Photo by Mull and Iona Ranger Service
Training and Continuing Professional Development
Professional Training and Development
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and training are very important to maintaining and enhancing the skills of the Ranger profession. While CPD for Rangers is managed by SCRA, training provision is much more fragmented. Ideally you, supported by your manager, will have your training needs identified and met, starting with an induction process when you first join a new employer, and continuing to support your personal development throughout your career. A key step in this process is to achieve a Scottish Ranger Award.The Scottish Ranger Award
The Scottish Ranger Award has been significantly revised to meet current workplace demands and practices and has been endorsed by the Ranger Development Partnership. The RDP is a group composed of Ranger employers and managers from across the sector and who promote our training and professional standards.
The Award is a way of managing your own learning and development using the competency standards set out in the guidance. These are measured with reference to industry standards, occupational experience and the academic background of long standing SCRA members. Reflecting both seasonal and longer term contracts, there are two levels of Award.
In completing the award you will work towards achieving the competencies expected of those working in the Ranger profession.
What do I need to do?
The award requires you to develop and deliver work place projects. One project for those in a seasonal or apprentice position - a Level One Award, and three projects for those on longer term contracts, a Level Two Award. You will work with the support of your manager, colleagues and the wider national network of Ranger Services.
There are a selection of appropriate topic areas to guide your choice of project(s).
Testimonies
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I undertook the SCRA Ranger Award to allow me to take a deeper look at certain topics and learn more about the challenges and opportunities associated with them. It was a really great opportunity to look much closer at Visitor Management issues. Having done lots of research and gained a lot of knowledge through the process of the award it has given me more confidence talking about problems and possible solutions.
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T.F Natural Heritage
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The SCRA Ranger Award training has given me an opportunity for career and professional development. I see the award as a means of professionally recognising my skills and experiences. I took the module in Environmental education and I really enjoyed designing a session of outdoor education activities. Now that I have completed one module I'm interested in continuing with more modules to build my skills in areas I haven't got so much experience in and take this opportunity to grow professionally.
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R.G. Environmental Education
Registration
Registration for the Award is available free to all SCRA members.
You will be sent a starter pack by email (personal email preferred) and this guides you through the award stages and requirements. On completion of your project it should be assessed by your manager using the scoring table and then sent to SCRA for verification by members of SCRA Council and an appropriate certificate will be issued. An Admin fee of £10 is payable along with your project submission at this stage
Some Training Opportunities
The Ranger Rendezvous
The Ranger Rendezvous is run every second year by SCRA with other members of the Ranger Development Partnership. This 3-day residential training event comprises talks, workshops and field visits based around a theme of current importance for Rangers. Participants also identify the benefits of meeting other Rangers both during the more formal parts and socially. Look out for information in the News section of this website and on SCRA’s social media.
The Leading Edge Workshop
The Leading Edge Workshop is an annual event organised by SCRA and NatureScot. It comprises lectures and workshops led by Rangers and other practitioners who showcase their inspirational projects.
Online training about Visitor Management
Online training about Visitor Management Spurred on by the Covid pandemic, on-line training and awareness raising opportunities have become more common. Two examples which are particularly pertinent for newer Rangers appointed to deal with the consequences of the huge increase in “staycationers” were the 2021 webinars on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and Conflict Avoidance. If you would like to view these please email [email protected] to be sent the link.
Looking after your Health and Wellbeing
SCRA urges Rangers to discuss their health and wellbeing with their employer to consider what action can be taken to avoid negative impact. Manyemployers have an Employee Assistance Programme. Other sources of support can be found below.
Training with other Ranger Services
Our Ranger network provides a lot of scope for sharing training opportunities. Examples are:
Training offered by other organisations
A number of Scottish and UK organisations offer training that is relevant to Rangers. These include The Countryside Jobs Service (CJS), TCV Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Paths for All, Marine Conservation Society, Bat Conservation Trust; Plantlife. Information can be found on their social media.
International opportunities are provided by:
