Thanks badge
What is it?
This is a nationwide Girlguiding award. It's a woven badge, or pin that can be given as thanks for a volunteer’s support. A certificate can be given with this award too.
Who can get it?
Members and non-members. It can be given to anyone, no matter how old they are.
Who can give it?
Any member of Girlguiding can give it after speaking with a leader or their local commissioner. The thanks woven badge and pin badge can be purchased on the Girlguiding shop.
Good service brooch
What is it?
This is a nationwide Girlguiding award. It's a brooch to recognise excellent service to Girlguiding. There's also a certificate that is given with it.
Who can get it?
Adult members who are a current volunteer or have finished a role less than six months before getting the award.
Who can give it?
Usually, a county commissioner but the chief guide, a chief commissioner, a country commissioner, or a commissioner of a branch association can give someone the Good Service brooch too. Any members can nominate someone to get the award.
Hero award
What is it?
This is a nationwide Girlguiding award. It's a certificate to recognise members or friends of Girlguiding who have done something wonderful that has in some way helped others. It's signed by the chief guide and a Thanks badge or Good Service brooch is often given with it.
Who can get it?
Anyone can get this award. It could be for a supporting a member of their community, coping with adversity or supporting a special fundraising project. The possibilities are endless!
Who can give it?
Anyone can fill nominate someone for the award and anyone can award it. A county commissioner will be the one who looks over the nomination and decides if it’s suitable.
Region diamond award
What is it?
This is a Girlguiding London and South East England region award. It's a brooch for a young person who has done something exceptional, as well as being a committed member of Girlguiding
Who can get it?
Any member of Girlguiding, up to her 30th Birthday.
Who can give it?
Anyone can nominate someone for this award. Complete the application form and send it to your county commissioner without the nominee knowing and include their Girlguiding history and letters of support. Your county will pass the nomination on to the region awards committee who will decide whether the region diamond award is the right fit.
Region chief commissioner award
What is it?
This is a Girlguiding London and South East England region award. It's a brooch for inspirational volunteering. It is awarded to exceptional volunteers that go above and beyond within our region.
Who can get it?
Any active adult member whose service to Girlguiding has gone above and beyond.
Who can give it?
Anyone can nominate someone for this award. Complete the application form and send it to your county commissioner without the nominee knowing and include their Girlguiding history and letters of support. Your county will pass the nomination on to the region awards committee who will decide whether the region chief commissioner award is the right fit.
Guiding star award
What is it?
This is a nationwide Girlguiding award. It's a brooch for showing resilience, being an exceptional role model or showing initiative in an emergency.
Who can get it?
Young members aged up to 19 who has done one of more of the above.
Who can give it?
Any member can fill out a short application form and send it to their county commissioner to review. The county will send it to the region awards committee will look over it and decide whether the Guiding Star is the right fit. If it is approved by the region awards committee, it will be sent to Girlguiding for final approval. Awards are given to recipients by the awards committee on behalf of the Chief Guide.
Laurel award
What is it?
This is a nationwide Girlguiding award. It's the second-highest award in Girlguiding that recognises an outstanding contribution to our work.
Who can get it?
An active adult member whose service to Girlguiding has gone above and beyond. This can include holding several roles and showing amazing leadership in them, helping to develop Girlguiding or being a respected peer and positive role model.
Who can give it?
Anyone can nominate a volunteer for a Laurel award. Send the nomination to your county commissioner without the nominee knowing and include their Girlguiding history and letters of support. Your county will pass the nomination on to the region awards committee who will decide whether the Laurel award is the right fit. If it is approved by the region awards committee, it will be sent to Girlguiding for final approval. Awards are given to recipients by the awards committee on behalf of the Chief Guide.
Silver fish award
What is it?
This is a nationwide Girlguiding award. It's the highest award a member can achieve. It’s for those who have had a big impact through lots of roles and highlights truly exceptional support for Girlguiding.
Who can get it?
An active member who's done exceptional work. They will have held a range of roles at all levels in Girlguiding and have a clear understanding of the place of Girlguiding in WAGGGS. This is Girlguiding's highest honour so only a few awards are given out each year.
Who can give it?
Anyone can nominate a volunteer for a Silver Fish award. Send the nomination to your county commissioner without the nominee knowing and include their Girlguiding history, letters of support and a cover letter. Your county will pass the nomination on to the region awards committee who will decide whether the Silver Fish is the right fit. If it is approved by the region awards committee, it will be sent to Girlguiding for final approval. Awards are given to recipients by the awards committee on behalf of the Chief Guide.
2026 submission dates
Our awards committee meet 3 times a year to review award nominations. County teams - please ensure award nominations are sent to the region awards committee (C/O Diane Barnes) by the following dates:
6 March 2026
1 July 2026
12 December 2026
