Awards for Adults

Every adult who gives their time to Scouting supports the development of young people and without them Scouting and the adventures it offers simply would not happen.

However there are those who make an extra special contribution and our Awards are intended to recognise that contribution and thereby express the appreciation of the Association and in particular that of the Chief Scout.

There is no mystery in the way our Awards scheme works and this introduction for our County seeks to explain the procedures and how Commissioners can expect some assistance in making successful applications.  All members of the Association whether uniformed or not may be eligible for awards sometime, however there are a set of strict rules which must be followed and standard forms to be completed.

District Commissioners or members of the County Team initiate the Awards procedure and advice/assistance on completion of the forms is available from our County Awards Coordinator or County Office. Nominations require the approval of the County Commissioner before being submitted to the HQ Awards Board.

In order to maintain a uniform National standard the Awards Board on behalf of the Chief Scout administers the rules.  The information provided on the application form must give a real indication of the individuals’ extra special contribution to Scouting. The CCs role is only advisory in nature.

If you believe a particular individual has given extra special service to Scouting do not hesitate to refer to your DC.

Finally, due to the number of individuals being considered each year the procedure can take several months.  For St. Georges Day Awards, i.e. Silver Acorn, Bar and Silver Wolf the application needs to be with our County Commissioner by early August of the previous year.  

You should be aware that long service awards are now made automatically, based on HQ records without any application, and sent directly to the District.

In exceptional circumstances you may feel that National recognition is deserved. If so you need to be aware that written support is usually needed from several different aspects of the individual’s interests or work.  Once it has been agreed that an award application is appropriate the form should be completed and in the first instance sent to our County Awards Coordinator, Frank Wild, who will provide advice, check that essential requirements have been completed, such as up to date training, and if necessary suggest if any further justification be included. The form will then be forwarded to our County Commissioner for him to endorse and forward to HQ.

For more information please contact Frank at  Awards@gmescouts.org.uk