Awards & Recognition
At the Scouts we have Awards to recognise the amazing work our volunteers do, there are different Good Service Awards to celebrate volunteers throughout their time in Scouting.
Commissioner’s Commendation
The Commissioner’s Commendation is a local award that can be used by any commissioners to recognise adult and youth members and non-members for their contribution to the Scouts. This award carries no set criteria and is illustrated by a purple knot. This award is worn in the same location on the uniform as other adult awards.
Good Service Awards
To be awarded a Good Service Award the nominee must meet the following criteria which apply to all awards:
The Good Service Awards are open to any adult who holds an adult appointment as a member or associate member of the Scouts.
They must have completed the correct length of service for the award.
They must have completed any mandatory training relevant to their role (or be within three years of appointment of the role/s).
They must hold a valid disclosure (if required).
They must not have received a Good Service award in the last 5 years.
They must hold the correct previous award (if relevant).
Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service
The nominee should have a minimum of five years good service.
Award for Merit
The nominee should have a minimum of 12 years (exceptionally 10 years) outstanding service.
Bar to the Award for Merit
The nominee must have been awarded The Award for Merit and completed five further years of outstanding service.
Silver Acorn
The nominee should have a minimum of 20 years of specially distinguished service.
Bar to the Silver Acorn
The nominee must have been awarded The Silver Acorn and completed five further years of specially distinguished service.
Silver Wolf
For service of the most exceptional nature, it is not normally considered before The Silver Acorn has been presented.
Awards for Gallantry
The Gilt Cross
Awarded for gallantry in circumstances of moderate risk.
The Silver Cross
Awarded for gallantry in circumstances of considerable risk.
The Bronze Cross
Awarded for special heroism or action in the face of extraordinary risk.
Awards for Meritorious Conduct
Chief Scout's Commendation for Meritorious Conduct
Awarded for meritorious conduct of a high standard
Medal of Meritorious Conduct
Awarded for meritorious conduct of an exceptionally high standard
The Cornwell Scout Badge
The Cornwell Scout Badge is awarded in respect of pre-eminently high character and devotion to duty, together with great courage and endurance.
It is restricted to Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Scout Network Members. Both the bronze badge and the cloth emblem of the same design may be worn.
John 'Jack' Travers Cornwell, a Scout in the St. Mary’s Mission Group, Manor Park, London, entered the Royal Navy in 1915. It was wartime and training was brief, but Jack, helped by his days in Scouting, was able to adapt quickly.
On 31 May 1916 while serving in HMS Chester, Jack was struck by a shell splinter. Grievously wounded, he stayed at his post awaiting orders until he was relieved at the end of the battle. On reaching port, Jack was transferred to a hospital in Grimsby and three days later he died a national hero.
For gallantry he was given both the Victoria Cross and the highest Scouting award, the Bronze Cross. To commemorate the courage shown by Jack, The Scout Association created ‘The Cornwell Scout Badge’ in his memory.
Chief Scout’s Personal Award
The Chief Scout’s Personal Award is awarded by the Chief Scout, in consultation with the Awards Board to recognise achievement not covered by the criteria for any other awards.