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Learning Update – November 2024

Learning Update – November 2024

30 Nov 2024

Picture of Mike Treanor

Mike Treanor

Volunteer Development Lead

New Safety Learning Module to be completed by July 2025 by all volunteers. 

On My Learning (the new learning tool which will be available when the new Digital system goes live in a few days), each volunteer will see they have a new Safety e-learning module to complete, as well as an updated expiry date for their mandatory safety learning. 

All volunteers will be expected to complete the new learning by 14 July 2025. 

In the new year, UK Scouts will email all volunteers to start the six-month completion period. But the new module can be completed from the point each volunteer accesses My Learning, if any volunteer wishes to complete it earlier. 

It is estimated that the new Safety e-learning module takes between 45 and 60 minutes to complete- you can pause the learning and continue at a later date. 

First Response

Module A and B sessions  

The demand for First Response sessions across South East Scotland has increased significantly over the last few months and will continue to do so, largely due to the impact of Covid and the timing of sessions three years ago. To accommodate this, we have run or have scheduled 15 Module A and B sessions between September and December this year, accommodating nearly 200 volunteers. Huge thanks to Mary Dick, Martin Southern and Vicki Moyes who have run the majority of these sessions. We hope to have more sessions in the diary from early in the New Year – details can be found here. 

Blended Model  

An alternative to attending a f2f session is to undertake First Response via the Blended Model which combines a 2.5-hour eLearning with a three-hour online session for the learning (10A). The practical validation (10B) is a short (15-20min) face to face session which covers the practical elements of the life support training.   The eLearning must be completed first. The online session is a live video call facilitated by a First Response trainer, with some more detailed knowledge checking exercises and discussions.  Volunteers can only attend the practical validation (10B) once the learning (10A) is completed.  SES and Scouts Scotland run the online session and SES run the 10B session. Details of the Blended Model can be found here 

Certificates and Qualifications  

If you have undertaken an external course e.g. BASP, RYA or FAW to undertake your Scout First Response requirement then you must send your certificate to firstresponse@sesscouts.org.uk to have this validated by a Regional First Response Trainer. They will either validate you for First Response or provide information about any additional requirements that you may have to do to ensure you have completed all elements of Scout First Response e.g. demonstrate Child CPR.  

In addition, if you have a qualification or a job e.g. paramedic, police, doctor, dentist etc which you think covers the requirements for Scout First Response  then you must send details to firstresponse@sesscouts.org.uk to have this validated by a Regional First Response Trainer 

Information for All Former Section Assistants (now Section Team Members)  

UK Scouts are transforming the experience for all our volunteers, and we are excited to highlight the specific opportunity this presents for our valued Section Assistants like yourself. 

In your section we are moving to a teams-based approach where tasks can be shared easily amongst team members. Each section will have a Team Leader and several Team Members. When you log in to the new digital system next week your role will have changed from a Section Assistant to a Team Member. 

You might have heard that there will be a little bit more learning required to help you make this contribution to your section, but we want to support you every step of the way to grow, develop, and make an even greater impact in Scouts. 

Here’s what’s ahead: 

✅ The new Growing Roots learning is a brilliant way to enhance your skills and confidence. Many of you may already have completed key modules like Safety, Safeguarding, and GDPR—Thanks for doing this. More details about Growing Roots can be found here. here 

✅ To ensure we’re delivering the best possible experience for our young people; you’ll also complete Delivering a Great Programme and Creating Inclusion online learning within the next six months. 

✅ And because safety is our priority, a First Response course will need to be completed, but you have two years to get this done.  

Before this improvement to the volunteer experience, taking on a section assistant role was an effective way of avoiding the burden of having to complete Wood Badge training in order to volunteer. Becoming a Team Member makes you an even more valued volunteer within your team with access to appropriate learning for your role. 

This is more than just training—it’s a chance to build your skills, connect with fellow volunteers, and ensure that Scouts is inclusive, exciting, and impactful for everyone. 

Together, we’re creating a brighter future for The Scouts —and your leadership is key to making that happen! 🌍💚 

The New Digital System is Live

The New Digital System is Live

29 Nov 2024

Picture of Mike Treanor

Mike Treanor

Volunteer Development Lead

A reminder that the new Digital System is now live and all members of South East Scotland can access the system via Scouts website. We would encourage you to access the new system.  

