Good Service example citations

Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service

Name: Jonathan Bush

Reason for making the nomination

Jonathan has been an Assistant Cub Leader at his local Scout Group for the past six years. He is well respected by the Cubs and is an asset to the team. He supports the Cub Leader with programme planning and is a reliable pair of hands each week.

In addition to this, Jonathan also supports the District with Office 365 and has become their ‘tech guru’. With the introduction of District email addresses, Jonathan now manages the Office 365 accounts for the District and runs a couple of training sessions on how to use Microsoft Teams and the email system for those not as computer savvy.

I recommend Jonathan is awarded a Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service.

Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service

Name: Ruby Leader

Reason for making the nomination

Ruby joined the Beaver section as a Young Leader to complete her volunteering section of her Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. She continued when she turned 18 and became an Assistant Beaver Leader. Two years ago (aged 21), the Beaver Leader decided to retire and Ruby has taken on the role, completed all her training and has one of the largest lodges in the District. Last year, she saw her lodge grow from 15 to 30 Beavers. Ruby runs a brilliant programme with her team and has become part of the county training team supporting the new Beaver Leaders. This is on top of volunteering at a local hospice and studying medicine at Manchester University. I don’t know how she does it! She is a credit to the movement.

I recommend Ruby is awarded a Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service.

Award for Merit

Name: Anne Tent

Reason for making the nomination

Anne has guided the Reigate Cub Scouts through some difficult times, often as the only warranted leader depending on transitory parental help to keep the meetings going. Pack numbers have always remained healthy and sometimes peaked to very high numbers, which is testament to the quality of the programme and the continuous hard work Anne has put into the running of the Pack.

For a number of years, Anne’s Pack was the only one in Reigate, feeding another Group’s Scout Troop, and Anne ensured the relationship worked as well as it could to provide a seamless transition from one Group to another as her Cubs jumped up. In 2008, the Reigate Groups were formally joined to form the 1st Reigate and Anne’s wholehearted support and practical help with the merger was invaluable to the success of the venture.

Anne’s contribution to Cub Scouting in Reigate has been invaluable, as without her dedication and commitment over the years there would not have been a Cub Pack to take Beavers and feed the Scout Troops, whether part of the same Group as today or different Group in the past.

Anne has always supported the Group, District and County fully whether at District Camps, St George’s Day, Church Parades or the many other ways her Pack interacts with themselves and the rest of the Movement. That she has achieved this during many years of limited regular help is a testament to her relentless dedication, commitment and capability.

I recommend Anne is awarded for her outstanding service to Scouting with a Good Service Award.

Award for Merit

Name: Rita Camp

Reason for making the nomination:

Rita has been a dedicated volunteer with 3rd Aberffynnon Scout Group for 15 years, and received her Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service in 2006. Since then she has continued to work tirelessly to maintain the growth of the Beaver Section, which now has two colonies meeting on different nights to accommodate all 38 Beavers. Rita’s leadership and encouragement has supported four occasional parental helpers to become fully fledged leaders, staying with the colony after their children “aged out”. She is also supportive of two young leaders from the District Explorer Scout Unit who are currently working their Young Leader Award with the Beavers.

It’s not only the leaders who benefit from Rita’s dedication, in the last three years 100% of the Beavers moving on to Cubs had achieved their Chief Scout’s Bronze Award, and the retention rate from Beavers to Cubs is high. Rita champions what she calls “A Beaver’s right to camp” and has been responsible for several District Beaver camps, bringing the young people together and giving them a proper experience of the outdoors. For many children Scout camps are their first overnight experience away from home, and Rita takes care to prepare them in the weekly meetings in the lead up to camp, making packing fun, and ensuring the vast majority are able to sleep soundly through the night.

Rita began her role as Area Nights Away Advisor in 2009 and has been an asset to the District Team in ensuring that all leaders understand the Nights Away protocols and submit forms on time. She has supported leaders from all groups in the district to achieve their Nights Away Permit, and encouraged Explorer leaders to make use of the Passport Scheme for smaller camps and expeditions – which has been a great success.

