Policy, Organisation and Rules
10. Uniform, badges and emblems
This chapter covers matters concerning uniform, badges and emblems.
Some individual National events may have specific additional requirements which they will share with their participants.
10.1.1.1 Policy statement
Scouts is a uniformed youth organisation. The purpose of uniform is to help members to:
- feel they belong in Scouts - locally, nationally, and internationally
- be seen, recognised and trusted in their communities
- feel comfortable, welcome and proud while taking part in activities and events.
Therefore, uniform needs to be inclusive, flexible, practical and affordable. Every reasonable effort should be made so that uniform is not a barrier to participation.
10.1.1.2 Entitlement to wear uniform
All members are entitled to wear the official uniform described in this chapter. See also POR 3.1.1.7.
10.2.1.1
The movement's uniforms are protected under the Chartered Associations (Protection of Names and Uniforms) Act 1926.
It is unlawful for persons not entitled as members of the movement to wear them, except for the purposes of entertainment and then only provided that they are not brought into disrepute.
10.3.1.1 Use of informal Scout-branded clothing
- While formal uniform has a key purpose outlined in POR 10.1, there are times when informal Scout-branded clothing may be worn, including:
- Branded section, Group, or event polo shirts, sweatshirts, or hoodies
- Neckerchiefs, either standalone or with the informal Scout-branded clothing described above
- There are occasions when informal Scout-branded clothing may be more appropriate, depending on factors such as:
- Safety
- Activities
- Weather
- Formality of occasion
- Age range
- Inclusion for cultural, religious or accessibility reasons
- Affordability, to avoid what we wear being a barrier to taking part in Scout activities.
- The decision on when formal uniform and when informal Scout-branded clothing can be worn should be made by the volunteer or staff member in charge of the meeting, activity or event.
10.4.1.1
- In the organisation of all Scouts activities, priority must be given to considerations of safety in what clothing is worn.
- Weather conditions, especially heat, cold and rain, must be taken into account. The practical comfort and well-being of members must take precedence over formality. A coat or other overgarment (preferably navy blue) should be worn when weather conditions require it to make sure members feel comfortable, including on formal occasions.
10.5.1.1 Reasonable adjustments
Where a member does not feel comfortable wearing an item of Scout clothing (either official uniform or Scout-branded clothing) due to a specific need, their specific need should be given priority over uniform rules in POR. They may for example wear a different style of clothing or material that allows them to take part comfortably in Scout activities.
10.6.1.1 Cultural or religious needs
To meet cultural or religious needs, members of recognised faith communities may wear appropriate clothing in accordance with their beliefs during all Scouts activities.
10.6.1.2 Knives
Knives must not be worn with uniform except for religious reasons.
10.7.1.1 Squirrel uniform
| Official uniform | Optional informal Scout-branded clothing |
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10.7.1.2 Beaver uniform
| Official uniform | Optional informal Scout-branded clothing |
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10.7.1.3 Cub uniform
| Official uniform | Optional informal Scout-branded clothing |
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10.7.1.4 Scout uniform
| Official uniform | Optional informal Scout-branded clothing |
Optionally, a Group may decide to have the Scout belt and buckle as part of its official uniform |
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10.7.1.5 Sea Scout uniform
| Official uniform | Optional uniform items |
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Optionally, a Sea Scout Group may decide to have a lanyard (worn only with Bosun’s call) as part of its official uniform. |
10.7.1.6 Air Scout uniform
| Official uniform | Optional uniform items |
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Optionally, an Air Scout Group may decide to have the Scout belt and buckle as part of its official uniform. |
10.7.1.7 Explorer uniform
| Official uniform | Optional informal Scout-branded clothing |
Optionally, an Explorer Unit may decide to have the Scout belt and buckle as part of its official uniform |
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10.7.1.8 Explorer Sea Scout uniform
| Official uniform | Optional uniform items |
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Optionally, an Explorer Sea Scout Unit may decide to have as part of its official uniform:
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10.7.1.9 Explorer Air Scout uniform
| Official uniform | Optional uniform items |
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Optionally, an Air Scout Unit may decide to have the Scout belt and buckle as part of its official uniform. |
10.8.1.1 Scout Network and adult members
| Official uniform | Optional uniform items |
Optionally, an Explorer Unit may decide to have the Scout belt and buckle as part of its official uniform |
Optional items a Scout Network or adult member may decide to have as part of their official uniform:
