What Training do in need to do ?

All Section Assistants in Scouting are required to undertake mandatory Getting Started training within five months of starting the role. This ensures, as much as possible, that you understand your role, responsibilities and duties as an adult supporting Scouting, and that you are confident to take the first steps.

Getting Started training is largely accessed online through eLearning. If you cannot use online learning, please contact your Group Scout Leader or Local Training Manager who can support you with alternative access. After each piece of eLearning, you will be able to print out a certificate*, which shows that you have covered the content shown and that you understand it. This certificate should then be sent to your Group Scout Leader, Training Adviser or Local Training Manager who will record completion on your training page in Compass.

*All Getting Started modules provide a certificate once the self assessment, at the end of the module, has been completed. The exception is Module 3 which is validated with a Training Adviser or by using On Line Validation. Details of both of these are set out later in this text.

All Section Assistants and Group Assistants are required to do the following Getting Started training modules.

Module 1 – Essential information covers:
• The structure and organisation of Scouting
• Sources of information and support for members
• The Purpose, Values and Method of Scouting
• Some key facts about our history
Go to the Module 1 eLearning

Safety covers:
• The Safety policy of The Scout Association
• Our role in keeping adults and young people safe
Go to the Safety eLearning

Safeguarding covers:
• The Safeguarding policy of The Scout Association
• Our role in safeguarding young people
Go to the Safeguarding eLearning

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) covers:
• The rules around what information we may collect
• How we keep information
• How we dispose of information
Go to the online GDPR eLearning

Module 3 – Tools for the role covers:
• The key features of the Section
• The roles in a Section
• Programme methods and Youth shaped scouting
• Promoting Positive Behaviours
Go to the Module 3 eLearning

How long do I have to complete my Getting Started training?

You should complete your Getting Started training within 5 months of taking on a role.

Is my training complete once I have done Getting Started training?

Yes, but you are required to maintain your knowledge of two elements of Mandatory Training – Safety and Safeguarding. These are refreshed on a three year cycle to ensure that you remain up to date with current requirements and procedures. In addition, you can complete any other learning such as First Aid or specific Modules which may enhance your experience and opportunities in supporting Scouting.

Who can help you ?

Training Adviser (TA) – Most TA’s will have other Scouting roles so they are very likely to “speak your language” and understand your issues and questions. Sadly, we do not have enough TA’s to go round everyone at the moment so, if you have not been allocated a TA, please contact your Local Training Manager.

Local Training Manager (LTM) – The LTM supports the TA’s and provides information and guidance to the Scout District.

Your Group Scout Leader (GSL) or District Explorer Scout Commissioner(DESC) – Your GSL or DESC (if you are an Explorer Scout Leader) can validate many of your Getting Started modules (not Module 3). They may be able to support with a witness testimony or provide you with opportunities to put your learning into practice or contacts to find out more about training or your role.

Other Leaders in your Section – your Section colleagues can provide support and guidance and give you help and opportunities to run activities, events or carry out the necessary administration that would provide evidence for your learning validation.

A quick guide to the training modules is covered in the MODULE MATRIX. More information will be in the Adult Personal File, County Website (Learners Hub – see below) or from your TA / LTM.

What is validation ?

Validation is the way that we show that we know something and that we can use it in practice. Sometimes validation is covered as part of the learning, as with most of the online Getting Started Modules, at other times it is a separate process from the learning and is carried out through discussion with a Training Adviser