Rita displays true dedication to her group and district, supporting growth by providing a varied programme and inspiring parent helpers to become leaders. She is a true asset to Aberffynnon, and worthy of further recognition.

Bar to the Award for Merit

Name: Joe Hike

1. Main role in Scouts

Outline what this role involves and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Joe has recently been appointed as Chairman of the District Scout Active Support Team. This role allows Joe’s significant organisational skills to be used to great effect. In this role, Joe’s skills have already proved valuable to the District in so much that, he has energised the team to think wider about future activities and events for all sections. Joe has already started planning ahead to reinstate some activities that had been lost in recent times, such as the ever-popular swimming gala and cross-section sports events within the District. However, Joe has further introduced event ideas that complement the fundamentals of our ‘Skills for life’ strategy, these include gardening skills, and social events provide opportunities for both young and old to share experiences and combine their knowledge. The new District ‘Interactive Quiz’ is becoming a big favourite.

Joe takes his responsibilities very seriously and is constantly communicating with the team and planning regular meetings to discuss the plans and generate new ideas.

Nothing is ever too much trouble and when asked to provide information or complete a task he delivers very quickly.

2. Service in addition to their main role in Scouts

Outline what’s involved in any other roles in Scouts and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Joe received the Award for Merit five years ago, in addition to his new responsibilities he has been an active member of the District Scout Active Support Unit and supports as many events and activities in the District that he is able to.

3. Key achievements

Outline specific achievements and impact of the nominee since their last Good Service Award. Examples could include how they’ve: helped grow membership, raised funds, managed large projects or rebuilt their headquarters, etc. Please quote specific figures where possible.

Since his last Good Service award, Joe, by way of his new increased involvement and effectiveness, has become an integral member of the District fundraising team planning and organising activities within the District involving Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts. Taking part in events such as plant sales, jumble sales, car washing and many other activities that have led to a total of £19,000 raised to date.

Joe is involved in the decision-making, in relation to the management of these funds, and has a very sensible approach as to how the money can be used in order to deliver both equipment and activities for the District. Many of these activities and events can see Joe in attendance either leading or supporting. Joe never seeks the limelight in any of these activities, but always makes a significant and valuable contribution.

Joe’s contribution in this area of work, has seen many improvements in the District delivery of ‘skills for life’ activities that are both ‘fun’ and provide lasting memories for all those involved.

Joe’s connections with the local community has allowed for increased exposure of Scouting in the area.

4. Level of service

Where a previous Good Service Award is held, please outline whether the nominee has continued to provide service at a similar level or whether you believe the quality/complexity of their service has substantially increased and why.

It can be seen from Joe’s significant contribution across many aspects of his Scouting that his service since his last award (Award for Merit 5 years ago) has continued to be outstanding and he has increased his contribution in the last few years too.

5. Community involvement

Outline any involvement that the nominee has with other organisations since their last Good Service Award. Highlight if this involvement has directly benefitted Scouts.

Joe is currently a school governor and holds a position of Club Secretary for his local Community Centre. His favourite activity being the annual plant sale which attracts interest not only within the local community, but also from all the Groups within the District. He also grows and provides plants for some local hospital charities.

6. Any other relevant information

Joe is a dedicated leader who is working extremely hard to develop the District further in order to grow local Scouting. His enthusiasm, understanding and willingness to lead important pieces of work makes Joe an outstanding member of the Scouts and a valuable individual to both his District and his local community.

Joe continues to give so much to local Scouting and therefore it is felt that he should be recognised further for his outstanding service within the District.

Bar to the Award for Merit

Name: Richard Pack

1. Main role in Scouts

Outline what this role involves and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Richard has continually provided outstanding service, firstly as an Assistant Cub Scout Leader and more recently as a Group Scout Leader.

Richard remains an active participant in the Scout Troop and the partnered Explorer Scout Unit. He takes part in the twice-yearly walking weekends organised by the Group, and is a regular visitor to section camps and activities. He is a source of support to the leadership team, whether by contributing programme ideas, leading section meetings, or helping with nights away activities.

