Volunteer Learning

Moving from the Adult Training Scheme to Learning

What’s changed and why:

From November 2024 the Scout Association has started to deliver their new learning, which replaces the Training Scheme delivered from 2004.

Many volunteers thought that the Adult Training scheme was too complex and the module training was no longer fit for purpose and found it was difficult to provide the support they needed.

The Scout Association has designed new courses in collaboration with volunteers to create learning that’s relevant, engaging and accessible for everyone.  Some of the existing training modules will continue while they develop the new learning.  The new digital tool will help volunteers understand, do and manage their learning.

The old Module Matrix has been replaced by the new Learning Tree.

What’s changed for learners:

The new learning is now made up of Growing Roots and Branching out.

Volunteers can log in to the new digital system and can see what learning they have to do, keep track of their progress.  The new system automatically sends reminders to volunteers when their safeguarding, Safety and First Response needs to be renewed.

In the old training scheme, the Wood Badge was mandatory and volunteers had 3 years from taking on the role to completing the training.  Going forward the Wood badge is now optional and the Scout Association are currently developing a new framework for the award.  Until this new framework is in place, volunteers will still complete some of the old modules in the new digital system.

To find out more information on the new training, please click on the following links:

Growing roots – Learning you need to do: Growing Roots | Scouts

Growing roots is the learning that needs to be completed in the first 6 months as a new volunteer, with the Safety and Safeguarding being completed within the first 30 days.  This training covers the basics of Scouts, Safety, data protection and creating an inclusive environment.

Branching out – Further learning opportunities: Branching Out | Scouts

Branching out is all about you wanting to stretch yourself and developing your skills and knowledge.  Some of the Branching out learning is required if you want to do certain things, like learning for an accreditation.  Other learning is there for, if and when it’s helpful to you.