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Learning for Volunteers

16.5.1 The Adult Learning Tree

16.5.1.1 Purpose and structure
The Adult Learning Tree provides a framework for adult members with a series of learning experiences to support them in their role within the Scouts. The Adult Learning Tree is split into the two distinct stages of Growing Roots and Branching Out.

16.5.1.2 Growing Roots
Growing Roots is the foundation of every adult member’s learning experience and provides a source of information and guidance all adult volunteers require, including: 

  1. Five courses applicable to all volunteers:
    • Safeguarding
    • Safety
    • Who we are and What we do
    • Creating Inclusion
    • Data Protection in Scouts
  2. Role-specific learning:
    • Delivering a great programme (for Section Team Leaders and Members) 
    • Leading Scout Volunteers (for Lead Volunteers and Team Leaders) 
    • Being a Trustee in Scouts (for roles with Trustees responsibilities)

16.5.1.3 Branching Out
Branching Out provides a range of additional learning that adult volunteers may find helpful in developing the skills they need for their role. 

16.5.2 The Wood Badge

16.5.2.1 Recognition
The Wood Badge is an optional award gained through completion of the Growing Roots learning together with elements of Branching Out chosen by the adult member.

An adult member may only obtain one Wood Badge. However, all adult volunteers are encouraged to complete additional learning relevant to their roles and to their own interests.

16.5.2.2 Requirements
A volunteer with a full role may choose to complete a Wood Badge. The Wood Badge is awarded only once, though volunteers are encouraged to continue developing their skills.

All Wood Badge learning is in addition to the relevant Growing Roots learning and is included in Branching Out. Some of this additional learning in Branching Out may be required for specific roles, accreditation or permits.

16.5.3 Continue learning

These rules explain the learning required for a role after completion of the Growing Roots learning.

16.5.3.1 First Aid
All volunteers in roles that require a first aid certificate (see the Teams Table (POR 16.11.1)) must complete the certification within one year of the role start date.

All volunteers must revalidate their first aid certificate every three years whilst holding a role for which the Teams Table (POR 16.11.1) shows that a first aid certificate is required.

If a volunteer holds an external first aid qualification which meets the First Response syllabus requirements, it must be reviewed by an accredited First Response Trainer. The trainer will validate the qualification within the membership system. 

16.5.3.2 Safety and Safeguarding learning
All volunteers must complete each of the Safeguarding and the Safety learning every three years if the Teams Table (POR 16.11.1) shows that 'the learning everyone needs' is required for their current role. 

16.5.3.3 Ad hoc updating 
There may be times when UK Headquarters asks some or all volunteers to complete elements of the Safety and Safeguarding learning on a different timeframe from POR 16.5.3.2.

16.5.4 Additional learning requirements

16.5.4.1
For all, or for specific roles, UK Headquarters may require additional learning requirements for a specified period. 

16.5.5 Support for Adult Learning

16.5.5.1 Learning management system

  1. The membership system includes learning management support. This records all the completed learning for adult volunteers. If there is any mandatory learning for the roles or accreditations that a volunteer undertakes this will be shown within the system.
  2. Volunteers and their team leaders will be automatically reminded when learning is due for completion.

16.5.5.2 Further details

  1. The relevant Volunteering Development Team must ensure sufficient learning opportunities are available to meet local needs. These opportunities may be provided in a single District or County or may be a shared responsibility.  
  2. The relevant Leadership Team must ensure all volunteers complete assigned learning within specified timescales. 
  3. Where learning assessment is required, a Learning Assessor will undertake this task.