2. Service in addition to their main role in Scouts

Outline what’s involved in any other roles in Scouts and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Richard has recently undertaken specific training for his new role as Training Adviser in order to maintain and progress the development of leaders within the Group, however Richard has also had to accept that he is not able to do everything himself and has recently recruited an Assistant Group Scout Leader and Group Administrator, delegating some of the responsibilities of the successful running of the Group to them. This has enabled the Group to grow further with the recruitment of more than 40 Occasional Helpers from parents of young people within the Group. This has enabled Richard to maintain focus on essential tasks, developing and supporting his leadership team, leading section meetings where necessary, and contributing to programmes across all of the sections.

3. Key achievements

Outline specific achievements and impact of the nominee since their last Good Service Award. Examples could include how they’ve: helped grow membership, raised funds, managed large projects or rebuilt their headquarters, etc. Please quote specific figures where possible.

Richard is increasingly working as mentor to new leaders in the Group. He has recruited an Assistant Group Scout Leader, who he is supporting to take on a number of aspects of this role. He also works with the other leaders in sharing practical skills and in his new role as Training Advisor.

Richard always looks for ways to engage with the Group’s local community. He ensures that they always have a high number who attend the District’s St George’s Day Parade and Church Parades.

4. Level of service

Where a previous Good Service Award is held, please outline whether the nominee has continued to provide service at a similar level or whether you believe the quality/complexity of their service has substantially increased and why.

Since he received the Medal of Merit 16 years ago, he has taken on the role of Group Scout Leader. He consistently supports his thriving Group, comprising 120 youth members in 2 Beaver Colonies, 2 Cub Packs and a Scout Troop, not to mention the Explorer Scout Unit with which the Group has a seamless active partnership.

Richard is an active contributor to Group Scout Leader meetings in the District, and has provided advice and support to new Group Scout Leaders too.

5. Community involvement

Outline any involvement that the nominee has with other organisations since their last Good Service Award. Highlight if this involvement has directly benefitted Scouts.

Within the wider community, Richard promotes an active partnership with the Scout Group’s sponsoring authority in the local Church and is their representative on the Church Council. He recently led the Group in delivering an inspirational service to the congregation and the Group plan to make this an annual contribution.

6. Any other relevant information

Richard has given further outstanding service to Scouting and within the local community; his dedication and contributions are inspirational and we feel he should be considered for a Good Service Award.

Silver Acorn

Name: Craig Fire

1. Main role in Scouts

Outline what this role involves and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Craig’s commitment to Scouting within this District continues to be highly consistent and he has given service of a very high standard.

Craig initially became involved as Group Treasurer, overseeing the financial arrangements of this large and complex Group. His background in accounting quickly proved to be invaluable, and his advice and guidance has been second to none.

Craig’s first sectional role in Scouting was as Scout Leader. He provided highly interesting and exciting programmes, culminating in numerous young people achieving the top awards. He organised creative and adventurous weekly programmes, along with camps, hikes, trips and expeditions.

After ten years as Scout Leader he then stepped up to become the Group Scout Leader of 3rd Anytown, a Group with ten sections and its own headquarters.

Craig established an effective Trustee Board and a fundraising committee that now ensures the Group headquarters has sufficient funds to allow the management committee (also formed by Craig) to keep the premises a warm, safe, secure and welcoming place for all its members. The new £100,000 extension with toilets, kitchen and changing area would not have been possible without Craig’s drive and energy.

Although it is not possible to measure the impact he has had on countless young people over the fifteen years he has been the Group Scout Leader, the large number of youth members involved during this time speaks for itself.

2. Service in addition to their main role in Scouts

Outline what’s involved in any other roles in Scouts and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

In addition, Craig has supported the District Treasurer. His calm and methodical approach was much valued by the whole District Trustee Board, especially during the difficult process of selling the old headquarters of 1st Anytown.

3. Key achievements

Outline specific achievements and impact of the nominee since their last Good Service Award. Examples could include how they’ve: helped grow membership, raised funds, managed large projects or rebuilt their headquarters, etc. Please quote specific figures where possible.