First Steps Checklist

The first steps checklist which outlines what you need to do when first using the new digital system can be found here 

Support using the New System

If you have any queries or need support, please use the resources available via these links first:  Changes to our Volunteer Experience  – a reminder of what is changing to improve the volunteer experience, and what you need to do to be ready.  UK Scouts Knowledge Base and Frequently asked questions and answers about Transformation, Digital Systems and Learning.  Digital Tool Guides – covering various tasks that can be undertaken once you have signed into the Digital System   South East Scotland Go Live Support Page - including your District support contact points for any queries you may have.  If you need further support, please use the contact point below for your District:   Many thanks for your continued support to Scouting in South East Scotland  
Learning Update – November 2024

Learning Update – October 2024

26 Oct 2024

Picture of Mike Treanor

Mike Treanor

Volunteer Development Lead

Getting Started

With Transformation coming in November, it is important that anyone on a pre-provisional or provisional appointment, completes and has validated the current Getting Started modules (GDPR, Safety, Safeguarding, Module 1 and Modules 3 or 4). Validation of these modules will go towards completion of Growing Roots in the new system but must be validated in advance of the Compass Freeze on 7th November.

Growing Roots

The replacement for Getting Started in the new system will be Growing Roots. Within 30 days of starting to volunteer with Scouts, new volunteers must complete:

  • Safe Scouting

Within 6 months of commencing, all new volunteers will need to complete:

  • Who we are and what we do.
  • Data protection for Scouts.
  • Creating Inclusion.

Plus depending on your role, one of the following:

  • Delivering a great programme (Section Team Leaders and Members)
  • Leading Scout Volunteers (Lead Volunteers and Team Leaders, except Section Team Leaders)
  • Being a Trustee in Scouts (new Trustees)

Information on how current volunteers training maps into the new scheme can be found here follow this link to our website for more info.

First Response

Volunteers who work directly with young people will also need to complete First Response training within one year of starting.  SES are providing a number of First Response Courses – details can be found here South East Scotland Scouts Training Team Events – 20 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

Modules 10a and 10b Validation

Volunteers who have validated First Response Modules 10a and 10b using an external qualification (i.e. not Scout first response training) may be contacted by the SES First Response Training team over the coming weeks to establish which first aid certificate they used for validation (unfortunately in most cases Compass does not hold this information). Depending on the first aid certificate used, volunteers may be asked to complete a small amount of additional learning to cover all areas of the Scouts first response syllabus. It would be helpful if you are contacted by the SES First Response Training Team in this regard that you respond to the actions requested.

Compass Freeze

Please note that prior to moving from Compass to the new membership/learning system there will be a period of time (7th to 21st November) when training records are frozen. Only fully validated training will be moved from Compass to the new system. Any modules where volunteers have completed learning but not had this learning validated will not be moved across to the new system.

No validation of the existing modules linked to Getting Started/Growing Roots can be carried out during the Compass freeze, In addition, it will not be possible to add validations relating to the current modules to the new system. The learner will need to complete the relevant Growing Roots module e.g. if you have completed Module 3 (Tools for the Role – Section Leaders) but not had this validated before the change freeze, you will need to do the new Delivering a Great Programme module in Growing Roots.

Where modules have been completed which are not part of Getting Started/Growing Roots e.g. Growing the Section Module 13, Introduction to Residential Experiences Module 16, if the validation is not done before the Change Freeze, there will be an opportunity to add this learning manually to your learning profile post the change freeze and to subsequently validate this learning.

It is important that all existing Section Assistants (who will become Team Members in their sections) are fully briefed by their Groups that when the new system goes live they’ll need to complete three items of learning – Delivering a Great Programme; Creating Inclusion and First Response (over the next 2 years).

More details can be found here 

Please contact your Training Advisor, line manager or ADC (Adult Training) for help with validation.

Go Live Key Information

As part of our Regional Go Live Support, we have created an GoLive Hub in which you can get the latest critical information with everything coming up over the next few weeks during this critical phase of transformation. I would encourage you all to check these pages out as they will be updated with any and all important announcements and information. Below is a summary of some of the key dates and tasks.

Visit our GoLive Hub here 

  • Add any new volunteers or roles to Compass by 24 October

  • Any permit applications will need to be completed by 24 October

  • Check your email address is correct, and accessible. There are
    restrictions, for guidance check this video
  • If you are doing a nights away between 7 & 25 November,
    NANs will need to be submitted by 30 October at the latest.

