Beyond the Young Leader Scheme

The fifth and final section in Scouting is Scout Network. Each District can have one Scout Network, providing an opportunity for 18-25s to scout with a flexible approach. District Scout Networks organise projects and events under the themes of International Scouting, Community and Adventure. 18 to 25 year olds in Scouting can also belong to the UK Scout Network. This means they can still get involved with Scouting, even if away at university, working or starting families. It is a flexible, opt in or out approach, allowing members to join in with specific events and projects that suit their needs and interests with a pay to play approach.

On completion of their set time working towards an award, it's important that any Young Leaders who are non-members are given an opportunity to join Scouting. For them to continue as a Young Leader once their set time is over, they must be registered as an Explorer Scout.

The ESYLs’ Scheme is a great way to train young people to become excellent section leaders, assistant section leaders and section assistants. Through undertaking the modules, they are gaining many of key skills required for running a section. By carrying out their missions, they are putting this learning into action. If ESYLs later decide to take on adult roles, they will therefore not need to start their training from scratch.

It's important to recognise that ESYLs will have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience throughout the Scheme. As usual, a conversation should be had to establish the knowledge and confidence levels of any new leader. They may have gained evidence that can be used towards the validation of a training module in their adult role, although they will need to explain how this is relevant.

The guide in Appendix A at the back of this resource explains how knowledge and skills gained in the Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme can be used as prior learning towards the Adult Training Scheme.

ESYLs can use the training they have completed as prior learning when they come to adult training and working towards their Wood Badge. Like all leaders, they will still need to validate their learning. More information can be found in Appendix A.

The skills and knowledge ESYLs develop whilst leading a section will be transferable to a wide range of roles within Scouting. At 18, members can join Trustee Boards, become managers or supporters in Scouting, or take on the role of Youth Commissioner. To give back, an ESYL may like to get involved with delivering the Scheme in the future, or they may like to sit on the District Trustee Board to help influence and shape the future of the Scheme locally.

Adult training scheme objectives

• Outline the purpose, values and method of Scouting and explain how they can be implemented within your role.
• Implement and understand the importance of The Scout Association’s child protection code of behaviour, Young People First (Yellow Card).
• Demonstrate an understanding of Policy, Organisation and Rules in relation to your role and the role of others in Scouting.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Safety Policy and the importance of having a leader in charge.
• Identify the structures and support in place to ensure safe Scouting.
• Explain The Scout Association’s approach to risk assessment and the support available to deliver safe Scouting activities within relevant rules and guidance.

Prior learning gained from the Scheme

• Module A and Module G - covers purpose and method of Scouting.
• Module A - covers child protection policy.
• Module A - covers the importance of Policy, Organisation and Rules.
• Module A - covers risk assessment.

Additional notes and learning opportunities

Although many aspects of The Scout Association’s Child Protection Policy are covered in the Scheme, it's important that this learning is repeated again, as the responsibilities for an adult are different.

Depending on their role, the learner may need to consider the difference between being part of the leadership team and being the leader in charge.

Depending on their role, the learner may need to consider the difference between being part of the leadership team and being the leader in charge.

Adult training scheme objectives

• Explain why different types of games and activities are important in Scouting, and explore a variety of programme ideas.
• Explain the role of Youth Shaped Scouting in the planning and running of the programme, and explore various ways of doing this.
• Describe some tools that can help with managing behaviour within the section.

Prior learning gained from the Scheme

• Module E - covers importance of games.
• Module E - covers how to explain and run different types of games.
• Module I - covers how to involve young people in planning the programme.
• Module I - covers a number of youth involvement methods.
• Module D - covers methods that can be used to manage situations involving challenging behaviour.

Additional notes and learning opportunities

Depending on which section the learner is now working with, there may be further learning required.

Adult training scheme objectives

• Demonstrate an understanding that Scouting is inclusive and open to all young people, and can be adapted to suit their needs.
• Plan actions to develop inclusive Scouting in your section or community.

Prior learning gained from the Scheme

• Module F - covers how to adapt programmes to suit the needs of all young people within the section.
• Module F - covers your role in contributing to a positive and inclusive environment.
• Module H - covers how to assess awards and badges on the basis of ‘personal best’.

Additional notes and learning opportunities

It would be beneficial for the learner to explore and reflect more on all of the strands within the Equal Opportunities Policy. For example, this may include welcoming LGBT+ members, reaching out to those from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, and celebrating the diverse faiths, beliefs and attitudes in the movement.

Adult training scheme objectives

• Identify the range of leadership styles and situations in which the different styles might be appropriate.
• Identify your own predominant or preferred style of operation.

Prior learning gained from the Scheme

Module B - covers how to discover one’s own personal preference of leadership styles.

Additional notes and learning opportunities

The learner may choose to cover this again.

Often, levels of experience and types of roles influence the styles of leadership adopted.

Adult training scheme objectives

Communicate effectively with both adults and young people as Individuals and in groups.

Prior learning gained from the Scheme

• Module J - covers the importance of effective communication between leaders and young people in the section.
• Module J - covers the ways in which tone and body language can affect how you communicate with others.
• Module J – covers how to adapt communication styles to suit the activity or situation.

