Thank you for choosing to volunteer with Scouts – you’re joining a movement that inspires young people, builds skills for life, and strengthens communities. We’re delighted to have you on board.
Starting your journey as a volunteer is simple, and we’ll support you every step of the way. The first stage is the Welcome Conversation, where you’ll meet with a member of the team to talk through your role, the support available, and how training works. It’s a chance to ask questions, share your interests, and feel confident about getting started.
Alongside this, all volunteers must complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a vital part of keeping young people safe, and ensures that everyone in Scouting can enjoy a secure and trusted environment. We’ll guide you through the process and make it as straightforward as possible.
Once these steps are complete, you’ll begin your training journey – starting with essential modules such as Safety and Safeguarding, which must be completed within your first 30 days. From there, you’ll progress through induction modules, first aid, and eventually towards your Wood Badge, the recognition of a fully trained leader.
We’re excited to support you as you begin this rewarding adventure. Welcome to the team!
1. Overview of Adult Training Scheme
- Purpose: To ensure all leaders have the skills, confidence, and knowledge to deliver safe, inclusive, and inspiring programmes.
- Structure: Training is divided into mandatory learning (Growing Roots), role-specific modules, and optional development (Branching Out).
- Validation: Leaders must demonstrate they are applying learning in practice, supported by a Training Adviser.
2. Mandatory Training Modules and Deadlines
- Safety and Safeguarding are the most urgent: must be completed within 30 days of appointment.
- Induction modules (Creating Inclusion, Data Protection, Who We Are and What We Do, Delivering a Great Programme, Leading Scout Volunteers, Being a Trustee) should be completed within 180 days.
- First Response (First Aid) must be completed within 12 months and renewed every 3 years.
- Wood Badge learning (Branching Out modules) is additional and role-specific, usually completed within the first 3 years.
| Role | Training Modules | Deadline | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Volunteers | Safety, Safeguarding, Creating Inclusion, Data Protection in Scouts, Who We Are and What We Do | Safety & Safeguarding: within 30 days Others within 180 days | Safety & Safeguarding: every 3 years |
| Section Team Leaders & Members | Same as All Volunteers + Delivering a Great Programme within 180 days First Response: within 12 months | Same as All Volunteers Delivering a Great Programme: within 180 days First Response: within 12 months | Safety & Safeguarding & First Response: every 3 years |
| Group Lead Volunteers | Same as All Volunteers + Leading Scout Volunteers, Being a Trustee in Scouts, First Response | First Response: within 12 months | Safety & Safeguarding & First Response: every 3 years |
| District Lead Volunteers / Youth Leads | Same as All Volunteers + – Leading Scout Volunteers – Being a Trustee in Scouts | Same as All Volunteers Within 180 days | Safety & Safeguarding: every 3 years |
| District Team Leaders | Same as All Volunteers + – Leading Scout Volunteers – Being a Trustee in Scouts; – 14–24 Team Leaders also need First Response | Same as All Volunteers Within 180 days; First Response: within 12 months | Safety & Safeguarding & First Response: every 3 years |
| District Team Members | Same as All Volunteers | Same as All Volunteers | Safety & Safeguarding: every 3 years |
| Trustees | Same as All Volunteers + – Being a Trustee in Scouts | Same as All Volunteers Other modules: within 180 days | Safety & Safeguarding: every 3 years |