relevant development plans, including the current strategic Vision for UK Scouting.
- Describe the importance of communicating your vision, and outline a range of ways of to this.
Finding, appointing and welcoming volunteers
Learning Method – e-learning
Accessing resources within this e-learning
Within this e-learning you will find a list of resources to aid the learning. The following links are not accessible within the e-learning, please access these specific resources via the links below.
- Recruiting adult volunteers
- Recruiting members of the public
- Recruiting Adults – Generation Evening Item Code Running a Name
- Right People – right roles – resource no longer valid
- The Appointment Process
- Appointment forms
- POR
- Induction
- Learning styles – resource no longer valid
- Member resources – these are now found within Info for Volunteers section of the Scout website
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Describe ways to identify and recruit adult volunteers, taking into account their skills, interests and availability.
- Describe how to manage succession planning and identify the roles that are needed to make local Scouting work effectively.
- Understand the role of induction and training in helping volunteers to gain the skills and knowledge needed to carry out their role effectively.
- Describe the appointment process and their role in making it effective.
Keeping, developing and managing volunteers
Learning Method – Video (you can download this by clicking the ‘download’ button in Vimeo) and Learning Guide
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Identify factors that motivate and de-motivate adults in Scouting.
- Explain the importance of acknowledging good work carried out in local Scouting, and outline a range of ways to do this, including through local events and the national Scout adult award scheme.
- Explain how the development of adult volunteers is supported by identifying their needs and encouraging them to complete formal training requirements, learn on the job and try out new skills.
- Understand how to allocate appropriate tasks to people within local Scouting using the principles of delegation, and monitor the progress of those tasks.
- Explain the role of formal and informal reviews in volunteer retention and management.
Extra interviews with adult volunteers – Keeping, Developing and Managing Volunteers
Dealing with difficult situations
Learning Method – Video and Learning Guide
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Identify the main reasons why adults disagree and describe the steps that should be taken to manage a dispute between adults, including possible solutions.
- Describe ways in which conflict and the escalation of disagreements may be prevented and detail the places where written and personal support and advice may be obtained in the management of adult disagreements.
- Outline the complaints process.
- Outline the situations where the suspension/cancellation of an adult appointment would be appropriate and explain the suspension process.
Extra interviews with adult volunteers – Dealing With Difficult Situations
Supporting the adult training scheme
Learning Method – workbook
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the principles, content and policies of training within The Scout Association.
- Understand your role in monitoring, supporting and encouraging adults undergoing formal training.
- Understand your responsibilities to support those you manage to identify their learning and development needs
Enabling Change
Learning Method – Video and Learning Guide
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Explain the importance of being open to and supportive of change and new ideas aimed at improving local Scouting.
- Describe how to effectively manage change and identify situations and circumstances in which change management is required in local Scouting.
Extra interviews with adult volunteers – Enabling Change
Financial and physical resources
Learning Method – Video 1, video 2 and worksheet.
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Describe how to assess whether there is sufficient physical resources and adequate income for local Scouting as part of the Executive Committee.
- Identify sources of income for local Scouting.
- Work with the local Executive Committee and others to ensure that local Scouting has to support its work with youth members.
- Take part, encourage and support others in fundraising and ensure the appropriate management of funds collected (policies, statement of purpose, etc).
Decision making
Learning Method – workbook
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Describe various methods of decision making and prioritisation.
- Explain the decision making structures within local and national Scouting and how you fit into them (both in making decisions and seeking decisions to be made).
Safety for managers and supporters
Learning Method – workbook
Objectives – by the end of the unit, participants will be able to:
- Detail your duties and responsibilities for the safe operation of Scouting in their Group, District or Count.
- Describe your role in approving and/or supporting activities that do not require formal activity permits (weekly meetings, visits and trips, activities in Terrain Zero, Class C waters etc).
- Explain the InTouch system, medical details, age restrictions and other safety and welfare requirements for the range of activities available in Scouting.
- Explain how the Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) and activity factsheets detail the requirements and provide guidance for a range of Scouting activities.
- Describe the insurance requirements of The Scout Association and state those events and activities for which additional steps must be taken.
- Detail the emergency and reporting procedures to be implemented in the event of an accident or incident, including the reporting of near misses and potential accidents.
- Detail those activities that require specific activity permits.
- Explain and apply The Scout Association’s method of risk assessment to Scouting activities and their role in supporting the use of risk assessments before and during Scouting activities.
- Explain the requirements and procedures necessary to gain an activity permit and describe your role in the process.
- Understand the role and responsibilities of the leader in charge.
- Explain the importance of creating a culture of safety within their area, and describe the measures you can take to promote this.
- Explain the requirements and procedures necessary to gain a Nights Away Permit and describe your role in the process.
Step 5 – Skills Courses
Undertaking the Learning
Training is made up of two stages, Learning and Validation. Learning provides the opportunity to gain or improve the knowledge and skills you need to be a manager and be successful in your role. The methods used for learning vary and you can pick how you want to complete the learning to fit with your individual learning style and the knowledge you may already have. In Nottinghamshire we aim to make learning fun, informative and to meet the individuals’ needs The following learning methods are available training courses.
- Skills of Management
- Achieving Growth
- Meeting the Challenges
It’s recommended that where possible learners complete the Skills of Management course first as many of the skills and concepts are built upon in later courses..
Validating the Learning
This is the process of demonstrating to your Training Adviser (TA) that you can meet the objectives of the module. This can be done through a variety of methods from your TA observing you in your Scouting role, providing evidence such as a witness testimony, or discussing with your TA. Evidence should be something you do as part of your role in Scouting and should not generate any extra work.