Adult Recognition Award Nominations
Adult Recognition Awards 2024
Guidelines
The following Guidelines should be used when making an Adult Recognition Award nomination:
Refer to PDF for changes made for ARA 2024 Guideline below
- Adult Recognition Awards are awarded to Adult Leaders, Young Adult Members (Rover Scouts), Other Members and Supporters who have given valuable service to Scouts Australia over an extended period. Such Awards are granted for sustained commitment to the Association, both within and beyond the Adult Leaders, Young Adult members, Other Members and Supporters designated role and responsibilities.
- Rover Scouts may be considered for an Adult Recognition Award (defined in R13.5.8) where their contribution to Scouting is beyond the level of service expected of a participant in the Rover Scout section. Where the contribution spans across more than 5 years, then the Rover Service Award (defined in R 9.5) is to be considered.
- These guidelines provide a summary of the provisions which can be found in the current edition of the Adult Member Uniform Standards.
- Many of the Awards are associated with periods of service, but under exceptional circumstances, the typical service period may be reduced to recognise highly intense / complex periods of activity and special effort.
- Corresponding distinctive cloth emblems (for wearing on uniform) and certificates are issued with Awards. A Scouts Australia lapel pin for wearing in civilian dress, is issued when the first Award is presented.
- A nomination may be initiated by any Member (Adult or Youth) or Formation of Scouts Australia and may be sent directly to the relevant Branch Chief Commissioner.
To be considered for an Award the Nominee must meet the following criteria:
- Carrying out the responsibilities of their current position in Scouting, Certificate of Proficiency or non‑uniformed management role to the highest standard which contributes to Youth membership growth or the wellbeing of Scouting.
- Promoting teamwork and a positive attitude in mentoring fellow Adults in Scouting.
- Demonstrating leadership qualities which inspire enthusiasm among other Adults in Scouting and/or Young Adult members.
- Providing ideas for the future direction of Scouting and demonstrating how they can be implemented to contribute to the development of Youth and / or Adults influenced by their role.
- For the higher Awards, contributing to wider Scouting (including Internationally) by involvement in activities beyond the level of responsibilities normally expected in the appointment or management role held.
P3.1 MEMBERS
Membership of Scouts Australia is open to all people who live by the values of the Association.
There are two categories of membership:
1. Youth Members: Young people under the age of 18yo for whom the Youth Program is provided, within the age range defined for Scouts Australia. Youth Members are invested as Scouts by accepting the commitment of the Scout Promise, the obligations of the Scout Law and are current members of a Branch according to Branch rules.
2. Adult Members: Persons over the age of 18 in the following membership classifications:
a. Rover Scouts: young adults from their 18th to their 26th birthdays. The Rover Scout Section is the final Section of the Youth Program. Rover Scouts, are invested as Scouts by accepting the commitment of the Scout Promise and the obligations of the Scout Law, agreeing to abide by the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct and are current members of a Branch according to Branch rules.
Rover Scouts may also serve as Adult Leaders.
b. Venturer Scouts (18yo): A Venturer Scout who has had their 18th birthday and not progressed to Rover Scouts in accordance with R8.3.5. Venturer Scouts are invested as Scouts by accepting the commitment of the Scout Promise and the obligations of the Scout Law and upon attaining the age of 18 yo, agreeing to abide by the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct and are current members of a Branch according to Branch rules.
Venturer Scouts who have had their 18th birthday may also serve as Adult Leaders.
c. Adult Leaders (including Commissioners/Advisers): Persons appointed to a leadership role to support the non-formal education of young people or in the management of Leaders in Scouts Australia at Group, District, Region, Branch or National levels.
Adult Leaders are invested by accepting the commitment of the Scout Promise, agreeing to abide by the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct and are current members of a Branch according to Branch rules.
d. Adult Supporters: Persons appointed to assist those adults in classification c. above in the delivery of the Youth Program on a regular basis and/or providing service to Scouting through membership of committees at within a Group, District, Region, Branch or National level.
e. Scout Fellowship: Persons affiliated with a Fellowship (Group/District/Region/Branch) attached to a Formation of Scouts Australia. Scout Fellowship members are invested by accepting the commitment of the Scout Promise, agreeing to abide by the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct and are current members of a Branch according to Branch rules.
f. Life Members/Honorary Members: Adults appointed in accordance with the rules and procedures of Scouts Australia and its Branches in recognition of long and distinguished service and/or support to Scouting.
g. Staff: employees of a Branch or Scouts Australia through an employment arrangement recognised under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cwlth) Those members in classifications a.-c. wear the Scout Uniform as illustrated in the relevant Uniform Standards.
Those members in classifications d.-g. may either be invested as Scouts by accepting the commitment of the Scout Promise and agreeing to abide by the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct or be non-invested members making a commitment to the Values of the Association. These classifications of membership may wear the Scout Uniform as illustrated in the Adult Uniform Standards, where permitted by the Branch Chief Commissioner consistent with P3.6.
