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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

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Independent Learning for Managers and Supporters

The following independent learning units are available as part of the Leadership and Management Training.

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.

  • 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 using the time you spend volunteering effectively.

Learning Method Building effective teams video and Building effective teams 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

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.

  • 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.

Learning Method e-learning and Getting the word out 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.

  • 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.

Learning Method - Video and Planning for growth 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

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.


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.

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.

Member resources – these are now found within Info for Volunteers section of our 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.

Learning Method Video (you can download this by clicking the 'download' button in Vimeo) and Keeping, developing and managing volunteers 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

Learning Method Video and Dealing with Difficult Situations 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

Learning Method Supporting the Adult Training Scheme 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.

Learning Method - Video and Enabling Change 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

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).

Learning Method Decision-making 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).

Learning Method - Safety for Managers and Supporters 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.

Skills courses for Managers and Supporters

There are three skills courses as part of the Leadership and Management Training:

  • Skills of Management
  • Achieving Growth
  • Meeting the Challenges
Discover the courses

Accessibility

This module includes videos. Each video is subtitled and has a transcript which you can read here.

Read video transcripts