Dear Member,

Firstly, I would like to thank all of the leaders who are continuing to deliver high quality programmes to young people during this time. This includes not only Explorer and Network Leaders, but also those who are Network Members delivering programmes in other roles to young people in Greater Manchester West.

Following recent guidance from HQ around the achievement of Top Awards, we wanted to send you links to this information and offer some ideas of how Explorers and Network members can continue to work towards the Top Awards during this time.

HQ Guidance
The guidance issued by HQ has set out a list of rules to consider, the implications that the suspension of face-to-face Scouting has on Top Awards, making the awards part of a quality programme and links to further support materials. This guidance is around a number of elements of the Programme, including the Young Leader’s Scheme, Queen’s Scout Award, Explorer Belt, Scouts of the World Award (SOWA) and Chief Scout Awards.

Click here to view the full HQ guidance around adapting the programme during the suspension of face-to-face Scouting.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme have issued their own guidance and an initiative called #DofEwithaDifference to support the completion of the awards during this time. Click here for more information.

Programme Ideas
Whilst the expedition and most of the outdoor elements of the Top Awards for Explorers and Network members can’t be completed during the suspension of face-to-face Scouting and due to the current government restrictions, some other elements of the awards can be completed at home.

We have collated some ideas for the Community and Values requirements from the ICV list for the Chief Scout Platinum and Diamond Awards, and also the Queen’s Scout Award. In addition, we have collated a number of ideas for completing the Physical Activity, Skill and Volunteering elements of the Chief Scout, Queen’s Scout and DofE awards.

Please always remember to discuss your ideas with your section leader first. If you are completing these Top Awards alongside a Duke of Edinburgh Award, please visit their website for the latest guidance by clicking here or speak to your DofE assessor/mentor.

Top Awards at Home – ICV List Ideas
Top Awards at Home – Physical Activity, Skill and Volunteering Ideas

Not started any of your awards yet or want to remind yourself of the criteria? Please see the link below.

Explorers: https://www.scouts.org.uk/explorers/awards
Network: https://www.scouts.org.uk/network/awards

Useful Contacts
If you have any further questions about Top Awards, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Programme Team.

For Network and QSA, contact myself by emailing jacob.bond@nullgmwscouts.org.uk
For Explorers, contact Dave Kerrs by emailing dave.kerrs@nullgmwscouts.org.uk
For International, contact Jeff Picton by emailing jeff.picton@nullgmwscouts.org.uk
For DofE, contact Phil Bainbridge by emailing dofe@nullgmwscouts.org.uk

Once again, thank-you for delivering extraordinary programmes to our young people during this challenging time

Kind Regards,
Jacob

Jacob Bond
Deputy County Commissioner
(Programme)