REGULATIONS FOR THE QUEEN'S BADGE

The Queen's Badge (or The Founder's Badge in the Republic of Ireland) is the highest award that may be gained by a member of The Boys' Brigade.  It aims to challenge and equip the individual, provide new opportunities and expand horizons while remaining accessible to Candidates of all abilities.

While, for most Candidates, activities will normally be spread over two or more sessions, older Candidates may complete the work in 12 months.   This will be reflected in the Candidate's individual Programme of Activity.  Activities undertaken in the Candidates' own time outside the Company (eg as part of other awards / volunteering) while working for the award may be included where appropriate.

The Queen's Badge will be awarded t omembers who qualify as follows:-

1. Hold the President's Badge.

2. Attend a Queen's Badge Candidates' Meeting as soon as possible after registration for the award. Agree an individual programme of activity.  In all things, the Candidate is encouraged to take ownership of the Programme of Activity, and to discuss alternatives with the Adviser.

3. Participate in skills-based training as soon as possible after registration, and not less than 6 months prior to completion. 
Training should include at least one of the following, and may be provided by the Brigade, Church  or external agencies:
    (a) Practical Skills Training:
i.     Relevant skills-based training to support work in the Company or Church OR
ii.    Relevant skills-based training to support service to others OR
iii.   Relevant life-skills training to support the personal development of the individual
    (b) Leadership Skills Training
Relevant training to enhance the leadership skills of the individual

4. Take Responsibility within the Brigade or Church.
     Candidates are expected to assume an appropriate degree of responsibility for an aspect of BB or Church activity.  A minimum of 30 hours activity is required across the planned period of involvement, and could include two or more different experiences in two or more Brigade Sessions.  Activities can be at any level within the Brigade or Church, and some Candidates may benefit from undertaking part of this activity outside their own Company or Church.
     Candidates are encouraged to explore options suitable to their own situation and are invited to submit proposals as part of their planned Programme of Activity.  These may include (but are not restricted to) the following:
   (a) Responsibility for others within the Brigade or Church:
i.     Work with younger members of the Company or Church in a regular programme of activity for an agreed period of time
ii.    Work with peers within the Brigade or Church in a regular programme of activity for an agreed period of time
   (b) Projects and activities within the Brigade or Church:
i.     Take responsibility for the planning or delivery of all or part of an event in the Brigade or Church
ii.    Take a responsible rôle for regular activities within the Brigade or Church for an agreed period of time.
iii.   Take a responsible rôle for a special project or new initiative within the Brigade or Church for an agreed period of time.

5. Provide Service or Support to Others outwith the Brigade or Church
     Candidates are expected to undertake practical service to others in the wider Community.  A minimum of 30 hours activity is required across the planned period of involvement, and could include two or more different experiences in two or more Brigade Sessions.
     Candidates are encouraged to explore options suitable to their own situation and are invited to submit proposals as part of their planned Programme of Activity.  Service to others may be provided in one or more of the following areas and may, where appropriate form part of a Brigade or Church outreach, community project, social aid programme etc.:
   (a) Service to individuals or groups outwith the Company or Church:
Undergo appropriate briefing, then provide regular practical service to individuals or groups of people in the community for an agreed period of time.
   (b) Service to other agencies working with individuals or groups in the Community:
Undergo appropriate briefing, then provide regular practical service to another agency or charitable cause with direct benefit to other people for an agreed period of time.
   (c) Service to the wider community:
Undergo appropriate briefing, then provide regular practical service as part of a group of people working for the benefit of the community at large for an agreed period of time.

6. Develop Interests
     Candidates must undertake at least two activities from the following three sections:-
    (a) Skills: Learn a new skill, or develop an existing one
    (b) Physical: Take part in a new activity, or develop existing participation
NB Where both of the above activities are chosen, participation should be for a minimum of 6 months in one of the above, and 3 months in the other.  Where only one is chosen, participation should be for a minimum of 6 months.
    (c) Expedition / Exploration:
Undergo appropriate training, including at least one supervised practice venture, then undertake a 3-day, 2-night venture with at least 7 hours planned daytime activity (eg journeying or exploration) per day.

The activities and attainment standards for the above are comparable with the Duke of Edinburgh's Silver Award.  If all three are undertaken, this will enable the Candidate to qualify for relevant parts of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.  Candidates in the Republic of Ireland can also use the above in work towards Gaisce - the President's Award (regulations for the Silver Award are similar to DEA in the UK, but should be checked at the outset).

7. Participate in a Completion Course
     Candidates must participate fully in a residential Completion Course:
   (a) no earlier than the session equivalent to S5 (Scotland and Republic of Ireland); Year 12 (England & Wales) or Year 13 (Northern Ireland),
   (b) not less than 12 months from the date of registration, and
   (c) not less than 6 months from the completion of skills-based training.

The Completion Course is not a training course; but will provide opportunities for personal and shared reflection and evaluation; to share experiences, celebrate achievements, challenge opinions, and explore new opportunities within the Brigade, Church and wider community.

8. Record Activity
     The Candidate should maintain a Log of Activity and Record of Achievement.