Scout Uniform - a symbol of our identity and pride

07/07/2009

The Scout Uniform is recognised across the world as a symbol of our organisation and it has reached our attention over the last few months that some standards have slipped.

The Scout Uniform was extensively updated in the UK in 2001, the 144th anniversary of Baden-Powell's birth. These updates were introduced gradually over the next two years to become fully effective from January 2003. It is now wholly inappropriate for members to wear previous versions of the Scout uniform and this practice has again come to light at a recent high profile event in the City of Edinburgh in the presence of our Patron, HM The Queen.

Members are also reminded that there are specific rules relating to the wearing of uniform and in particular what badges are permitted to be worn by our young people and adults. These can be found in POR Chapter 10 and the Scottish Variations to POR.

There seems to be a particular problem with occasional badges and you are reminded that occasional badges in respect of national programmes initiatives, activities or events may be worn as directed and for such periods as decided by Headquarters i.e. time to take the Centenary Badge off!

Occasional badges for wear by members in connection with a special gathering, camp, event or anniversary, once approved by the Region/SHQ, may only be worn on the uniform for a period of three months following the event.

We would be grateful if you would take some time to review local arrangements to ensure that our uniform is worn correctly by our members and our Leadership teams at all levels of Scouting and ask that anyone issuing an occasional badge reminds the recipients of these rules. Thank you.