Craig continues to be the prime motivator within his Scout Group, a Group that has nearly two hundred members and ten sections, making it larger than some Districts. He plays a major role in recruitment, induction and support of his leaders and regularly visits all the sections. As Group Scout Leader he is regularly seen at the Group’s sectional meetings and is known to all the young people. The Group continues to be highly successful, and plays an active part in all the events organised by the District.

Since Craig became Group Scout Leader, 3rd Anytown has grown from strength to strength, raised over £200,000 to improve and extend the headquarters and raised separate funds to ensure two Explorer Scouts from this Group could attend the last World Jamboree.

4. Level of service

Where a previous Good Service Award is held, please outline whether the nominee has continued to provide service at a similar level or whether you believe the quality/complexity of their service has substantially increased and why.

N/A Craig does not hold any other award for Good Service.

5. Community involvement

Outline any involvement that the nominee has with other organisations since their last Good Service Award. Highlight if this involvement has directly benefitted Scouts.

School governor at Anytown Primary School for 10 years.

6. Any other relevant information

Craig has given service of a high standard and in recognition of his especially distinguished service, I would like to nominate him for the Silver Acorn.

Silver Acorn

Name: Rob Badge

1. Main role in Scouts

Outline what this role involves and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Rob currently holds two appointments, that of District Training Advisor and Group Sectional Instructor. He is invaluable in both of these roles, bringing his experience as both a leader and a Scout to the fore. He uses his leadership skills to train others to become the leaders of the future and he uses his Scouting skills to enthuse and develop young people. He continues to support others through his District Training Advisor role, and in this role was attending four different sectional meetings a week. In some Groups there were no appointed leaders and in order to give full support and training to new volunteers in Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in different Groups, some on the same evenings, Rob would travel to enable young people the opportunity to enjoy Scouting and give valuable support and training to the new adult scouters.

2. Service in addition to their main role in Scouts

Outline what’s involved in any other roles in Scouts and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Rob last received a Bar to the Award for Merit 10 years ago (19 years since his last award), but his dedicated service has continued. He has undertaken many and various roles since that time: Assistant District Commissioner (Cub Scouts), District Commissioner, Local Training Manager, Cub Scout Leader, Scout Leader, and currently Group Skills Instructor and District Training Advisor. Rob approached them all with dedication and gusto. He promoted the growth of Scouting in the city as District Commissioner, introduced Activity days to accompany a Promise renewal event, creating renewed interest and excitement for all – the massive scaletrix raceway and flowerpot defence games were inspirational. The 10th Group owns a minibus, which Rob takes bookings, re-fuels, and arranges MOTs and any minor repairs for. The District campsite required a much-needed facelift, in order to attract any campers. Rob was and still is on the management committee, seeking funds to undertake ground works and modernisation, but also very much hands on, carpentry and decorating skills very much coming to the fore. He mows the grass at one headquarters and he is an occasional helper at another group, noting his retained Training Advisor and campsite roles.

3. Key achievements

Outline specific achievements and impact of the nominee since their last Good Service Award. Examples could include how they’ve: helped grow membership, raised funds, managed large projects or rebuilt their headquarters, etc. Please quote specific figures where possible.

During Rob’s tenure as District Commissioner the district headquarters became a significant project. The building was in the center of the city, ancient, crumbling and no longer fit for purpose. With Rob’s diligence, guidance and a lot of work from the Trustee Board, the building has been transformed. The top floors were re-built and re-furbished; now providing residential lettings and income for the district, whilst the two lower floors have been re-designed, damp eradicated and modernised to provide two fantastic meeting halls providing weekly urban scouting. Always keen to promote fun and adventure for young people, Rob instigated District away days, one to Legoland and one seeing the whole district take a steam train to the sea-side; quite a sight to see so many uniforms on a platform and on the beach. When focusing his support towards adults Rob was involved with the Growth and Communities Team in organising one of the Regional District Commissioner conferences.

4. Level of service

Where a previous Good Service Award is held, please outline whether the nominee has continued to provide service at a similar level or whether you believe the quality/complexity of their service has substantially increased and why.

Since his last good service award, Rob has continued to offer service of a most exceptional nature. He offers sterling and dutiful work wherever he commits and is known in the local community as ‘Mr Scouting’. I have no hesitation in recommending him for the award of a Silver Acorn.

