Adult Training Update August 2020

Well, the traditional date for restarting after the Summer break is fast approaching, so it’s time to blow the virtual dust off the Personal Learning Plan, check the training calendar, and get some quality training booked.  We have a number of sessions in the calendar already, so please access the Region’s website and make some bookings.  All will be delivered via Zoom at present.   I hope to have most of the other modules added soon, so check for updates to see what’s there.  I’ve added a ‘Register of Interest’ event on 31/10 to allow you to let me know if something you want isn’t available or already fully booked.  I’ve also added an Overview of the Manager & Supporter Training Scheme – this is aimed at anyone in these Manager & Supporter roles who aren’t sure what the requirements are, e.g. GSLs, AGSLs, DCs, ADCs, DDCs, ARCs, ASU Managers etc.

If you book a place on any course, please ensure you cancel at the earliest possible opportunity if your plans change.  Last minute cancellations or failure to cancel means the place cannot be offered to another leader.  Sadly, there have been recent cases of people not joining the call with no advance notice.

If you’ve been on the receiving end of an email from Tim Kidd about your Getting Started or mandatory ongoing learning for Safety or Safeguarding please do take heed and get yourself up to date.  It’s all online, so can be done at a time of your choosing.  You are most unlikely to have been sent the email if it’s not required for your role.   Please note that a recent change to rules means that Executive Committee members are now required to complete Safeguarding and Safety on an ongoing basis.   If you have a problem with it please ask for help – if you don’t the problem won’t go away. Most can be easily resolved by speaking to a Training Adviser, Assistant District Commissioner (Adult Training) or myself.  When you complete the online training save a screenshot of the completion certificate and send it to a Training Adviser or ADC (AT) so they can update Compass for you.  Remember, the clue is in the word ‘mandatory’.  It would be hugely helpful if GSLs and DCs would check the training records for those in their groups or districts, and provide whatever encouragement or support that may be needed to get it done.  Please contact me if you need any help with Compass.

Many of you will have seen the information from Gilwell about First Aid training. Firstly, we are given 6 months extension on expired certificates from the end of lockdown, so if you had a current certificate before lockdown you will still be covered. Secondly, it’s now possible to deliver the theory element via Zoom, and have people cover the practical element when it’s safe for us to run face to face again.  We’re working on getting that up and running as soon as we can.   At present, Compass tells me that there are over 400 people needing First Aid so please be patient.  Courses will be organised at the earliest opportunity, and as many of them as we can, but obviously we will need to manage the allocation of places.

If you have any questions about training please contact your ADC (Adult Training) in the first instance, or email me at Training@sesscouts.org.uk

* The module numbers are indicated in brackets at the end of the title to help track the modules on Compass and match them to existing documents.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Wood (Badge) you Believe It?

I’ve been chatting to a few people in the Region, including some who are generally switched on to training requirements, and found not all are aware of when additional Wood Badges are needed.

Does it matter?  Yes.  Yes, it does because we all need to have the right skills and knowledge for the role we’re doing.  Being awarded a Wood Badge on completion of training for one role need not mean that you have all the knowledge required for another role.  The Wood Badge is role-specific so if you move from working with Beavers to working with Scouts you need to review your training, and re-validate some modules.  For example, the programme will look very different (Programme Planning) the factors that influence, motivate and possibly concern the young people will be different (Supporting Young People).  Other role changes are more significantly different, e.g. Section Leader to GSL, so different training is needed.

If you have (or had) more than one role in Scouting, please check Compass to see if any current roles that need a Wood Badge have got a Wood Badge, and if not speak to a Training Adviser or your ADC (Adult Training) to discuss what you need to do.  You have 3 years from the start of the role, so you’ll be able to judge whether or not you’re on track to complete on time by the gaps in your Personal Learning Plan. 

GSLs and DCs – Please check Compass for the people in your Group / District who may be impacted by this and provide whatever support may be needed. 

Not all roles have a Wood Badge, here are some examples of those that do, and do not.

Wood Badge required:

Section Leaders (and Assistant Leaders)

Group Scout Leaders (and assistants) 

Commissioners (and deputies / assistants) 

Manager of Active Support Unit

Wood Badge not required: 

Section Assistants

Executive Committee members 

Members of Active Support Unit

Appointment Committee Members

Skills Instructors

Your local, friendly ADC (Adult Training) will be able to help if you have any questions, or email me at Training@sesscouts.org.uk. 

Mary Dick
ARC (Adult Training)