Lesson 1: Understanding the basics of Scouts’ volunteer training scheme

Young people are incredible – and so are our brilliant volunteers. Thanks for everything you do to help Scouts step up, play their part and gain skills for life. It's people like you who make Scouts happen. You're inspiring a new generation to look at things differently, to take the lead and find their place in the world. As Scouts, we bring people together and build stronger communities. But most of all, we help young people see that anything’s possible.

We'll support you every step of the way as a volunteer. You're starting your own journey, too. We want you to develop your own skills and feel part of a family of Scouts that looks after each other and makes the most of our time together.

Young people only get one childhood. Let's make it count.

Bear Grylls, Chief Scout

As an adult volunteer, you’ll be helping deliver quality Scouts sessions, packed with challenge and adventure. So what can you expect to be a part of? Well, sometimes words aren’t enough.

NB: This video contains fast paced changing images and text, loud noises and music.

Your learning Journey

Personal development’s as fundamental for adults involved in Scouts as it is for young people. By completing this module, you’ve taken the first step in your learning journey.

Our volunteer training

The two key principles of the Scouts volunteer training scheme are learning and validation, which are based on the Scout method of ‘learning by doing’.

There’s a whole range of opportunities available to you as a volunteer within Scouts. You’ll learn a great deal through volunteering and sharing ideas with those you’ll volunteer with, as well as taking part in a range of structured learning experiences such as these online training courses. Any skills and knowledge you already have from both inside and outside Scouts will be recognised.

Validation’s a demonstration of your knowledge and skill, and gives you the opportunity to put what you learn from these modules into practice. It’ll either be through the completion of online assessments (like for this module) or you’ll be able to choose activities from a list of options and discuss with your Training Adviser.

What training do I need?

This varies according to each role – we want to make sure any training you do is suited to your specific needs.

POR Chapter 16: Roles Table details the training requirements for all of the roles available.

The Module matrix lists all of the modules that we have available and highlights which are required for the variety of responsibilities you might have.

You can find all of the training information and learning materials online.

Your Training Adviser will be able to help you identify the modules when you discuss your Personal Learning Plan with them (if you have a role that requires this). This’ll help you identify the learning you need, as well as choosing the method of validation that’s right for you. View the Personal Learning Plan.

Mandatory Ongoing Learning

Some aspects of our training scheme for volunteers must be renewed every three years. For example, all volunteers must renew Safety and Safeguarding, and some leaders, will need to renew First Aid.

Training Records

You’ll be set up on Compass – the name of our national membership database – with a record when you join. You’ll need to register for an account to be able to log in (and will need your membership number and for the information about you to match what has been entered on your record). You can log in to Compass here or register for a Compass account here.

Part of your profile is a tab for your training record. A Training Adviser, Training Manager (Assistant District Commissioner (Adult Training) or Assistant Regional Commissioner (Adult Training) in Scotland) or line manager (such as Group Scout Leader or District Commissioner) will be able to update this record for you, based on your personal learning plan and completion of learning and validation.

Wood Badge

Many of the modules that you’ll complete during your training will help you on your way to achieving your Wood Badge. The role you hold determines your requirement to complete a Wood Badge.

The Wood Badge (two wooden beads at the end of a leather lace, designed to wear along with your Scout scarf) signifies that you’ve completed your Scouts volunteer leadership training.

History of the Wood Badge

In 1919, Baden-Powell set in motion a standardised system for leader training at Gilwell Park, near London. If you completed the course, you’d be awarded a ‘Wood Badge’ – a pair of wooden beads. One came from the ceremonial necklace of the Zulu chief, Dinizulu, and the second was carved by the awardee.