Moving from the Adult Training Scheme to Learning
Understand what’s changing for learners and training teams, how training records migrate and the timescales for completing learning
What’s changing and why
From November 2024 we start delivering our new learning, which replaces the Adult Training Scheme delivered since 2004.
Volunteers thought that the Adult Training Scheme was too complex, the modules were no longer fit for purpose, and it was difficult to provide the support they needed.
We designed new courses in collaboration with our volunteers to create learning that's relevant, engaging and accessible for everyone. Some of our existing training modules will continue while we develop our new learning.
A new digital tool will help all volunteers to understand, do and manage learning. We’ll no longer use Compass.
We’re also replacing the Module Matrix with the new Learning Tree.
What changes for learners
Our new learning is made up of Growing Roots and Branching Out.
Volunteers can see the learning they need to do, keep track of their progress and check their record through our new digital tool. The tool will also send automatic reminders when Safeguarding, Safety and First Response learning need to be renewed.
Personal Learning Plans and Adult Personal Files will be retired.
The Wood Badge becomes optional, and we’re developing a new framework for the award. Read about the future of the Wood Badge to learn more.
Some existing volunteers will be required to complete additional learning from Go-Live (21 November for Early Adopters and 28 November for everyone else). Read the Teams Table on POR to check your learning requirements.
Moving from Training Teams and Training Advisers to Volunteering Development Teams
Learning will be managed at both District and County / Area / Region level by Volunteering Development Teams. Training teams won't continue in their current form, and we’ll no longer have Training Advisers.
Volunteers with the Learning Assessor accreditation will support with crediting learning.
We’ll retire the Training Advisers’ guides. Information on each learning course and validation criteria is available on the digital tool.
Check the Tools to support Volunteering Development Teams for additional guidance on supporting and delivering learning.
How your training records migrate to the digital tool
All recorded Wood Badges and validated adult training modules needed in our new learning model will migrate across to the new digital tool. Any training modules not validated on Compass will not migrate to the new digital tool.
The current training modules were mapped across to credit certain parts of the new Growing Roots learning. Please note that where multiple current modules are listed these must all be completed to credit the corresponding Growing Roots learning.
The learning every member needs
Data Protection in Scouts credited by
- GDPR Modules
Creating Inclusion credited by
- Module 7 - Scouting for All
Who we are & What we do credited by
- Module 1 - Essential Information
Safety credited by
- Safety
Safeguarding credited by
- Safeguarding
The learning some people need
Delivering a Great Programme credited by
- Module 3 - Tools for the Role (Section Leaders)
- Module 12A - Delivering a Quality Programme
- Module 12B - Programme Planning
- Module 17 - Running Safe Activities
Leading Scout Volunteers (Excluding Welcome Conversation learning) credited by
- Module 4 – Tools for the role (Managers and Supporters)
- Module 11 - Administration
- Module 12A - Delivering a Quality Programme
- All Core Skills Areas
Being a Trustee in Scouts credited by
- Trustee Introduction
If you have specific questions about how your training record migrates, contact your local Transformation Lead. If you think there’s a mistake in how your record migrated to the digital tool, contact the Support Centre.
Timescales for completing learning requirements
Section Assistants moving to Section Teams are required to complete Delivering a Great Programme within six months from Go-Live (21 November for Early Adopters and 28 November for everyone else).
Existing volunteers who didn't get all their mandatory training validated in Compass before Compass Freeze (until 6 November), or who completed the previous Safety or Safeguarding learning while Compass was offline must complete the equivalent Growing Roots learning within six months from Go-Live.
New volunteers who join Scouts on or after Go-Live need to complete Growing Roots learning within six months.
First Response training
From Go-Live (21 November for Early Adopters and 28 November for everyone else), the timescales for completing First Response training for the first time are:
- New volunteers who require First Response and joined Scouts on or after Go-Live: 12 months from starting in role.
- Section Assistants moving to a Section Team: 24 months from Go-Live.
- Existing volunteers who continue to require First Response: Retain their current deadline up to a maximum of 24 months from Go-Live.
For volunteers currently overdue, or with a tight timeline for completing First Response training, the timeline remains the same and restrictions may be applied.
The renewal period for First Response remains at three years and is calculated from the date that 10A is completed.