Getting Started
A quick start guide for new volunteers
Welcome to The Scouts!
As part of your new volunteering role there's a core of training (known as Getting Started) that needs to be completed within 5 months of joining.
As a new volunteer we challenge you complete that in 5 weeks!
That's because until you've finished Getting Started training you can't do any of the fun things...
Be the Leader in Charge of a meeting;
Hold an activity permit
Attend overnight at camps or residential experiences;
Wear any badges on your uniform
What else is going on?
In your first 30 days
You should have completed your Adult Information Form and be registered with the Scouts.
You should complete your DBS background check
You should contact your referees to make sure that they're expecting someone to contact them
(Note: references aren't taken for trustees / supporters)
Beyond 30 days
If you aren't in a support role, you'll have an informal meeting with the Appointments Committee in your District to:
Check that you understand the role you're taking on
You're doing the right role for you
(and wouldn't be better placed doing something else)
The 4 Week Training Challenge
Wk 0 - Safety Essentials
We're trusted by parents and other leaders to keep everyone safe at Scouts, so everyone needs to complete two bits of training:
They take about 45 minutes each to complete as an e-learning course. You just need to send a photo of the certificate on your screen at the end to training.compliance@scouts.org.uk who will update your record for you.
These ideally need to be completed along with the Adult Information Form (or similar) and DBS Check when you first join your group.
Wk 1 - Who are we, what do we do?
You’ve covered all of the safety essentials from Week 0 and can start to help out with the group.
Our first weekly training session is Module 1 - Essential Information. This covers the basics of what Scouts is all about and how we as adults fit into that.
When you’ve finished you just need to send a photo of the certificate on your screen at the end to training.compliance@scouts.org.uk who will update your record for you.
If you don’t already, make sure that you have a free copy of the three Safe Scouting Cards
Yellow - Safeguarding and Child Protection
Purple - Safety and What to do in Emergencies
Green - Our Policy on Alcohol
Wk 2 - Protecting Members' Data
We hold a lot of information about the young people taking part in Scouts, their parents, and the adults helping to run it. Like anyone holding personal information, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) apply to us.
This week’s training module is all about Data Protection and how the rules apply to us in running the Scouts.
When you’ve finished you just need to send a photo of the certificate on your screen at the end to training.compliance@scouts.org.uk who will update your record for you.
Wk 3a - Tools for your role if you are helping to run a meeting
Leaders & Assistant Leaders
Section Assistants
Active Support Members
You're now helping to run part of a Scouts meeting for a group of young people.
This module gives you all the skills and tools to make the most of your time, and for the young people to get the most out of it as well.
Complete your Module 3 - Tools for the Role (Section Leaders) training online and send in the certificate
You will also need to complete Week 3C if:
You are the main Section leader for Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs or Scouts
(as you are a member of your group's Trustees / Executive Committee)You are the main Section leader for an Explorer Scout unit that has a partnership agreement with a specific group
(as you are a member of that group's Trustees / Executive Committee)
Wk 3b - Tools for your role if you are manager or a supporter
Group Scout Leaders / Deputies
Active Support Managers
Any role with Commissioner in the title
This module gives you all the skills and tools to make the most of your time, set direction and for everyone involved to get the most out of it as well.
If you are a DC / DESC / DYC / GSL / DGSL then you'll need to complete Week 3c below as part of working with your Trustee Board / Executive Committee.
Wk 3c - Trustee Induction
Chairs, Treasurers, Secretaries
Elected / Co-opted / Nominated committee members
DCs / DESCs / Youth Commissioners
Group Section Leaders
Explorer Leaders (with a linked Group)
As part of the committee you're a trustee helping to make Scouts happen for your local community.
This training module sets you up with everything you need to know to be an effective trustee and to run your group
Complete your Trustee Induction training online
When you’ve finished you just need to send a photo of the certificate on your screen at the end to training.compliance@scouts.org.uk who will update your record for you.
Wk 4 - Personal Learning Plan
This week's challenge is slightly different:
If you're an instructor, an administrator, on a committee or just assist a group:
You're all done - grab a cup of tea!
If you are a leader, manager, or commissioner
It's time to plan the rest of your adult training!
You would normally aim to complete this process in 1.5 - 2 years, and would have up to 3 to complete it.
If you have been given contact details for a training advisor then you should contact them to set up your Personal Learning Plan for completing the rest of your training.
If you're part of a brand new group / section this will be done with whoever is helping to launch you.