This week we are highlighting the immense value of recognising the difference Adult Leaders are making in our lives, and the lives of young members in Scouting. We have spoken about the various Awards available and are now taking you behind the scenes to see how the process unfolds from nomination to awarding the SCOUTS SA Award.

You’ve identified someone who deserves recognition and completed the nomination form. You’ve also gathered and submitted the supporting evidence. So, what happens next?

The SCOUTS South Africa Awards Programme follows a structured process designed to ensure that all Awards are considered carefully and fairly. The Regional and National Awards Committees are made up of an intergenerational team of experienced Adult volunteers from across the Movement, bringing different perspectives and knowledge to the process.

Step 1: Regional review: The Regional Awards Committee (RAC) reviews the nomination, considers the evidence and may gather additional information to help establish the facts.

Step 2: Regional Commissioner: Once the Regional Awards Committee reaches an agreed consensus, the nomination is sent to the Regional Commissioner for approval.

Step 3: National review: The nomination then moves to the National Awards Committee (NAC) who reviews the nomination against the relevant criteria and helps ensure consistency and standardisation across South Africa.

Step 4: Chief Commissioner: The next step is the Chief Commissioner, providing further oversight to ensure that standards of fairness and balance have been followed.

The process can take up to four weeks as Awards are checked against the policy and previous Awards to maintain fairness and consistency. The aim isn’t to make recognition difficult, but to ensure that when an Award is granted, it has real meaning.

For queries about the Award and Recognition process you can email [email protected] and we will forward it to your Regional Awards Committee so they can assist you.