Moving from the Adult Training Scheme to Learning

What’s changed and why

From November 2024 we started delivering our new learning, which replaces the Adult Training Scheme delivered since 2004.  

Volunteers thought that the Adult Training Scheme was too complex, the modules were no longer fit for purpose, and it was difficult to provide the support they needed.  

We designed new courses in collaboration with our volunteers to create learning that's relevant, engaging and accessible for everyone. Some of our existing training modules continue while we develop our new learning.  

The new digital tool will help all volunteers to understand, do and manage learning. We no longer use Compass. 

We’ve also replaced the Module Matrix with the new Learning Tree. 

What's changed for learners

Our new learning is made up of Growing Roots and Branching Out. 

Volunteers can see the learning they need to do, keep track of their progress and check their record through our new digital tool. The tool also sends automatic reminders when Safeguarding, Safety and First Response learning need to be renewed.

Personal Learning Plans and Adult Personal Files have been retired. 

The Wood Badge is now optional, and we’re developing a new framework for the award. Read about the future of the Wood Badge to learn more.  

Some existing volunteers will be required to complete additional learning. Read the Teams Table on POR to check your learning requirements.

Getting credited for Skills

Our learning is a mix of e-learning and learning experiences that take place outside of the system, for example delivered by a Trainer either face to face or online. 

After completing an e-learning course, the skill will automatically be assigned and credited.  

For other courses, the volunteer will need to get skills credited, based on the validation criteria. This means they might have to do something to demonstrate their learning and understanding. For example, they might show a certificate of attendance from a course, talk to a Learning Assessor about what they’ve learnt or show skills and knowledge based on experience. 

To get the skill for these courses fully credited on the system, volunteers can either:   

• Assign the skill and ask for assessment by sending a request. Then contact a Learning Assessor to review and sign it off, based on the appropriate evidence/criteria, or 

• Contact a Learning Assessor, who can then assign the skill and credit it based on a review of the appropriate criteria/certificate/attendance. 

Moving from Training Teams and Training Advisers to Volunteering Development Teams

Learning is managed at both District and County / Area / Region level by Volunteering Development Teams. Training teams have not continued within the same form, and we no longer have Training Advisers.  

Volunteers with the Learning Assessor accreditation support with crediting learning.   

We’ve retired the Training Advisers’ guides. Information on each learning course and validation criteria is available on the digital tool.  

Trainers and Learning Assessors can view the Trainer’s Notes and Guides for Crediting Learning by enrolling into the “Trainer and Learning Assessor Resources” course in My Learning. For additional guidance on how to access these resources, read Access Trainer notes and guides to crediting learning. 

Check the Tools to support Volunteering Development Teams for additional guidance on supporting and delivering learning.

How your training records migrated to the digital tool

All recorded Wood Badges and validated adult training modules needed in our new learning model have migrated across to the new digital tool. Any training modules not validated on Compass will not have migrated to the new digital tool. 

The previous training modules were mapped across to credit certain parts of the new Growing Roots learning. Please note that where multiple current modules are listed these must all be completed to credit the corresponding Growing Roots learning. 

If you have specific questions about how your training record migrated, contact your local Transformation Lead. If you think there’s a mistake in how your record migrated to the digital tool, contact the Support Centre.

Timescales for completing learning requirements

Section Assistants moving to Section Teams are required to complete Delivering a Great Programme within six months from Go-Live (21 November for Early Adopters and 29 November for everyone else).

Existing volunteers who didn't get all their mandatory training validated in Compass before Compass Freeze (until 6 November), or who completed the previous Safety or Safeguarding learning while Compass was offline must complete the equivalent Growing Roots learning within six months from Go-Live.

New volunteers who joined Scouts on or after Go-Live need to complete Growing Roots learning within six months. 

First Response training 

From Go-Live (21 November for Early Adopters and 29 November for everyone else), the timescales for completing First Response training for the first time are: 

• New volunteers who require First Response and joined Scouts on or after Go-Live: 12 months from starting in role.
• Section Assistants moving to a Section Team: 24 months from Go-Live.
• Existing volunteers who continue to require First Response: Retain their current deadline up to a maximum of 24 months from Go-Live. 

For volunteers currently overdue, or with a tight timeline for completing First Response training, the timeline remains the same and restrictions may be applied. 

The renewal period for First Response remains at three years and is calculated from the date that 10A is completed.