About the Adult Training Scheme

Welcome to the training area of the website, here you will find information and support about the adult training scheme.

The Scout Association is a voluntary movement dedicated to the development of young people between the ages of 4 and 25. Each week over 100,000 adult volunteers, in a variety of roles throughout the UK, help Scouting to achieve its aim. While The Scout Association’s primary purpose is the development of young people, it also seeks to offer personal development opportunities to adults, both within their Scouting role and as individuals. The Adult Training Scheme is one means by which adults in Scouting can be supported in their chosen role. It can also help to meet personal development needs. Adult volunteers are at the heart of Scouting, and we hope that you will get every bit as much out of it as you put in.

To support adults in Scouting, the Association provides a comprehensive programme of training to build on existing skills and knowledge and develop new competencies.

The Key Principles of the Adult Training Scheme

The Scout Association’s Adult Training Scheme is based on a number of key principles:

• the scheme is modular, with a total of 38 modules with adults only completing those modules 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 the majority of 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 module 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

Once a learner has completed Getting Started (Modules 1,2, 3 or 4) they will move on to completing all of the training relevant to their role. For some roles a Wood Badge will need to be completed. The Wood Badge is the internationally recognised Scouting training insignia awarded to adults by Headquarters to denote completion of the training required for their role. The Wood Badge consists of two wooden beads threaded onto a leather thong which is worn with Scout uniform. In the UK, Scouting training is tailored to an adult’s appointment, and therefore not all appointments are required to work towards a Wood Badge. There are a number of different routes to achieving the Wood Badge, based on an adult’s appointment. An adult is required to complete their Wood Badge within three years of their full appointment.

The Scout Associations Website, www.scouts.org.uk has lots of information about the training programme and support available.

You can access the Scout Association training pages by using this link:  Training | Scouts