Module validation
Module validation is an opportunity to recognise the skills you already use in your role and to confirm that you have applied the learning from your training modules in practice. It is designed to be supportive and informal, focusing on what you do day‑to‑day to give young people the best possible experience.
What to expect from the informal chat
When you are ready to validate a module, you will be invited to have an informal chat with a Learning Assessor.
During the chat, you can expect:
- Friendly conversation: The discussion is informal, relaxed, and focused on your role and experiences, not an exam.
- Review of the module content: You will briefly talk through the key points of the module and how they relate to your responsibilities in Scouting.
- Questions about your practice: You will be asked to describe what you have done in your role that shows how you have used the learning from the module.
- Chance to ask questions: It is also your opportunity to check understanding, ask for clarification, or request further support or training if needed.
How long module validation takes
Each module usually takes around 20 minutes to validate.
If you are validating several modules at once, the Learning Assessor may group them together, but you should still allow roughly 20 minutes per module so there is enough time for a meaningful conversation and to review your evidence properly.
Providing evidence for module validation
To validate a module, you will need to provide evidence that shows how you have put the learning into practice in your role. This does not have to be complicated or time‑consuming, as you should be creating it as part of your role. It is simply about showing what you already do.
Examples of suitable evidence might include:
- Planning and records: Programme plans, meeting outlines, activity plans, or section calendars you have created or contributed to.
- Communication examples: Emails, letters, messages, or briefing notes you have written for parents, volunteers, or young people.
- Risk assessments and procedures: Copies of risk assessments, InTouch information, or local procedures you have helped to develop or use.
- Reflections on practice: Brief notes about what went well, what you would change next time, or how you adapted an activity for your section.
- Feedback or observations: Notes from line managers, leaders, or volunteers, or any formal or informal feedback you have received.
You can bring printed documents, digital files on a device, or talk through what you have done if written evidence is not available. Your Learning Assessor will help you identify what counts as suitable evidence for each module. It is helpful if you provide the Learning Assessor with a copy of the evidence before the meeting.
Before your validation meeting
To make the most of the 20‑minute slot for each module, it helps to do a little preparation:
- Review the module objectives: Remind yourself what the module is about and how it links to your role.
- Think about examples: Note down a few specific examples where you have used the learning in your section or team.
- Gather evidence: Collect any documents, plans, or notes that show what you have done, and bring them with you.
- Consider any support you need: Think about any areas you are unsure of so you can ask questions during the chat.
After validation
Once your Training Adviser is satisfied that you have demonstrated the learning in practice, the module will be validated and marked as complete on your training record.
If there are any gaps, they will agree next steps with you, which might include further learning, trying something new in your role, or arranging a follow‑up chat at a later date.