Seeking Validation

As well as completing a course (either online or in person, on an evening), most leader training modules need to be validated. For example, one must not only complete a course on 'Encouraging Positive Behaviour' for Module 15, one must also prove that they have done this on a section evening and gather evidence so this can be validated. Only once validated can the module be ticked off.

There are obvious exceptions to this / courses that don't need validation. For example, the first aid course (of course, you can't go administering first aid if it's not necessary) however this is the only major exception.

Positives to this:

• Ensures leaders are qualified and know what they're doing.

Negatives to this:

• Getting the evidence needed to validate is difficult. For example, talking to leaders from all over South London today, I learnt that some had ran evenings then needed to get the section leader to write something down. Lots had said that they'd given surveys to kids at the end of the night for feedback to see how they can improve and to serve as evidence for the module validation. (Don't get me started on the pointlessness of surveying kids to ask them what they like and what they don't)

• It is very time consuming both for the person trying to complete the module and the GSL /SA person needing to validate.

• Added stress - as it means as well as doing the module, you must also keep some evidence to prove that you've used it in a practical environment.

N.B. The G49 appear to cut-corners to prevent bureaucracy as they allow you to offer anecdotal evidence (what I did last month when I sat down with the GSL and told her stories of when I'd used practical stills for module 18 or showed leadership for module 8 without any actual evidence). Speaking to leaders today, this isn't common practise and most need to gather cold solid evidence.