Those members in classifications c.-g. are provided a role description as prescribed in the Adults in Scouting Standard. All Adult Members are required to undertake the mandatory On Demand Learning modules being those shown with an expiry date in On Demand Learning (e.g.; Child Safe Scouting and WHS and Scouting) within three (3) months of being accepted as an adult member and again every two (2) years in addition to the training applicable to their specific role.
Withdrawal of an Adult Recognition Award:
An Adult Recognition Award may be withdrawn by the Chief Commissioner of Australia if someone is proven to have:
- Acted in ways inconsistent with Scouts Australia Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct
- Sentenced to a custodial term of at least 3 months, which has not been suspended, for a criminal offence.
Other reasons for forfeiture may also be considered. The overall criterion is whether the reputation of Scouts Australia (and by definition the ARA awarded) has been brought into disrepute.
Members who have an award revoked will be notified that they can appeal the decision to the National Awards Sub Committee The revocation, recommendation, referral, and appeal will be forwarded to the Chief Commissioner of Australia for a final decision.
Adult Recognition Award
Adult Leaders (current Certificate of Proficiency)
| Award Name | Criterion | Medal | Cloth Emblem | Approved by | Awarded By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Service Award* | Awarded to Young Adult Members (Rover Scouts), Adult Members and Supporters for the successful support, development or management of a Section or Formation, or for an intense contribution over a period of at least 12 months to the success of a major event or major activity. ‘Special Service’ is defined as making a noteworthy contribution in their role. This Award can be made in the first three year assignment / period of service. | Bronze medallion, depicting “Scouts Australia logo worn around the neck on a white ribbon | white and green knot on a blue background | Branch Chief Commissioner | Branch Chief Scout or Chief Scout of Australia (according to the practice of the Branch) |
| Meritorious Service Award* | Awarded to Young Adult Members (Rover Scouts), Adult Members and Supporters for meritorious or praiseworthy service to Scouts Australia for a period of around six to eight years. ‘Meritorious Service’ is defined as performing to a higher standard for longer or more intensely, than would be reasonably expected. | Silver medallion depicting the “Scouts Australia” logo worn around the neck on a yellow ribbon | yellow knot on a blue background | Branch Chief Commissioner | Branch Chief Scout or Chief Scout of Australia (according to the practice of the Branch) |
| Silver Wattle* ^ | Awarded for outstanding service to Scouts Australia as an Adult Member in an active Leadership role, for a period of around ten to twelve years. ‘Outstanding service’ is defined as a performance at a consistently high standard, normally over a number of assignments, all of which have provided positive outcomes for Scouting. This person’s contribution to Scouting clearly stands out from that of his / her peer group. | Silver medallion depicting a ‘Wattle Flower” worn around the neck on a green ribbon | green knot on a blue background | Branch Chief Commissioner | Branch Chief Scout or Chief Scout of Australia (according to the practice of the Branch) |
| Silver Koala* ^ | Awarded for distinguished service to Scouts Australia as an Adult Member in an active Leadership role, for a period of around 14 to 16 years. It is expected that such distinguished service is at a consistently high level, normally over a number of assignments, resulting in a significant contribution to the wellbeing of Scouting and that the recipient is respected and highly regarded throughout the District / Region / Branch or Nationally. | Silver Medallion depicting a “Koala” worn around the neck on an orange ribbon | orange knot on a blue background | Chief Commissioner of Australia | Chief Scout of Australia |
| Silver Emu* ^ | Awarded for further distinguished service to Scouts Australia by an Adult Member in an active Leadership role, for a period of at least four or five years since the Award of the Silver Koala. It is expected that such further distinguished service is at a consistently high level, over a number of assignments and at a number of levels within a Branch or at a National level, resulting in further significant contributions to the wellbeing of Scouting. | Silver medallion depicting an “Emu” worn around the neck on a purple ribbon | purple knot on a blue background | Chief Commissioner of Australia | Chief Scout of Australia |
| Silver Kangaroo* ^ # | Awarded for eminent achievement and exceptional service to Scouts Australia by an Adult Member in an active Leadership role, over a long period, in a number of roles at various levels within the organisation, or for a unique and highly valued contribution to the wellbeing of Scouting. | Silver medallion depicting a “Kangaroo” worn around the neck on a gold ribbon with two green stripes | gold knot on a dark green background | Chief Commissioner of Australia | Chief Scout of Australia |
* To be nominated for an Award, a Leader must have completed the mandatory Scouting Preliminary of “Child Safe Scouting” and “WHS for Scouting”.
^ A Leader nominated for an Award of Silver Wattle and above, is required to have completed a Wood Badge and if not relevant to their current role, then Leadership training (formerly referred to as “Advanced Training”) aligned to their appointment.
