Learning Update – November 2024
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! 🌍💚