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10.8.1.2 Sea Scout Network and adult members
| Official uniform | Optional uniform items |
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Optional items a Sea Scout Network or adult member may decide to have as part of their official uniform:
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10.8.1.3 Air Scout Network and adult members
| Official uniform | Optional uniform items |
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Optional items a Sea Scout Network or adult member may decide to have as part of their official uniform:
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| Official uniform | Optional uniform items |
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Special Groups can decide to wear some or all of the items of official uniform as appropriate to their specific |
Optionally, a Special Group can decide to wear some or all of the optional items of official uniform as appropriate to their specific needs |
| Uniform | Badges | Additional options |
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Members of Scout Marching Bands have two options from which the Band as a whole must choose one option:
Members wear a blue tie or the Group or other approved scarf and woggle Members wear any suitable smart trousers or skirt or kilt. |
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10.11.1.1
Kilts and pleated tartan skirts may be worn as part of the appropriate uniform, subject to the following colour requirements:
- members who are entitled to wear uniform may wear a tartan kilt or tartan skirt of any tartan
- in Northern Ireland, members who are entitled to wear uniform may wear the saffron kilt
- outside Northern Ireland, where members are entitled to wear saffron, holders of appointments may wear a saffron kilt
10.11.1.2
| Correct wear with the tartan kilt | Correct wear with the saffron kilt |
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Where a section is wearing saffron, the sock and shoe colours must be the same for the whole section. This decision is to be taken by the Section Team Leader after consensus has been sought. |
10.12.1.1
Members aged 10-18 and adult volunteers are permitted to wear the UK Contingent uniform including in the training before the event after selection.
For UK Contingents participating in major international events, a special UK Contingent uniform may be defined by the UK Event Management Team (with approval from the Chief Volunteer for International) considering climate and other factors.
When the contingent's age range crosses normal section age ranges, all members can wear the older age range uniform, including in the training after selection and before the event.
10.13.1.1 Medals
All Scout award medals, including the Award for Merit and its Bar, Silver Acorn and its Bar and the Silver Wolf, are worn around the neck. Medals that are pinned to the uniform are worn above the Membership Badge on the left breast.
10.13.1.2 Cloth badges
Scout award cloth badges are worn on the uniform shirt in the following order from the wearer's shirt buttons to the wearer’s right shirt sleeve, left to right:
- gallantry awards
- meritorious conduct awards
- good service awards
- the Chief Scout's Personal Award
- Commendation Award
- Chief Scout’s length of service awards.
If there is insufficient space on the shirt, awards may be arranged on multiple lines, maintaining this order.
10.13.1.3 Bronze Wolf
The Bronze Wolf (awarded by the World Scout Committee) may be worn on Scout uniform. The medal is worn around the neck and the cloth badge is placed above the line of other emblems.
10.13.1.4 Cornwell Scout Badge
The Cornwell Scout Badge and its emblem are worn above the line of other emblems.
10.13.1.5 Wear highest Award
Only the highest award received for good service and its emblem and the highest award for long service may be worn.
10.13.1.6 National and other Awards
King's and Queen's medals (ie National Honour), war medals, decorations and orders, and decorations conferred by foreign governments may be worn on Scout uniform on appropriate occasions. They are worn above the Membership Badge on the left breast.
10.13.1.7 Decorations awarded by National Scout Associations
Ribbons or decorations awarded by National Scout Associations in other nations are worn below the emblems of The Scout Association decorations.
10.13.1.8 Lifesaving medals
The life-saving medals of the Order of St. John and the Royal Humane Society, together with their ribbons, may be worn with uniform.
10.13.1.9 Brooches
When not wearing uniform, the insignia of a Scout award is represented by a brooch with the same design as the cloth emblem and may be worn by award holders.
10.14.1.1 Squirrels joining Beavers
When a Squirrel joins the Beaver Colony, they may continue to wear the Chief Scout's Acorn Award. This award must be removed when the Beaver gains the Chief Scout's Bronze Award. It is to be worn on the right breast (as illustrated in Positions of Badges on Uniform).
10.14.1.2 Beavers joining Cubs
When a Beaver joins the Cub Pack, they may continue to wear the Chief Scout’s Bronze Award. The award must be removed when the Cub gains their Chief Scout’s Silver Award. It is to be worn on the right breast (as illustrated in Positions of Badges on Uniform).
