Moving from the Adult Training Scheme to Learning

Understand what’s changed in learning for Scouts volunteers from November 2024

Quick links

What’s changed and why

In November 2024 we launched our new learning for volunteers. This replaced the Adult Training Scheme, which had been delivered since 2004.   

Volunteers thought that the Adult Training Scheme was too complex and this module-based training was no longer fit for purpose. It was difficult to provide the learning and support that volunteers needed.   

In collaboration with volunteers, relevant, engaging and accessible learning was designed. A new digital tool, My Learning, was developed to help volunteers understand, do and manage learning. This replaced the system called Compass.

Some of the training modules from the Adult Training Scheme continue, while we continue to develop new learning.

We’ve also replaced the Module Matrix with the 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 My Learning. It 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. The learning that’s required for a Wood Badge depends on whether the volunteer’s role is focussed on delivering programmes for young people or supporting and leading volunteers. Read about the Wood Badge to learn more.

Moving from Training Teams and Training Advisers to Volunteering Development Teams

Training teams have changed and have not continued in the same form. District and County / Area / Region (Scotland) have Volunteering Development Teams , who manage learning.

We no longer have Training Advisors. Volunteers with the Learning Assessor accreditation support with crediting learning.    

We’ve retired the Training Advisers’ guides. Trainers and Learning Assessors can view Trainers Notes and Guides for Crediting Learning on My Learning. They can do this by enrolling into the ‘Trainer and Learning Assessor Resources’ course in My Learning or on an individual course.

For additional guidance on how to access these resources, read the Manage and assess learning digital tool guide.

How your training records migrated to My Learning

All recorded Wood Badges and validated adult training modules have migrated across to My Learning. Any training modules not validated on Compass haven't migrated.  

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

Growing Roots to Current Modules mapping image

First Response training

From November 2024, the timescales for completing First Response training for the first time are:

New volunteers who require First Response and joined Scouts on or after November 2024: 12 months from starting in role.
Section Assistants moving to a Section Team: 24 months from November 2024.
Existing volunteers who continue to require First Response: Retain their current deadline up to a maximum of 24 months from November 2024.

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 module 10A is completed.