A Leader who has recently changed roles (i.e., within the last 12 months) may be nominated for an award of the Silver Wattle and above without completing Leadership training aligned to their current appointment, as long as they hold a Wood badge and Leadership training relevant to their immediate previous role
Young Adult Members (Rover Scouts)
| Award Name | Criterion | Medal | Cloth Emblem | Approved by | Awarded By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Service Award* | Awarded to Young Adult Members (Rover Scouts), Adult Members and Supporters for the successful support, development or management of a Section or Formation, or for an intense contribution over a period of at least 12 months to the success of a major event or major activity. ‘Special Service’ is defined as making a noteworthy contribution in their role. This Award can be made in the first three year assignment / period of service. | Bronze medallion depicting the “Scouts Australia” logo worn around the neck on a white ribbon | white and green knot on a blue background | Branch Chief Commissioner | Branch Chief Scout or Chief Scout of Australia (according to the practice of the Branch) |
| Meritorious Service Award* | Awarded to Young Adult Members (Rover Scouts), Adult Members and Supporters for meritorious or praiseworthy service to Scouts Australia for a period of around six to eight years. ‘Meritorious Service’ is defined as performing to a higher standard for longer or more intensely, than would be reasonably expected. | Silver medallion depicting the “Scouts Australia” logo worn around the neck on a yellow ribbon | yellow knot on a blue background | Branch Chief Commissioner | Branch Chief Scout or Chief Scout of Australia (according to the practice of the Branch) |
| Rover Service Award | The Rover Scout Service Award is awarded by Branch Rover Councils on the recommendation of a Unit, Region Rover Council, or the Branch Rover Council itself to Rover Scouts, Rover Advisers, other uniformed members of the Scout Movement, and / or non-uniformed people, who give outstanding service to the Rover Scout Section. Minimum period of outstanding service to the Rover Section: a) 5 Years for Rovers Scouts, or b) 10 Years for Uniformed Members/Supporters Note: Consult the NRC By-Laws (National Rover Service Award) for further details In accordance with P&R Rule 13.5.10 the Rover Service Award may be given at any time during the year. | Silver medallion depicting a red background “Scouts Australia” logo worn around the neck on a red and white striped ribbon | red and white on a navy background | Branch Rover Council, Branch Chief Scout, or Chief Scout of Australia (according to the practice of the Branch). | Branch Rover Council, Branch Chief Scout, or Chief Scout of Australia (according to the practice of the Branch). |
* To be nominated for an Award, a Young Adult Member (Rover Scout), must have completed the mandatory Scouting Preliminary of “Child Safe Scouting” and “WHS for Scouting”.
Other Members and Supporters
| Award Name | Criterion | Ribbon | Approved by | Awarded By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Service Award* | Awarded to Young Adult Members, Adult Members and Supporters for the successful support, development or management of a Section or Formation, or for an intense contribution over a period of at least 12 months to the success of a major event or major activity. ‘Special Service’ is defined as making a noteworthy contribution in their role. This Award can be made in the first three year assignment / period of service. | worn around the neck on a white ribbon | Branch Chief Commissioner | Branch Chief Scout or Chief Scout of Australia (according to the practice of the Branch) |
| Meritorious Service Award* | Awarded to Young Adult Members, Adult Members and Supporters for meritorious or praiseworthy service to Scouts Australia for a period of around six to eight years. ‘Meritorious Service’ is defined as performing to a higher standard for longer or more intensely, than would be reasonably expected. | worn around the neck on a yellow ribbon | Branch Chief Commissioner | Branch Chief Scout or Chief Scout of Australia (according to the practice of the Branch) |
| Outstanding Service Award* | Awarded for outstanding service to Scouts Australia for a period of at least twelve years, to non-uniformed Members and Supporters. | worn around the neck on a green ribbon | Branch Chief Commissioner | Branch Chief Scout or Chief Scout of Australia (according to the practice of the Branch) |
| Distinguished Service Award* | Awarded for distinguished service to Scouts Australia as an Adult Member or Supporter for a period of around 18 to 20 years. It is expected that such distinguished service is at a consistently high level, providing significant and valuable support to a Group or higher Formation and that the recipient is respected and highly regarded throughout the District / Region / Branch or Nationally. | worn around the neck on an orange ribbon | Chief Commissioner of Australia | Chief Scout of Australia |
| National President's Award* + | Awarded for eminent achievement and exceptional service to Scouts Australia by Adult Members and Supporters, over a long period in a number of significant roles within the organisation, or for a unique and highly valued contribution to the wellbeing of Scouting. | worn around the neck on a red ribbon | Chief Commissioner of Australia | National President |
* To be nominated for an Award an “Other Member” as defined in Scouts Australia Policy and Rules P3.1 must have completed the mandatory Scouting Preliminary “Child Safe Scouting” and “WHS for Scouting”. To be nominated for an Award a “Supporter” as defined in Scouts Australia Policy and Rules P3.2 does not need to have completed the mandatory Scouting Preliminary “Child Safe Scouting” and “WHS for Scouting”.
International Recognition
The Chief Scout of Australia, on the recommendation of the Chief Commissioner of Australia, may make an award under the Scouts Australia Adult Recognition Awards scheme to a member of a Scout Association affiliated with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement. Where such an award should be considered, Branch Members are invited to write to the Chief Commissioner of Australia detailing the level of Award and reasons why c/- National Office at aras@scouts.com.au. Applications will only be considered where the nominee’s contribution has had a direct benefit to Scouts Australia.
