INTRODUCTION

The aims of the Proficiency badge Scheme are to provide a programme which:

1. Is simple to operate & understand.
2. Is wide and varied.
3. Encourages members to try new types of activities.
4. Gives full recognition to members' achievements.
5. Aids the progression of members towards senior N.C.O. and higher ranks.
6. Is as flexible as possible.

Syllabi will be issued on an ongoing basis as will adjustments to existing syllabi, which will be monitored by the committee. Feedback regarding any subject will be most welcome.

OPERATION OF SCHEME

1. In most subjects there are three levels: Blue, White and Red.
2. There is no lower age limit on any of the levels (although guidelines may be given for particular subjects).
3. The subjects are grouped into six categories. This feature is used for a new range of prestigious awards, which encourages a wide range of programming.
4. The minimum duration for a course will be four and a half hours. This would usually be 6 sessions of 45 minutes each, but this may be varied according to circumstances.
5. At Red level testers must NOT be the same person as the Instructor. At Blue and White level they should also be different if this is possible.
6. It will not be necessary to pre-register courses, but it will be a requirement to notify results to enable recording to take place, and badges to be issued.

TRAINER'S BADGE (Gold)

1. In many subjects, there is also a fourth level - Gold. This is an Instructor's Badge. However this cannot be attempted until the member holds the Trainer’s Certificate.
2. The Trainer's Certificate is awarded to those who have successfully attended a course on Instructional Techniques, and have demonstrated their ability to instruct others. The Training department will monitor this badge, but courses may be held at local level subject to approval.

LAZARUS AWARD

1. The Blue LAZARUS Badge - The first stage is awarded when the member achieves one pass at Blue Standard in each of the six categories.
2. The White LAZARUS Badge - The second stage is awarded when the member has gained one pass at White Standard in each category.
3. The Red LAZARUS Badge - The third stage is awarded when the member has gained one pass at Red Standard in each category.
4. The LAZARUS Award - The final stage is gained by the member additionally achieving two Instructor's badges (Gold), after being awarded their Trainer's Certificate. It is not expected that many members will reach this stage, but it does provide a high point to aim for.

No Brigade badges will be awarded for First Aid or Life Saving, but awards made by National Organisations will count towards the new awards. A table is included in the manual that equates the various national badges to the Brigade levels.

Other qualifications gained outside Brigade, for example through Duke of Edinburgh's Award, can be recognised in suitable subjects, subject to the approval of the Unit Commander. These may be counted retrospectively if gained within the previous twelve months.