Additional notes and learning opportunities

Remember to emphasise that this is based upon their new role.

Therefore, communication is likely to be different.

Much of this Module 9 objective should have been covered.

Learners may want to recap on the theories behind communication.

Adult training scheme objectives

First Response certificate.

Prior learning gained from the Scheme

• Module K – requires that young people attend a First Response course
• Module K – helps young people to gain any other equivalent qualification eg Emergency Aid. Staged Activity Badge

Additional notes and learning opportunities

The Scout Lifesaver Activity Badge will not count towards Module 10.

Adult training scheme objectives

• Explain how a quality programme meets The Scout Association’s purpose, and meets the needs of young people across all sections.
• Outline the key elements of the programme for all sections, including the various awards, challenges and badges.
• Understand the role of reviewing the programme in supporting and enhancing it.
• Understand the importance of young people shaping their Scouting experience.

Prior learning gained from the Scheme

• Module G – covers the concept and importance of having a balanced, high quality programme and of working towards the top awards.
• Module G - covers the key elements of the section programmes, including Challenge Awards, and requirements for completing the top awards and staged badges.
• Module G – covers the importance of reviewing the programme, using the Quality Programme Checkers.
• Module I – covers why it's important to get feedback and input from young people in the section.
• Module I - covers why it's important to get feedback and input from young people in the section.
• Module I - covers how you can bring your section’s ideas to life and make necessary adaptations where necessary.

Additional notes and learning opportunities

Depending on which section the learner is now working with, there may be further learning required.

Adult training scheme objectives

• Understand the importance of using a variety of methods to generate exciting and relevant programme ideas.
• Understand the importance of planning and reviewing a programme to ensure that it's delivered at a high quality.

Prior learning gained from the Scheme

• Module G - covers the concept of having a balanced, high quality Programme and the importance of working towards top awards.
• Module H - provides an outline for planning a three-month programme.
• Module H - explains where to look for programme ideas.
• Module H - covers a range of programme planning techniques.
• Module H - explains how Moving On Awards improve links between sections.
• Module H - covers how to assess awards and badges on the basis of ‘personal best’.
• Module I – covers techniques to review a programme.
• Module I – covers how to involve young people in reviewing and planning the programme.

Additional notes and learning opportunities

Depending on which section the learner is now working with, there may be further learning required.

Although the Adult Training Scheme does not cover learning about the badges and awards specifically, the prior knowledge gained in the Young Leader module will be useful for programme planning techniques.

For the Adult Training Scheme, the knowledge should also cover how they will adapt their programme to improve it in the future.

Adult training scheme objectives

Describe effective ways to recruit and retain young people and adults.

Prior learning gained from the Scheme

Module H – covers how Moving-on Awards improve links between sections.

Additional notes and learning opportunities

Part of Module 13 is about the retention of young people Movement between the sections is an important part of this For the Adult Training Scheme, the knowledge should also cover recruitment and retention of adults

Adult training scheme objectives

• Explain what is meant by challenging behaviour in a Scouting context.
• Explain the principles and strategies of promoting positive behaviour in the section.
• Work in partnership with young people to define and agree acceptable standards of behaviour, to be followed by young people and adults in the section.
• Recognise possible causes and triggers of challenging behaviour.
• Identify methods of de-escalating and managing situations involving challenging behaviour.
• List where to obtain additional help and support.

Prior learning gained from the Scheme.

• Module D – covers different types of behaviour.
• Module D – covers methods that can be used to manage situations involving challenging behaviour.
• Module D - covers how ESYLs can assist with managing behaviour in the section.
• Module J – covers how important effective communication is between leaders and young people in their section.
• Module D - covers possible causes and triggers underpinning behaviours.
• Module D - covers methods that can be used to manage situations involving challenging behaviour.
• Module D - explains where further assistance can be obtained, and when to involve adults.

Additional notes and learning opportunities

The learner may want to revisit this topic.

As they are now in an adult role they will be responsible for using and managing methods of prevention of challenging behaviour.

The learner needs to make sure they understand how their role as an adult differs from that of a Young Leader in managing challenging behaviour.

The learner needs to make sure they understand how their role as an adult differs from that of a Young Leader in managing challenging behaviour.

Adult training scheme objectives

• Understand the importance of regular activities as part of a balanced programme.
• Understand the safety aspects of providing activities.
• Explain how Policy, Organisation and Rules and activities factsheets detail the requirements and provide guidance on a wide range of Scouting activities.

Prior learning gained from the Scheme

• Module H - covers the considerations needed to plan and run regular activities.
• Module A - covers why it's important to provide activities safely and necessary to carry out risk assessments.
• Module A - covers the importance of POR, how to access it and how it affects their actions as a young leader.

Additional notes and learning opportunities

The learning that may have been covered for Module 17 will depend on the method used in the Scheme.

Talk to the learner about what they did to achieve this module.

There is some core safety information that it's important to know, including the role of leader in charge.

Adult training scheme objectives

• Describe effective methods of learning for adults and young people.
• Be able to pass on skills to young people.
• Use one of your new or developed skills in your Scouting role.

Prior learning gained from the Scheme

• Module C - covers how to pass on skills to younger people.
• Module C - demonstrates skills.