10.14.1.3 Cubs joining Scouts
When a Cub joins the Scout Troop, they may continue to wear their Chief Scout’s Silver Award. The award must be removed when the Scout gains their Chief Scout’s Gold Award. It is to be worn on the right breast (as illustrated in Positions of Badges on Uniform).
10.14.1.4 Scouts joining Explorers
When a Scout joins an Explorer Unit, they may continue to wear the Chief Scout’s Gold Award. The award must be removed when the Explorer gains the Chief Scout’s Platinum Award. It is to be worn on the right breast (as illustrated in Positions of Badges on Uniform).
10.14.1.5 Explorers joining Scout Network
When an Explorer joins the Scout Network, they may continue to wear the Chief Scout’s Platinum or Diamond Award or Queen’s Scout Award or King’s Scout Award badges. The Award must be removed when the next Award is gained. It is to be worn on the right breast (as illustrated in Positions of Badges on Uniform).
10.14.1.6 Joining In, Participation and Moving On Awards
Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers may also wear the current Joining In, Participation and Moving On Awards.
10.14.1.7 Youth badges worn by adults
The Explorer Belt and the badges for the King's Scout Award, Queen's Scout Award, Queen's Guide Award Badge and Scouts of the World Award may be worn on uniform by adults so entitled.
10.15.1.1 Suppliers
Badges and awards must be obtained through Scout Store or local authorised suppliers or a designated local team (for example the District Support Team). Scottish-specific badges may be purchased direct from Scouts Scotland Headquarters or Glasgow Scout Shop.
10.15.1.2 Exceptions for supply
Exceptions to Rule 10.15.1.1 are:
- the King’s Scout Award
- the Explorer Belt
- the Scouts of the World Award
- Good Service awards
- Length of Service awards
- Meritorious Conduct and Gallantry awards
- Wood Badge beads
which are only available from UK Headquarters.
Replacements are available from Scout Store.
10.16.1.1 The World Membership Badge
The World Membership Badge is the symbol of membership of world Scouting and of The Scout Association as a part of World Scouting.
The World Membership Badge is the property of the World Scout Bureau and it may only be used or worn as permitted in these rules.
A metal form of the World Membership Badge is available for members of the movement to wear with ordinary clothes.
10.16.1.2 The Scout Association Arrowhead Badge
The Arrowhead Badge is the symbol of The Scout Association and is part of The Scout Association’s Armorial Bearings.
The Arrowhead Badge may be worn on activity or special garments.
10.16.1.3 Identifying name tapes
The name of the Group, Explorer Unit, or Scout Network may appear in red, green, blue, white or yellow lettering on a single tape no more than 12mm deep on a green background.
The name of Sea and Air Scout Groups may appear in the same colours, but on a dark blue background.
10.16.1.4 Group, Unit or Network identifying badges
Group, Unit or Network badges bearing distinctive identifying emblems and/or lettering and of any size up to 50mm deep by 38mm wide may be worn after approval by the County Lead Volunteer to whom a drawing or specimen of the design must be submitted.
10.16.1.5 District and County identifying badges
District and County badges bearing distinctive identifying emblems and/or lettering and of any size up to 50mm deep by 38mm wide may be worn after approval by the County Lead Volunteer to whom a drawing or specimen of the design must be submitted.
A visual of all District and County badges should be submitted subsequently to UK Headquarters. Send to the Head of Brand and Ambassadors, Communications and Marketing Team at UK Headquarters.
10.16.1.6 Scotland identifying badge
A Scottish emblem consisting of a St Andrew’s Cross with the word “Scotland” below is authorised for wear on uniform by members in Scotland. It is worn at the top of the right shoulder, immediately below any Group name tape and above any District/Region(Scotland) badge.
10.16.1.7 Combined District and County identifying badges
A combined District and County badge bearing distinctive identifying emblems and/or lettering and of any size, rectangular in shape up to 50mm deep by 76mm wide may be worn after approval by the County Lead Volunteer to whom a drawing or specimen of the design must be submitted. The District section must be on the left side of the badge, and the District and County sections must be equal in width.
A manufactured example of all such District and County badges should be submitted subsequently to UK Headquarters. Send to the Head of Brand and Ambassadors, Communications and Marketing Team at UK Headquarters.