5. Community involvement

Outline any involvement that the nominee has with other organisations since their last Good Service Award. Highlight if this involvement has directly benefitted Scouts.

Every Wednesday afternoon Rob volunteers at our local Hospice Charity shop.

6. Any other relevant information

Rob's wife passed away three years ago. Despite this, his commitment to the Scouts had never wavered.

Silver Acorn

Name: Stephen Necker

1. Main role in Scouts

Outline what this role involves and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Stephen is the Scout Leader and the essential ingredient in the Toytown Scout Troop. He undertakes the programme planning, preparing the resources for the evening meetings and organising regular and frequent camps. These include water activity camps in Cumbia, joint camps with their Cubs and the Noddy Group and exchange camps with the Stavanger Scouts in Norway. They also attend every four years the Haarlem Jamborette in Holland. A very active troop.

Stephen attends all appropriate District and Group meetings and represents the Group at others. His troop takes part in all District Activities - often with great success and he is now planning on the troop participating in County events.

He is utterly reliable in his position as Scout Leader - and it is due to this dependability that the troop has developed so well. He can be relied upon totally to meet his commitments and is always generous with his time. Stephen easily devotes over five hours a week to his Scout troop.

2. Service in addition to their main role in Scouts

Outline what’s involved in any other roles in Scouts and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

As well as his main role as the Scout Leader, Stephen also has a permit as an instructor for the District climbing wall and is Quarter Master for both the local Guides and his own Scout Group. In these capacities, he devotes at least two days a month at weekends.

He is also a member of the District Scout Active Support Unit where he plays a full part. He organises the District New Year’s Day walk each year (about 75 attend) and takes part in all their work supporting the District activities.

He is also currently undertaking a role on the District Commissioner search group where he is adding great value – championing how the next District Commissioner needs a team that really supports the sections in increasing programme quality.

3. Key achievements

Outline specific achievements and impact of the nominee since their last Good Service Award. Examples could include how they’ve: helped grow membership, raised funds, managed large projects or rebuilt their headquarters, etc. Please quote specific figures where possible.

Stephen took over as Scout Leader when the troop was down to just six youngsters, six years ago, it has now grown to a constant 30 members. This is solely down to his drive and his efforts.

Each year his Scouts achieve around 10 Chief Scout’s Awards and attend at least four camps and several additional activities (climbing, canoeing and overnight hikes). His troop last year won the District camping trophy, beating 12 other teams.

So it’s his enthusiasm, knowledge, attitude and sheer hard work that have resulted in a dramatic change in fortunes for the Troop.

Last year he ran 10 climbing sessions on the District wall – well over 100 young people benefitted.

4. Level of service

Where a previous Good Service Award is held, please outline whether the nominee has continued to provide service at a similar level or whether you believe the quality/complexity of their service has substantially increased and why.

Since Stephen was awarded the Bar to the Award for Merit (eight years ago) he has become far more active at a District level. His efforts are benefiting far more people than just his own Troop and covers a far greater variety of activity than at the time of his last award.

5. Community involvement

Outline any involvement that the nominee has with other organisations since their last Good Service Award. Highlight if this involvement has directly benefitted Scouts.

Stephen is also the Quarter Master for the local Guides where his partner is involved. They confirm that he does a tremendous job in that role.

6. Any other relevant information

Stephen is a good team player - offering ideas and insights but able to accept other views. He is a hard worker and is able to retain the respect of all members of the Guides and Scouts in spite of some historical factionalism. He works well with the district team and as part of the Scout Active Support Unit - taking a lead role or a support role as required. This is particularly impressive as he has had to grapple with a socialising problem all his life.

Stephen relates well to the youngsters which is self-evident from the successful growth of his troop. He also fits in well into an adult set-up that has had its problems with relationships between leaders. He successfully relates well to all leaders in spite of this and was an important factor in supporting me, as Group Scout Leader, in establishing a more acceptable situation.

