We believe that it’s so important to recognise those around us, especially those who go the extra mile!
‘Every adult who gives their time to Scouting supports the development of young people and without them, Scouting and the adventures simply would not happen.’
However, there are those who make an extra special contribution and carry out task and commitments outside of the requirements of their role and our Good Service and St George’s Day Awards are intended to recognise that additional contribution and thereby express the appreciation of the Association and in particular that of the Chief Scout.
All awards are screened and benchmarked to ensure that there is a national standard. The information that a nominee provides on the application form must give a real indication of the individuals’ extra special contribution to Scouting. Within our Scouts NI structure, we have an Awards Team, who assist in reviewing St. George’s Day awards, and this is led by Chris Thompson.
Good Service Awards
There are a number of Good Service awards that you can nominate someone for, although it’s important to note the criteria for each award.
Commendation Award
This award can be used by the County to recognise adult and youth members and non-members for their contribution to Scouting. This award carries no criteria and is illustrated by a purple knot. It can be worn in the same location on the uniform as other adult awards to denote it is part of the family of adult awards, even though it is awarded and decided locally.
The Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service
This award is given in respect of not less than 5 years good service, which stands out. It should be regarded as the Chief Scout’s recognition of the very real contribution made to the Association by the individual concerned.
The Award for Merit
This award is given for outstanding service of not less than 12 years and 10 years exceptionally. It implies keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service over a sustained period.
The Bar to the Award for Merit
This may be awarded after a period of not less than five years of further outstanding service.
St. George’s Day awards
The following awards can usually only be awarded for St George’s Day but can be awarded at other times in exceptional circumstances.
The Silver Acorn
This award is not normally awarded until after at least an Award for Merit has been gained and a further five years’ service has been completed. Thus, it is seldom awarded for less than 20 years service, which should be specially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding.
The Bar to the Silver Acorn
This may be awarded for at least a further 5 years of similarly distinguished service.
The Silver Wolf
The Silver Wolf is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout and is only awarded for service of a most exceptional nature although the Chief Scout will usually consult the Awards Board before awarding it. It is not normally awarded until at least a Silver Acorn has been gained. In practice this means that it is seldom awarded for less than 30 years service although, because it is the Chief Scout’s unrestricted gift, no length of service is prescribed.
Process for nominating someone for a Good Service award
If you believe someone has given extra special service to scouting, subject to the criteria being met, you can submit an award nomination through the digital tools at scouts.org.uk. Please remember that this is a celebration of a member who has gone further than what is expected of them.
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 Lead early August of the previous year.
Start by signing in to scouts.org.uk.
On your welcome page:
1. Click ‘My membership’.
On the left-hand side menu (if you’re using a phone, click the menu button on the top right):
2. Click ‘Awards’.
3. Click ‘Browse awards’
On the ‘Browse awards’ page:
4. Click ‘Nominate’.
On the ‘Nominate award’ page:
5. Type the volunteer’s name or membership number into the search box.
6. Click ‘Search’.
7. Select ‘Nominee’ from the list
8. Click ‘Next’ at the bottom of the page.
On the ‘Nominate’ page:
9. Type your comments into the text boxes.
If you’d like to add a supporting document, click ‘Upload attachment’, type the ‘Attachment description’, click ‘Browse’, select a document from your device and click ‘Open’.
10. Type a ‘Citation’ into the box.
11. Click ‘Submit to supporter/approver’ or click ‘Save’ to continue the nomination at another time.
You’ll find your saved nominations by clicking ‘Awards’ on the left-hand side menu (if you’re using a phone, click the menu button on the top right), then click ‘Nominate someone’ and click the nominee from the list.
Contact us:
If you would like more information or support around nominating someone for an award, please contact us;
- Award Support – Chris Thompson, NI Awards and Recognition Team Lead – christhompson@scoutsni.org
- System Support – Scott Robinson, NI Transformation Lead – scottrobinson@scoutsni.org
Additionally, if you would like advice on awards, please do contact us and our Awards Team will support you.
(Last update: March 2025)