10.16.1.8 Sponsored Groups
Sponsored Groups may wear, as a Group badge, an appropriate badge produced by organisations approved as Sponsoring Organisations by UK Headquarters. The decision whether to wear such a Group badge is the responsibility of the Group Lead Volunteer in consultation with the Group Leadership Team and the Sponsoring Authority. Approval as in POR 10.16.1.4 applies.
10.16.1.9 Identifying Group scarves
Scarves worn by members of a Group as part of the appropriate uniform must all be of the same colour(s).
For Groups, the colour(s) are chosen by the Group Leadership Team, subject to the approval of the District Lead Volunteer.
10.16.1.10 Identifying Explorer Unit scarves
Explorer Unit scarf colours are chosen by the Explorer Unit members subject to the approval of the District 14-24 Team and the approval of the District Lead Volunteer.
10.16.1.11 Identifying Scout Network scarves
Scout Network scarf colours are chosen by the Scout Network members in the District with the approval of the District 14-24 Team and the approval of the District Lead Volunteer.
10.16.1.12 Vary identifying scarves within a District
Groups, Units and Scout Networks in the same District should wear scarves of different colours if possible.
10.16.1.13 Air Scout identification badges
An Air Scout identification badge may be worn by any member of an Air Scout Group.
Explorers, Scout Network members or adult members associated with an Air Scout Group may also wear the badge.
10.16.1.14 Royal Navy and Royal Air Force recognition scheme badges
Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network members and adult members in, or associated with, a Group, Explorer Unit or Scout Network which is recognised by the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force may wear the appropriate R.N. or R.A.F. Recognition Badge.
10.16.1.15 The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award badges
Cloth badges of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award are worn on uniform by youth members who are entitled to wear them.
Only the badge of the highest Award gained may be worn.
In the case of the Gold Award only, the badge may be worn on uniform by adults so entitled.
10.16.1.16 Occasional badges worn with uniform
Occasional badges in respect of national programmes, activities or events may be worn as directed and for such periods as decided by UK Headquarters.
Occasional badges for wear by members of a Group, a District, or a County in connection with a special gathering, camp, activity, or anniversary must be approved by the County Lead Volunteer to whom a drawing or specimen of the design must be submitted.
Such badges must not be worn after a period of three months from the date of the conclusion of the occasion unless exceptionally authorised by the County Lead Volunteer in respect of special circumstances for a further period not exceeding nine months.
10.17.1.1
The Union Flag badge may be worn on uniform when taking part in a Scouts visit abroad or a Scouts-based International activity.
Once worn, the badge may then be worn indefinitely.
10.18.1.1
Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales badges may be worn on uniform by those entitled to wear these. No other Country or County badges may be worn in place of these.
10.19.1.1
To denote mourning, there are two options:
- a black crepe band 50mm wide may be worn on the left arm above the elbow
- a black neckerchief may be worn in place of the Group or other approved neckerchief.
10.20.1.1 Growing Roots - members
On completion of the Growing Roots learning, uniformed adults may wear the Gilwell woggle purchased from Scout Store.
For occasions when uniform is not worn, uniformed adults may wear a metal pin badge depicting the Gilwell log and axe purchased from Scout Store.
10.20.1.2 Growing Roots – non-members
On completion of the Growing Roots learning, non-uniformed adults may wear a metal pin badge depicting the Gilwell log and axe.
10.20.1.3 Wood Badge
Uniformed adults holding the Wood Badge may wear the Gilwell Scarf and Gilwell Woggle purchased from Scout Store. Wood Badge beads may also be worn around the neck.
10.21.1.1
Unless specifically mentioned elsewhere in the rules of The Scout Association, badges of other organisations are not worn with uniform.
10.21.1.2 Queen’s Guide Award
Explorers, Scout Network members and adult members who have gained the Queen's Guide Award may wear the badge on their uniform and is positioned above the Queen's or King's Scout Award.
10.21.1.3 Proficiency badges involved with first aid and the saving of life
Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network members and adult members may wear with their uniform the approved proficiency badges of a number of organisations involved with first aid and the saving of life.
10.21.1.4 First Aid or Life Saving qualifications with no cloth badge
Scouts, Explorers, Scout Network members and adult members who hold approved First Aid or Life Saving qualifications for which there is no cloth badge may wear The Scout Association badge(s) as appropriate.
10.22.1.1 Badge positioning diagram
See the illustrations at Badge positioning on uniforms.