Transformation

Background

In 2018, the next vision for Scouting was launched, a 5-year plan which looked to prepare more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing leaders delivering an inspiring programme. Vision 2023 looked to grow Scouting, making it more inclusive, shaped by young people and having a bigger impact on our communities. #Skills for Life was born.

Whilst a considerable amount of early work was undertaken with focus groups, questionnaires, and discussions across all parts of the movement, the Covid-19 Pandemic put the brakes on much of the subsequent phases with other priorities and a significant reduction in volunteering capacity. Over the last 12 months, many of the workstreams have been reactivated and there are numerous groups of volunteers and employed HQ staff undertaking much detailed activity built upon that early consultation and feedback. Now, over 10,000 people from both within and outside Scouting have been consulted. They have given their comments, opinions and suggestions as to how we can make volunteering with the Scouts easier and more fun.

So, What Will Change?

This will be focused around four significant requirements from the consultation:

Creating a Warmer Welcome for New Volunteers;

This will mean using new digital tools to recruit volunteers and speed up the appointments process. The volunteer is likely to have a more relevant experience during the process and, they will be able to track their progress.

Making Learning more Valuable and Convenient;

Greater use of digital tools for learning which will mean volunteers have greater control of what and when they complete their learning. There will be more optional learning and a change in the composition of the Wood Badge so that it is more relevant to their needs. A reduction in the need for validation will speed up the process from completion to recognition.

Simplifying Volunteering to get Things Done Easier and Quicker;

The creation of a new approach to volunteering at all levels which will improve clarity of roles and simplicity of delivery to support our programme. A new digital system with a single sign-on giving access to membership information, learning, permits and awards all available through Scouts.org.uk.

A More Engaging Learning Experience;

Instead of completing many large, one-size-fits-all batches of training that don’t feel valuable and relevant to you as an individual, we're breaking our learning down into bite-sized pieces. These pieces can be mixed and matched to suit your needs and background. A small selection of these pieces will form a programme of Core Learning that will be required by all volunteers, regardless of position. We’ll then offer a range of relevant learning and additional topics to give you the freedom to explore your own ongoing development and build on your core learning.