Bar to the Silver Acorn

Name: Jill Tree

1. Main role in Scouts

Outline what this role involves and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Jill is the District Secretary and provides an effective support to the District Commissioner in every aspect of managing the District and Groups with administration. Both the District Commissioner and District Chairman speak very highly of her thoroughness and attention to detail. Her work is also greatly appreciated by the Group Scout Leader’s and Group Trustee Board's.

2. Service in addition to their main role in Scouts

Outline what’s involved in any other roles in Scouts and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Jill provides support with finances and planning for the District Gang Show, which is always a highlight of the calendar and brings several groups together.

3. Key achievements

Outline specific achievements and impact of the nominee since their last Good Service Award. Examples could include how they’ve: helped grow membership, raised funds, managed large projects or rebuilt their headquarters, etc. Please quote specific figures where possible.

Her financial skills have helped build the assets and finances of the County to enable further growth and development with sound footings. Jill also organises and runs the yearly raffle and games evening for 2nd Ashfield, which regularly raises over £800 for their equipment and activities, as well as giving leaders and parents a chance to socialise.

4. Level of service

Where a previous Good Service Award is held, please outline whether the nominee has continued to provide service at a similar level or whether you believe the quality/complexity of their service has substantially increased and why.

Jill has provided loyal and distinguished service to the Scouts for over 28 years and has since being awarded the Silver Acorn 16 years ago, she has single handed reformed and modernised the accounting, reporting and management systems within the County. Jill has ensured this has happened by budget setting, reporting and careful management of all accounting function. Whilst this has been a challenging strategy, the system has proved effective and is now paying dividends in the streamlining of accounts and investments.

5. Community involvement

Outline any involvement that the nominee has with other organisations since their last Good Service Award. Highlight if this involvement has directly benefitted Scouts.

In addition to Scouts, Jill spends an afternoon per week volunteering at the Red Cross charity shop, helping sort donations, keep the shop floor tidy and run the till.

6. Any other relevant information

Jill is professional in all that she does and has once again provided further especially distinguished service to the Scotus. Without her knowledge, experience input and support with helping to manage this large County, it would have been a very difficult job.

In recognition of her achievements, and for her further especially distinguished service within the District and County, I would like to nominate Jill for the Bar to Silver Acorn.

Bar to the Silver Acorn

Name: Sam Mountain

1. Main role in Scouts

Outline what this role involves and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Sam has held the role of Assistant Section Leader for over 40 years and during this time, he has also acted as Scout Leader for a neighbouring group when required. Since his last award, following a recent retirement, he accepted the District Commissioner’s request to undertake the more demanding role of Group Scout Leader of the group, which is a large group that meets in its own headquarters. Since undertaking the role, he has completed his own modular training as well as encouraging other members within the group to complete their own training.

2. Service in addition to their main role in Scouts

Outline what’s involved in any other roles in Scouts and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

With his new role, he regularly attends the District Group Scout Leader meetings as well as regular visits to his Sections encouraging them in their activities as well as supporting Award presentations and moving on ceremonies. He has developed and maintained the Group’s website. The expanding Group which has a larger Beaver Scout Colony and Cub Scout Pack and a very active Scout Troop enjoy an ambitious and challenging Summer Camp and numerous weekend activities and Sam ensures that sufficient funds are made available to support and maintain these events.

Sam also works tirelessly to promote water activities for Scouts across the County and his enthusiasm for a large range of water activities helps to inspire both young people and adults to take to the water. As County Adviser, he leads a team of Assessors and has promoted a successful series of assessment days to encourage leaders to demonstrate the skills needed for activity permits. He also undertakes a key background role as a Boat Inspector in order to sustain water activities and to keep them safe. He also manages the annual District Canal Challenge event.

3. Key achievements

Outline specific achievements and impact of the nominee since their last Good Service Award. Examples could include how they’ve: helped grow membership, raised funds, managed large projects or rebuilt their headquarters, etc. Please quote specific figures where possible.

He has produced a challenging development plan in consultation with the Cub Scout Leader and Scout Leader and resulted in the recruitment of a new Group Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer to the newly formed Trustee Board.

