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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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The fundamentals of the scheme

The fundamentals of the scheme

The Scouts’ Adult Training Scheme is based on a number of key principles:

Training is built around a number of objectives which have been generated by taking into account the views of Counties, the requirements of the World Scout Bureau and the needs of The Scouts.

  • The scheme includes modules, learning units and skills courses
  • Adults complete only the training which is appropriate to their role
  • Adult training should be accessible to all, regardless of geography, education, personal circumstances or additional needs
  • There are at least two methods of meeting the objectives for most modules so that adults can choose the most appropriate method for them
  • The scheme recognises the prior learning, experience and existing knowledge of adults
  • It is not necessary for adults to attend training if they can clearly show that they are able to meet learning objectives by demonstrating their skills in their Scouting role through validation
  • Training provides opportunities for adults to interact with other adults; this can often be an effective way of learning and building contacts
  • Training uses familiar Scout methods, for example learning by doing and small group work, but these are complemented by methods such as workbooks, DVDs and e-learning
  • The scheme is UK-wide so that the training and modules that have been completed in one County will be recognised in another
  • here is the opportunity for adults to work towards an externally recognised award through the training they do in Scouting

Adults taking on a role in Scouting should have a role description which outlines the key tasks and responsibilities of that role. It should be agreed between the adult and their line manager (normally their Group Scout Leader or Commissioner) on appointment.

The benefits of an adult having a specific role description for their role include:

  • Adults in Scouting can set boundaries to their commitment
  • Detail of expectations can be agreed to prevent misunderstandings
  • The basis for future review is provided

The skills that an adult will need to successfully carry out their role can also be defined from the role description. Many adults will already have valuable skills that they can apply to their role in Scouting. They may have gained skills through their life experiences, their employment, or their Scouting experiences. However, many people will have gaps between the knowledge, skills and abilities that they already have and those that they need to perform their role well. The Adult Training Scheme helps adults to:

  • Identify their existing skills and match them with the skills required by their role
  • Identify skills which they still need to gain, and plan how they will gain them
  • Implement their plans, completing any further learning which is required
  • Show that they have the skills identified for the role.

The Adult Training Scheme is based around two key elements:

  • Learning - This is when the adult has the opportunity to gain or improve the knowledge and skills which they need to perform their role. As the scheme recognises prior learning, knowledge and experience; individuals may not need to complete learning for every aspect of the scheme.
  • Validation - This is when a Training Adviser will check what the adult has learned, and that they can apply the skills that they have acquired to their role. Validation is essential for every module except for the mandatory ongoing learning modules.

The Scouts recognises that each individual has different needs. They will have different prior knowledge and experience, learning styles, personal circumstances, motivations and support mechanisms (both inside and outside of Scouting). Therefore, a range of learning opportunities are provided.

An individual’s learning needs might be met in a range of ways, one of which could be a training course. They might also be met by reading a book, watching a video, talking to a friend, through practical work, by watching a demonstration, or perhaps by simply reading a set of instructions. Individuals are encouraged to use the method or methods most appropriate to their needs in order to gain the relevant learning.

The Scouts tries to demonstrate in its methods of adult learning the same methods that it employs with young people. Any range of learning experiences is therefore likely to include:

  • Ownership of the learning process by the individual
  • Learning by doing
  • Interaction with others during learning
  • A high proportion of learning on the job
  • Personal support from a named individual
  • Contributions by line managers, peers and others to the learning
  • Demonstration of the learning in practice

Location, additional needs or personal circumstances should not be a limiting factor for adult training. Therefore, the opportunity for individuals to do their learning at home has been built into most learning methods (through the use of distance learning methods, primarily workbooks, video and e-learning). As one of the key principles of the scheme is flexibility it is essential that adults have access to these different options

The Scouts’ Adult Training Scheme enables adults to gain the skills necessary for them to deliver and/or support the Programme.

Specifically, it is intended to:

  • Help people understand Scouting and their role within it
  • Give them the skills necessary to carry out that role
  • Improve the quality and quantity of Scouting delivered
  • Support adults in meeting their own personal development needs