  • All learning, including Safety & Safeguarding must be completed,
    validated and recorded on Compass by 6 November
  • You will need to register for the new system once you receive the
    email from UK Scouts indicating the system is live for you.

  • If you do not receive an email by 25 November you will need
    to let your GLV know so they can follow up.

  • You will need to access the new system as you will need to:
    • check/update your personal details
    • access learning courses
    • submit paperwork for activities and camps
    e.g. permit requests, risk assessments, NANs etc

  • Watch this Short video about the new digital system.
Learning Update – September 2024

Learning Update – September 2024

14 Sep 2024

Picture of Mike Treanor

Mike Treanor

Volunteer Development Lead

Validation of Completed Modules: Action Required by 30 September

As we approach the launch of the new Digital System it is vital that all members who have completed training that, where required, this is validated by the 30th September 2024 to ensure this training is carried over to the new system. If your training is not validated before the transition to the new system you will need to repeat the learning.

Getting Started

As we move towards transformation it is important that Getting Started for any new roles you may hold is completed. Only fully validated Getting Started modules will be transferred across from Compass to the new membership system. If you are unsure what you require to do to complete Getting Started either check your Compass record or speak to your Training Advisor, Line Manager or ADC(AT).

 

Modules 5-19
For leaders who have completed learning for section leader training (modules 5 to 19) it is also important that you work towards validating these modules prior to transformation

To have your modules (5-19) validated either

  1. Speak to your Training Advisor, Line Manager or ADC(AT) or
  2. Complete and submit the online validation forms available via this link

Getting Started Modules

All Volunteers

You’ll learn about our history and the fundamentals of Scouts, get an overview of how we keep people safe, and how we make sure everyone is welcome.

You’ll learn about your responsibilities for keeping young people and adults safe, what to do in an emergency and how to report incidents.

Doing things safely is fundamental to everything we do in Scouting. The Safety training ensures that you understand your responsibilities for keeping everyone in Scouts safe and how to assess and manage risk.

Find out more

You’ll learn how to keep young people and adults at risk safe, how to recognise abuse and how to report a concern.

You’ll also learn about our Safeguarding Policy and our Code of Practice, known as the Yellow Card.

Find out more

You’ll learn how the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) applies to your role, how to treat Personal Data and what are the Individuals’ rights.

You’ll also learn about requesting consent, and the measures taken locally to make sure we’re aligned with GDPR.

Find out more

Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Section Assistants

Every learning journey is different. Meet with your Training Adviser to create a Personal Learning Plan that takes into account the requirements for your volunteer role and your individual learning needs.

Find out more

You’ll learn about the roles in your section, and how we use activities and games at Scouts. 

You’ll also learn about Youth Shaped Scouting, and get some tips on promoting positive behaviour.

Find out more

Managers & Supporters (GSLs, DCs, ASU Managers, assistants and deputies of same)

Every learning journey is different. Meet with your Training Adviser to create a Personal Learning Plan that takes into account the requirements for your volunteer role and your individual learning needs.

Find out more

You’ll learn about your team’s roles and responsibilities, and how to deliver a quality programme.

You’ll also learn about the six areas of leadership and management, and get tips on time management and personal skills.

Find out more

Trustees (including office bearers)

The aim of this module is to provide the Charity or managing Trustees with information on their legal responsibilities and current regulations. You only need to complete this module if you have a role as a trustee.

Find out more

REQUIRED ACTION BY 30 SEPTEMBER 2024: If you have completed the modules marked with *, but not had them validated, please send the Certificate generated at the end of the module to your Training Adviser or Line Manager and ask them to validate the training on Compass.

If you have completed either version of Tools for the Role, please send the certificate to your Training Adviser and discuss with them what you will do / have done to meet the validation requirements.

The Personal Learning Plan for Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Managers and Supporters can be done in discussion with a Training Adviser – reach out to them to arrange a meeting to discuss.

Availability of Modules

The following learning modules are available from South East Scotland

You can book any of these modules via this link.

We hope to provide additional modules – keep an eye out on the calendar.

Availability of Modules

The current demand for First Response courses is significant and will grow over the coming months.

We have provided a number of First Response Module 10A and 10B courses, they can be booked via this link  but you will need to be quick.

