Scouts Australia Adult Training & Development Policy

THE SCHEME

The Scout Association of Australia is responsible for designing and operating a system for the training and development of Adult Leaders in all functions and at all levels. This system includes the integration of the new leader, basic and advanced training and support for the duration of the appointment. The system includes the acquisition and development of the knowledge and skills necessary for each function and the personal development of Adult Leaders. It is flexible and allows for previous experience and skills to be assessed, and allows for the acquisition of additional skills and knowledge.

THE INSTITUTE

The Scout Association of Australia coordinates training through the registered training name of Scouts Australia Institute of Training (SAIT). It operates in all states and territories of Australia.

PROGRAM

The Adult Training and Development system is specially designed for Australian adults in Scouting and Australian conditions. It complies with the objectives of the World Scout Committee.

The system consists of preliminary, basic, advanced and supplementary training.

Basic training will normally be completed within six months of entry into the Movement. This results in presenting the Gilwell Woggle and the Certificate of Adult Leadership.

Advanced training will normally be completed in three years. This results in presenting the Wood Badge, including a set of wood beads, a parchment and Gilwell Scarf.

Supplementary training programs are also offered in specific areas.

Rover Scouts are eligible to complete Wood Badge Training. To completed Advanced Level Training, Rover Scouts must be in a leadership role within Scouting and be able to fully demonstrate the evaluation requirements for the Wood Badge. This should take place over a minimum of four months and can occur from a Crew level through to National level. The Branch Commissioner for Adult Training and Development would coordinate, and be responsible for, the final evaluation.

A comprehensive system of Training of Trainers and Assessors, at Basic and Advanced Levels, support the Training and Assessment personnel.

Specific aspects of the Training Scheme are accredited and recognised by the Australian Government.

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING AND CURRENT COMPETENCIES

A National procedure for the recognition of prior learning and of current competencies has been developed, enabling Adult Leaders to demonstrate the transfer of the full range of an individual’s skills and knowledge, irrespective of how it has been acquired, to their Scouting role.

PERSONNEL

The following positions support the delivery and ongoing support of training:

• The National Commissioner, Adult Training and Development, is responsible for coordinating the overall operation of the training system and is the Principal of the Scouts Australia Institute of Training.
• Personal Leader Advisers are appointed to assist each new adult member with his/her training and ongoing support.
• Instructors of Adults are appointed to assist in the training and support of members who are working in the adventurous activity areas.
• Assessors are appointed nationally to conduct the assessment procedures for all adult members.
• Leader Trainers and Assistant Leader Trainers are appointed nationally to conduct training programs.

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