How does a Local Awards Advisory Group work?

Commissioners are encouraged (but not required) to set up a Local Awards Advisory Group (LAAG) to support them in the decision-making for awards.

LAAGs can support the Commissioner in the process of recommendation, decision and administration of award nominations, ensuring the processes and Award criteria are met remains the responsibility of the relevant Commissioner at all times.

Where a Commissioner wishes to use a LAAG in a District, County, Area or Region, the group will be responsible to the District/County/Area or Region (Scotland) Commissioner and will:

• Support the Commissioner in the consideration of nominations for the Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service, Award for Merit, Bar to the Award for Merit and Silver Acorn and to make recommendations to the Chief Scout on their behalf.
• Be proactive in the promotion of the Awards Scheme.
• Facilitate an ongoing review of volunteers who may be eligible for nomination.
• Proactively collate evidence for nominations for Scouting awards in order to support the Commissioner with nominations for Bar to the Silver Acorn and Silver Wolf, Gallantry and Meritorious Conduct Awards, as well as evidence to support national honour nominations.
• Help the Commissioner to promote external national honours and other awards schemes locally.
• Liaise with the County Awards Advisory Group (where one is in place) to ensure any national nominations meet with the deadlines required.
• Help support local presentation events as appropriate, if required.
• Provide an annual awards summary report to the District or County Trustee Board.