We are working hard to provide more courses over the coming weeks and they will be promoted across the region

As an alternative, you can undertake First Response via the Blended Model details which can be found here which requires you to do:

  • 1 x 2.5hour e-learning (done by yourself)
  • 1 x 3 hour trainer led session led by Scouts Scotland or SES
  • 1 x 20 min f2f practical led by SES

Another potential alternative to achieving First Response is to using an external first aid qualifications – details can be found here

Longcraig update – June 2024

Longcraig update – June 2024

24 Jun 2024

Picture of Malcolm Leckie

Malcolm Leckie

Longcraig Lead

Porpoises

After an absence of some 15 years or more, we had several sightings of porpoises near Longcraig over the first weekend in June. The first sighting was made by a very observant Gide Leader who was visiting along with a group of Brownies and guides, A short time after, one porpoise leapt straight out of the water, and a small school of them (at least two, possibly more) were sighted playing in the waves between our pier and Inchgarvie Island. It was a very gentle breeze and a calm sea, so they were easily spotted. 

The following day, there were once again several limited sightings of them, although the sea was much more unsettled, and it was quite windy. It’s great to see these sea creatures back again – their presence is a good indication that the water in the Firth of Forth is fairly clean, so that’s always a good thing!

NOT at Longcraig, but this is what they would look like. Photo courtesy of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation

NOT at Longcraig, but this is what they would look like.
Photo courtesy of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation

We’ve reported the sightings to the Whale & Dolphin Trust so we should now appear as a dot on their sightings map of the waters around Scotland.

2024 Summer Months – July, August, even into September……

There are still plenty of opportunities to get some activity bookings at Longcraig in the summer months – especially for small or medium size groups. Check our bookings calendar on the website for up to the minute availability, or email us if you have some specific questions – bookings@longcraig.info.

We can offer taster sessions, badge training or assessments, or complete training courses for sailing certificates or paddling certificates.

Especially during the summer holiday months, Longcraig can sometimes be a good venue for a BBQ or a day out by the seaside, with all the things that entails. Check us out or get in touch to find out how we may be able to help you plan your event.

DID YOU KNOW? You can hire a lot of our equipment during the summer for your own activities (provided there is someone competent in charge) – such as kayaks, paddleboards, Topper and Pico dinghies and such like. We can even do just buoyancy aids or wetsuits if that’s what you need! Get in touch and see how we can help.

Journey to Net Zero

What is Net Zero?

The term net zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. This balance – or net zero – will happen when the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount removed. (source: Energy Saving Trust)

Latest update

The final phase of our Journey to Net Zero is starting to fall into place. We had to apply to the electricity network provider (Scottish Power) for permission to install solar panels before we could even start! This permission was granted at the end of May, so our contractor is now preparing to gather the material together and arrange for installation. We are planning that this will be in early July – we have a relatively quiet spell then after a busy June, so they can get on with the work unhindered.

So, by some point a little later in July, our project should be complete!

We’ll provide a full report in the next Newsletter, showing this final phase, and also some details of the benefits what have been gained form this activity.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Leaders Day

Saturday 20th July

Calling all adult leaders and Members –

  • Did you ever wish you could get out on the water to do some activities but there wasn’t space?

Or – you didn’t really want to when your Young People were around??

Or – you’ve never really had or taken the opportunity?

Come down to longcraig and have a go at any of our activities – kayaking, paddleboarding, dinghy sailing (single, crewed or longboat), powerboats, even rafting.

We’ll have our whole kit available throughout the day (open form 11am through to 5pm to take best advantage of the tides) so you can get out on the water for a short try, a longer float about, or a good proper activity session for as long as we can all manage.

We’ll have the BBQ running throughout the day for some sustenance, and of course there’ll be tea, coffee and light refreshments available too.

Formal Opening/Dedication of the Facilities Upgrade and Net Zero

Wednesday 28th August

Training Opportunities

Paddleboard training /Assessment Day

We are planning to run a Paddleboard training /Assessment Day sometime during the summer. The date has not been fixed yet with the Assessors, but for anyone interested in finding out more, please get in touch and give us your details so we can let you know as arrangements firm up: getinvolved@longcraig.info

Safety Boat Training Course

Safety Boat Training Course (leads to RYA Safety Boat Certificate) 5th and 6th October – 2 days course. Pre-requisite for this course is Powerboat level 2 and a reasonable number of logged hours driving powerboats in varying conditions.

