Somerset County Scout Council

Introduction to the Adult Training Scheme:
Sectional Assistants /
0845 300 1818

This information sheet outlines the Scout Association Adult Training Scheme, which we use in Somerset. The scheme has been designed to provide personal development opportunities for adults, both within their Scouting role and as individuals.

v4 Oct 2011

Somerset County Scout Council

Key Principles: The Scheme is based around a number of key principles:

  • Training based on the needs expressed by those involved across the movement.
  • Learning based on a modular system with adults completing only those modules relevant to their role.
  • Accessibility regardless of geography, education, personal circumstance or special needs.
  • Recognition of prior learning, experience and knowledge.
  • Opportunities for adults across the movement to interact.
  • The combination of familiar Scout training methods, such as group work, with new training methods such as e-learning.
  • A national scheme which is recognised by all Counties/Areas.
  • External recognition of Scout training.

Provisional Appointments:

The first stage of the scheme begins after the recruitment of an adult. The individual will agree a role description with their Group Scout Leader or Section Leader, which will state who they will be working with, what they are required to do, how long for and where support is available to them.

They will then begin a locally agreed induction programme. Individuals will also be required to complete Form AA (Adult Application) which includes a CRB check.

Once the form has been received the Appointments Advisary Committee (AAC) Secretary invites the individual to attend the AAC.

The Appointments Advisary Committee Secretary will inform the Local Training Manager of the outcome of the meeting. The adult must begin the Adult Training Scheme and a Provisional Appointment will be made.

Sectional Assistant Training:

Following the issue of a Provisional Appointment, Sectional Assistants can begin the training programme which is made up of just two modules before the presentation of a full appoinment. These modules may be completed in any order.

Sectional Assistants may be allocated a Training Adviser. (a local volunteer who supports other volunteers undertaking training), for detail of how this works in your District please contact your Local Training Manager.

Module 1, Essential Information, including ‘Getting Started’ Child Protection

Module 3, Tools for the Job

Trainingshould be completed within 5 months of the issue of the provisional appointment. A module is not ‘complete’ until learning and validation have been completed.

Training Advisers validate learning.

Sectional Assistants are not required to complete a Wood Badge, but may do so if they wish.

Validation

Validation is the means by which an individual’s ability to use a skill in practice is confirmed. All modules required for a particular Appointment must be validated regardless of whether the skills have been gained by previous experience or by planned learning. Each module has a fixed requirement and there are usually a number of validation methods for participants to select from. Validation methods should:

  • be appropriate for those that have or have not attended training.
  • involve people doing their job in Scouting and not be an extra task
  • demonstrate that some (but not necessarily all) of the module objectives have been met.
  • seek to improve the quality and/or quantity of Scouting.

Some of the learning can be validated at the end of the training but other elements will need a period during which learning will need to be applied and then assessed.

The Modules:

Module1 : Essential Information

This is basic information that all adults in Scouting need to know. It briefly covers the fundamental of Scouting, the key policies of the Scout Association and support available to adults in Scouting. It is important that the learner receives this training as early as possible. Available as a course, DVD or as elearning.

Includes Getting Started Child Protection Training

Provides an explanation of the Scout Association Child Protection Policy and explores the ‘Code of Behaviour’. Only available as face to face course based learning.

Module 3: Tools for the Job (Section Leaders)

Provides basic information on the role or area of responsibility of the individual. and its practical application. Available as a course or as elearning.

In Somerset Module 6 is contained as a Module within ‘Getting Started Learning’

Module 6: Changes in Scouting

To provide an overview of the Movements History focusing on its development to meet the changing needs of Society. Also available as DVD

Module 2 – Personal Learning Plan Sectional Assistants in Somerset are encouraged to discuss any other training opportunities available to them with a TA. Identify any other modules they may want to do in the future. The agreed plan constitutes a PLP.

Sectional Assistants who Complete Modules 1,2 and 3 may be awarded a Getting Started Pin.

For further information refer to The Adult’s Personal File and The Scout Association Training Scheme

v4 Oct 2011