Essential Information training

Getting Started is a collection of e-learning modules that help new volunteers settle in their role. 

You can complete them in any order, at a time that suits you, within the first five months of volunteering. 

You don’t need a Compass login to access our e-learning courses.

Essential Information (module 1) is one of the Getting Started modules.

Validation is the process of confirming you’ve completed your training, understood the content and are able to apply what you’ve learned.   

To validate this module, all you need to do is to complete the assessment, download the certificate (or take a screenshot), and send it to your volunteer line manager or Training Adviser, if you have one.  

If you’re not sure who you should email the certificate to, send it to the Training Compliance Volunteer Team at training.compliance@scouts.org.uk  

You don’t need to wait for this module to be validated to start other Getting Started training modules.

This module is for all volunteers in their first 5 months.

If you are unsure if you need to do this module, check POR Chapter 16: Roles Table.

You can also ask your Training Adviser, volunteer line manager, or contact the Support Centre.

You can access our e-learning courses on desktops, mobiles and tablets. It also works well on all browsers, such as Safari, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome and Edge.   

On mobile and tablet, some of the boxes don’t show all of the words. Turning to landscape from portrait helps with this.   

Please don't hit refresh on your browser (particularly if you get a question wrong on the assessment) as this will prevent you from being able to generate the certificate at the end.  

You will be able to re-take the assessment at the end.  

Don’t forget to download or take a screenshot of your certificate. It will be lost if you refresh or close the webpage.  

To report any technical errors please contact the Support Centre.

The accessibility tools guide provides some hints and tips on how to build accessibility features into your device. 

If e-learning doesn't suit your needs, talk to your line manager or Training Adviser. They can provide one-to-one support or advise you to use the Essential Information Workbook. 

When using alternatives to e-learning you won’t be automatically given a certificate, so you will need to agree with your line manager or Training Adviser how to validate the module. 

Your Training Adviser will be able to answer any questions you have. Don’t worry if you haven’t been assigned one yet, you can speak to your volunteer line manager. 

If you're not sure who to speak to locally, you can contact the Support Centre.