An innovation Sam has introduced to the Group has been the annual Parent’s camp at which families can camp and join in the activities and events which the young people can do. The camp not only encourages more active involvement from the parents, but also he arranges the Group’s Annual General Meeting at the camp ensuring a greater attendance. This personal contact with parents has developed several into helpers and leaders.

4. Level of service

Where a previous Good Service Award is held, please outline whether the nominee has continued to provide service at a similar level or whether you believe the quality/complexity of their service has substantially increased and why.

Sam was awarded the Silver Acorn in 2014 and has since then continued to provide further specially distinguished service to the Scouts in both the District and the County and we all feel that he is worthy of consideration for the Bar to the Silver Acorn.

5. Community involvement

Outline any involvement that the nominee has with other organisations since their last Good Service Award. Highlight if this involvement has directly benefitted Scouts.

In addition to his work within the Scouts, Sam has supported the local Food Bank which now uses the Scout headquarters on a Thursday afternoon to distribute food to those in need. He opens up the hall for them and makes sure the brew is on ready for the volunteers. He arranges food collections through the Scouts and any food left over from camp also goes to support the Food Bank.

6. Any other relevant information

In 2016 Sam received the Parish Council ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Award for his efforts on the community. This was well received by Sam and explains further how well regarded he is in the community.

Silver Wolf

Name: George Macgregor

1. Main role in Scouts

Outline what this role involves and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

George has been a leader in the Scouts for 43 years. He has held many different roles (see Compass screenshot) but he has been the Scout Leader in the 23rd Anywhere Scout Group for the past 20 years. In that role he has truly excelled. The breath and quality of the section programme is superb. George offers a well-balanced programme with lots of indoor and outdoor activities. It is a testament to this work that the Troop has grown to 40 youth members and this has been sustained in the past 12 years. The growth of the Troop is only limited by the size of their hall which is now in need or significant renovation (see below). George is no one-man band. He has recruited a strong team of younger leaders and gives them all tasks and responsibilities appropriate to their experience. In the past 20 years he has encouraged many of them to take on Section Leader roles in other Groups. He has the support and respect not just of the parents of the Scouts in the Troop, but of the wider community. He is known affectionately as ‘Mr Scout’ in the village where he lives.

2. Service in addition to their main role in Scouts

Outline what’s involved in any other roles in Scouts and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

In addition to his main role as Scout Leader, George is a member of the County Training Team. He regularly acts as a staff member of the quarterly residential courses run by the County acting as both a trainer and a facilitator. He is particularly strong in the sessions which focus on practical Scouting skills. He is also a Training Advisor for most of the leaders in his Troop and Group. He has become to go-to person for all things training in the District. Nothing is too much trouble for George in terms of supporting the training of other leaders. He is very proud of the number of leaders he has helped towards gaining their Wood Badges (26 in the past 10 years by my reckoning). George was also Assistant District Commissioner Scouts for four years between 2014 and 2018. In this role he supported other Troops in the District and was surprisingly well liked for his open and focused approach to the role. For the past five years, George has run the District Scout Camp on behalf of the District Commissioner. From a low start of four Troops being involved at the start, now all Troops in the District take part. It has become a key feature of the annual District programme.

3. Key achievements

Outline specific achievements and impact of the nominee since their last Good Service Award. Examples could include how they’ve: helped grow membership, raised funds, managed large projects or rebuilt their headquarters, etc. Please quote specific figures where possible.

Since his last award, George has focused on trying to improve the number of his Scouts that achieve the section's top award. From a low start of around 25%, in the past five years, over 70% of the Scouts have achieved the Chief Scout's Gold Award. Three years ago, he encouraged the Group Trustee Board to embark on a major renovation project for their Scout Hall. This required investment of around £40,000 and George was the most active member of the Group fundraising committee, building on his experience fundraising for the local hospice. To date the Group has raised £35,000 and the work on the hall has just started.

4. Level of service

Where a previous Good Service Award is held, please outline whether the nominee has continued to provide service at a similar level or whether you believe the quality/complexity of their service has substantially increased and why.

