Growing Roots
Discover the learning that everyone needs
Quick links
Let’s look at Growing Roots in a bit more detail.
Remember, Growing Roots is the learning that everyone needs, and it covers the basics of Scouts, safety, data protection and inclusion.
You’ll be able to access all our learning online, and our handy system will only show you the learning that’s relevant to you.
You’ll have six months from joining us to complete your Growing Roots learning.
The learning everyone needs
To watch in full screen, double click the video
How we make Scouts a welcoming space for everybody.
Who it's for
All new volunteers.
Exceptions: Presidents, vice presidents, non-member, supporters, retired members, designated carers
Why it's needed
At Scouts, we're open to all and it’s important we make sure everyone feels welcome. We need all our volunteers’ help to do this, so we want to make sure you have the tools and know-how to help everyone feel accepted and included at Scouts.
What you'll learn
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How to challenge assumptions
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Practical ways to be more inclusive in everything we do
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How to respond when people need reasonable adjustments
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How to challenge discrimination
How we take care of people's personal data.
Who it's for
All new volunteers.
Exceptions: Presidents, vice presidents, non-member, supporters, retired members, designated carers
Why it's needed
At Scouts, we’re trusted with the personal data of our young people and volunteers. We need to take that responsibility very seriously. We need your help, so we want to make sure you have the tools and know-how to handle personal data responsibly.
What you'll learn
- What data protection and personal data is.
- How to gather personal data in Scouts.
- How to use, share and store personal data in Scouts.
- How to delete or archive personal data securely.
- How to respond in case of a data breach or subject access request.
An introduction to what Scouts is and how we help young people develop skills for life.
Who it's for
All new volunteers.
Exceptions: Presidents, vice presidents, non-member, supporters, retired members, designated carers
Why it's needed
At Scouts, we work together towards a shared goal, which is to help young people develop skills for life. We need your help, so we want to make sure you understand how Scouts works and what support is available to you.
What you'll learn
- Our purpose, Promise and values as Scouts.
- The support that’s available to you.
- How our different teams work together.
- How Scouts create impact.
How we keep each other and our young people safe.
Who it's for
All new volunteers.
Exceptions: Presidents, vice presidents, non-member, supporters, retired members, designated carers
Why it's needed
At Scouts, we know young people thrive in secure surroundings, whether they’re at home or away. Wherever we go, we’re serious about keeping our young people safe. Everyone in Scouts needs to have the tools and know-how to keep our young people safe.
What you'll learn
- What safety and safeguarding is.
- Why safety and safeguarding are so important.
- About Safety
- How to assess and manage risks.
- How to respond to and report incidents.
- About Safeguarding
- How to recognise and respond to concerns.
- How to take notes and report concerns.
- How to protect both young people and adults.
The learning some people need
This is extra learning, which only certain volunteers will need to do, depending on what team they’re in.
To watch in full screen, double click the video
How to work with young people and deliver a safe, fun and adventurous programme.
Who it's for
All new Section Team volunteers.
Why it's needed
You’ll be working directly with our young people, helping them develop skills for life. We want to make sure you have the tools and know-how to deliver our amazing programme and be properly youth led.
What you'll learn
- The Scout Method and how we create impact.
- How to involve young people and be youth led.
- How to promote positive behaviour when working with young people.
- How to plan and run our programmes, so young people can achieve their top awards.
- How to work with parents and carers of our young people.
How to be a great Lead Volunteer or Team Leader at Scouts.
Who it's for
All new Team Leaders and Lead Volunteers.
Exceptions: Team Leaders of Section Teams and Sub-teams.
Why it's needed
At Scouts, we aim to provide great leadership. We want to be great role models to our young people. So, we want to make sure you have the tools and know-how to lead your fellow volunteers in Scouts.
What you'll learn
Content is currently growing, so watch this space to find out more.
What being a Trustee means and how to do a great job.
Who it's for
All new Trustees.
Why it's needed
As a Trustee, you might be responsible for a Group, District or County/Area/Region. You’ll need to know what your responsibilities are, and we’ll give you the practical tools and advice on how to be a great Trustee.
What you'll learn
Content is currently growing, so watch this space to find out more.
First Response
Keeping young people safe is at the heart of what we do, and when reviewing who needs to complete First Response, making sure that young people always have direct access to first aid at Scouts has been one of our key principles. We also want to make sure that no young person misses out on Scouts because there is a lack of first aid cover.
With these in mind, First Response will be required for anyone who regularly works directly with young people, or volunteers who might reasonably be required to step in and work directly with young people - this means Section Teams, Group Lead Volunteers and 14-24 Team Leaders will need to complete First Response.
There will be a transition period for those people who are moving into these roles, who don't have First Response, yet, but for new volunteers, we'll ask them to complete First Response within 12 months, if they are required to.
The First Response content and delivery methods aren't changing with the introduction of Growing Roots, and you can find out more about First Response on the First Aid Training pages.
Branching Out
Discover our optional learning for volunteers to access whenever they’d like to further develop their skills and knowledge.
Find out about Branching OutThe Wood Badge
Find out more about the Wood Badge and why completing it is now optional.
Discover the changes to the Wood BadgeAccessing learning
Our learning has been designed with accessibility in mind. Find out more about the range of features included.
Accessibility within our learning