Powerboat Level 2 Course

Powerboat Level 2 Course (one weekend) planned for later in the year (October/November timescale)

This can be a follow up to a Powerboat 1 Course or it can be done directly. It is a necessary pre-qualification for anyone seeking to do the Safety Boat course (see above)

For information on, or to register an interest in, any of these courses please contact us at getinvolved@longcraig.info

Volunteering?

As the demand for our activities grows and we constantly seek to expand what we can offer, we need more volunteers to help us implement our plans.

Ther are two distinct types of volunteers that we can effectively make use of:

Type 1

These volunteers are the people who make the centre operate. We have spaces for:

  • Skilled water activity people who could lead activities on the water.
  • Semi-skilled people who have some skills, but we can help develop those to a level where they can lead activities.
  • People with some skills to lead our shore-based activities (for bad weather days or to expand the operations of the centre)
  • Volunteers who can help in a number of ways ‘behind the scenes’ – with e.g. finance, marketing, recruitment, maintenance, boat or building repairs.

Please simply contact us at getinvolved@longcraig.info with your details.

We’ve set aside the following dates where we will hold an introduction session to welcome any potential new volunteers and explain further what wed o and how you can get involved:

Saturday 6th July 11am

Monday 19th August 7pm

We’ll take care of the rest!

Do you have any parents in your Group who might be interested in this? Please do let them know!!

Type 2

We can also offer a different type of volunteering, which is to provide an opportunity for groups of adults, scouts or explorers to come along during the ‘closed’ season and give us the benefit of your volunteering – this could be just for one event, or it could be – say – once a month for a period of time.

This can count to a number of outcomes, such as DofE volunteering, various scout badges and awards, or simply to lend a hand for a few hours. Things you might get involved in could be checking of buoyancy aids, fixing boats, painting, and decorating some parts of the centre which were not impacted by the recent building improvements, beach protection work, or behind the scenes stuff like preparing our land activity kits.

If you’re interested, please get in touch to make arrangements or discuss further.

Whatever you have planned, have a great summer!

Interested in getting a hillwalking permit?

Interested in getting a hillwalking permit?

24 Jun 2024

Picture of Richard McLeod

Richard McLeod

Scotland Region Assessor - Hillwalking

Anyone who wants to get a hillwalking permit for taking young people into the hills will require an assessment by a Scout Association appointed hillwalking assessor. Generally, this would be an assessor in your region but if none is available, assessors from other Regions can be approached.

To apply for a permit, you either need to have the relevant  Mounting Training qualifications or you need to be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of experience and skill. In addition, you will need to demonstrate knowledge of the activity POR Rules and how they affect the activity within Scouting. 

If you do not currently have the required level of experience to hold a permit but are interested in developing your own skills, you would be welcome to attend an “Assessment Training” weekend. However, you would need to:

  • have appropriate personal kit including walking boots, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, suitable clothing (see the layering system), sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc.
  • have a suitable rucksack for carrying your personal kit and lightweight camping equipment for one night on the hill. (Camping and cooking equipment can be provided on request.)
  • be able to walk over rough terrain not following paths, and on steep ground and be out for a full day (up to 5 hours travel time with appropriate rests and lunch break, bringing it up to a 7-hour day or more)
  • be prepared to undertake some navigation exercise during the hours of darkness to simulate low visibility conditions.

While the above list may feel a little bit daunting, if you are reasonably fit and want to learn new skills, the weekends are very enjoyable. While we will be travelling for several hours each day, the distance we travel tends to be low because of the time taken to do navigation exercises.

The South East Scotland Scouts team of assessors run two weekends each year, one in April and one around the end of September. The weekend allows us to cover the full syllabus, including the lightweight camping aspects. Our next assessment and assessment training weekends are:

  • 28 and 29 September 2024
  • 26 and 27 April 2025
  • 4 and 5 October 2025

If you are interested in attending an assessment / assessment training weekend, please get in touch by sending an email with the following information to the following address:  hillwalking@sesscouts.org.uk 

  • Name
  • Mobile phone number
  • Permit type you are looking for: T1 Summer or T2 Summer
  • What you are attending for: Assessment or Assessment Training
  • For assessment, you will also need to provide an application form and your walking log.
  • For Assessment training, you do not need to send us any forms, but an outline of your hillwalking experience would be helpful, including a walking log if you have one.
  • Emergency contact details, including name and mobile phone number.
  • Any medical issues that we need to know about, for example asthma, allergies, etc.

If you simply have questions or would like to find out more, please feel free to also contact us through the hillwalking email address.

I look forward to seeing you on the hill.

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