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An introduction to awards and recognition

Learn about our awards, how to say thank you and a message from Dwayne Fields, Chief Scout.

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A message from Dwayne

Our awards: Recognising our fellow Scouts

Saying thank you and well done is one of the simplest, but most powerful ways to recognise our fellow volunteers. It really does count for so much.

That’s why our award scheme is so important. Recognising people's contribution in a meaningful way will leave them feeling valued and motivated.

I’d therefore be grateful if you can put people forward for our award scheme. Service Awards are there make people feel even more special – beyond a simple word of thanks.

We know you’re busy with Scouts and your other commitments, which is why we aim to make the nomination process as simple as possible. You should find everything you need here. But remember, our National Awards Advisory Group is also here to help.

It’s also important we recognise those adults and young people who’ve shown courage in adversity and quick thinking in the face of danger. You’ll also find out how to nominate people for Gallantry and Meritorious Conduct, including the Cornwell Scout Badge.

Please think carefully about the most deserving volunteers and make your nomination. An award will mean so much to them.

Thank you,

Dwayne Fields

Chief Scout

Introduction

At Scouts, all of our volunteers help to shape young people’s lives for the better. Just as our young people appreciate, and look up to their leaders and role models, we want our volunteers to know just how amazing they are too.

Whether you’ve helped out as a Beaver leader for years, put in every effort to make sure that all of our young people get the most out of their Scouting experience, or you’ve been exceptionally brave when times get tough, our awards are here to recognise the things you do.

Celebrating someone’s hard work is always important, and can motivate them even more. If you want to nominate someone for an award, take a look through the ones we offer. Or, if you just want a way to say thank you, take a look at some of our thank you ideas and other resources that can be used to thank volunteers.

If you’ve lost an award, or you just want another one for your uniform, you can get them from Scout Stores.

If you need help with anything on the awards pages, you can get in touch with the UK Headquarters Scout Awards Team, who will be able to help.

Learn more about the history of the Scout awards

Saying "thanks"

Awards are our way of saying thank you for something exceptional, so when making a nomination, it's important to recognise this, and below are some tips.

  • Think about our fellow volunteers, the people who are always doing even more than is expected of them.
  • Their conduct may have been outstanding and worthy of recognition, been meritorious or even gallant.
  • How long have they been doing it for and do they already have an award?
  • Have a conversation with their line manager(s) to determine how best to recognise them.
  • Are they up to date with all their mandatory learning?
  • Are they compliant with Criminal Records Checks?
  • Note down all the brilliant things they do for the Scouts (with a time frame).
  • Note down examples of when they were a positive role model despite personal adversity or very brave (collect evidence where possible).
  • Knowing them helps. Ask others for their input and build up a good factual picture of why they should be considered for an award. Information detailed on a nomination form should be accurate and concise, but include enough detail to tell the amazing story.
  • Keep the nomination secret, individuals should not be aware of considerations or submissions and they should not be made by relatives.
  • Submit the nomination form (via the membership system for Good Service Awards or via email for Meritorious Conduct and Gallantry Awards.
  • Success! (If award is approved by UK Headquarters) send congratulations, arrange a presentation event, do some publicity.

 

 

Thanks Badge

This may be a suitable local thank you for a short-term valuable piece of work or a longer-term commitment.

Learn more about the badge

Less formal ways to say thank you

Thanking volunteers and making sure they feel appreciated for the everyday things they do - no matter how big or small - is a huge part of what we do.

Discover resources to thank volunteers

Other meaningful ways to thank volunteers

Ideas on ways to thank volunteers