George has given sterling service to Scouting for over 43 years. He delivers the highest level of service to every role or task her undertakes. He will not take on a task unless he feels that he can deliver on it. Whether it is the quality of the Troop programme, the quality of adult training, the District Troop camp or fundraising activities for the hall, his energy and dedication to Scouting continues unabated despite his increasing age and recent ill health. George always offers 110%! He is widely respected in the District, the County and in the local Community. His service to Scouting over the years clearly qualifies as being 'of the most exceptional nature'. I can think of no-one more deserving of Scouting's highest Good Service Award, the Silver Wolf.

5. Community involvement

Outline any involvement that the nominee has with other organisations since their last Good Service Award. Highlight if this involvement has directly benefitted Scouts.

In addition to his Scout roles, George is a Governor at the local Primary School. He is also a regular fundraiser for St Mary's Hospice in the next village. In the past 10 years George's efforts alone have raised £25,000 for the Hospice.

6. Any other relevant information

George had to step down as Assistant District Commissioner Scouts in 2018 as he had to go into hospital for an operation. He continued to manage the Troop from his hospital bed and from home in the short time he was out of action but felt that he could not fulfil the responsibilities of the Assistant District Commissioner role as well. Despite stepping back from this role, he continues to offer informal support to both his successor and to the wider Scouting community in general.

Silver Wolf

Name: Jean Oak

1. Main role in Scouts

Outline what this role involves and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Jean has been the District Secretary since 1980 and has consistently given her full support to the District Commissioner which has proved invaluable.

Jean consistently takes the lead on large administrative tasks that others on the District Trustee Board shy away from, such as preparing the annual report, and collating Census data (once on paper, now electronically) to ensure they are completed to a high standard and ahead of the deadlines. Despite being in the movement for so long, her continued enthusiasm remains undiminished.

2. Service in addition to their main role in Scouts

Outline what’s involved in any other roles in Scouts and the time commitment the nominee puts in.

Jean has continued to give exceptional service to the District and holds a number of roles as shown on the National Database. In her role as Appointments Committee Secretary, she has attended every meeting for the last 38 years and given tirelessly of her expertise when it comes to reviewing and appointing members within the District.

3. Key achievements

Outline specific achievements and impact of the nominee since their last Good Service Award. Examples could include how they’ve: helped grow membership, raised funds, managed large projects or rebuilt their headquarters, etc. Please quote specific figures where possible.

Jean is the fountain of knowledge regarding all matters of Scouting and in particular within the District. In the last two years, two Scout Groups have reopened and Jean has provided a copy of their original registration forms for both, even though these were closed in the 1980s. Her attention to detail as an administrator is such a help to the District Team and she ensures very good records are maintained.

4. Level of service

Where a previous Good Service Award is held, please outline whether the nominee has continued to provide service at a similar level or whether you believe the quality/complexity of their service has substantially increased and why.

Jean has been a member of the Scouts all her adult life and has been recognised for her scouting with previous awards for good service. However, since her last award of the Silver Acorn (15 years ago), her service has been most exceptional and this has been shown in many ways.

Over the last 40 years, there have been numerous changes in District Commissioners, Trustees and technology! Jean has worked very hard to make sure the changes to leadership roles are carried out effectively, which has been possible from her support to the leaders and of the system, thus not affecting the young people. An example of her efficient and excellent service, is the implementation of the new DBS system where she made sure that the whole District had completed disclosure forms ahead of the National time scales. Jean’s enthusiasm and commitment to Scouting were most effective whilst these changes were taking place.

5. Community involvement

Outline any involvement that the nominee has with other organisations since their last Good Service Award. Highlight if this involvement has directly benefitted Scouts.

Jean is a vital link to the local Guides and Scouts and she often attends Guide meetings. She is involved with the bi-annual District Scout and Guide show, and attends every committee meeting as well as the rehearsals which run for six months a year when the show takes place. She gives her full commitment during the week leading up to the show as well as being at all the performances.

6. Any other relevant information

Jean has been a member of the Scouts for over 45 years. The standard of her entire service has been exceptional and I feel is worthy of further recognition.

I would like to nominate Jean for the Silver Wolf for her services to Scouting of the most exceptional nature.