Guidelines for Regional Representatives

Regional Representatives are the “on-site pillar“ and personal proxy of the Association’s support system (see also Handbook 3: Working with the Award, chapter 1.) They are specially qualified, trained and certified staff members of Operating Authorities who act for the Award Association to ensure quality implementation in their specific subject area and their region. They serve as

1. Co-trainers for Leaders Courses organized by the Operating Authority

2. Consultants for guidance of pilot projects in their own and in other Operating Authorities in their region

3. Wild Country Assessors assessing the qualifying venture for the Gold Award. They must not be involved in the training of the groups.

4. NETZWERK-Correspondents who research and document examples of best practice from all levels of programme work in their own and other Operating Authorities.

The curriculum for the theoretical and practical training of each type of Regional Representative is outlined in the corresponding Training Guidelines. Upon successful completion of the training, the board of the Award Association appoints Regional Representatives for a three-year commitment, with the right to withdraw an appointment if necessary. The National Director coordinates the work of Regional Representatives.

At certain stages of programme development, Operating Authorities must provide the following minimum number of Regional Representatives to ensure that the increased responsibilities can be met:

1. Organisation of Leaders Courses: one trainer

2. Licence extension for the Gold Award: two wild country assessors

3. Licence extension for multiple Award Units: two consultants

Operating Authorities, which do not pursue such extensions, also benefit from their Regional Representatives in multiple ways. They can

1. Gain highly qualified staff for their own programme development

2. Gain experience from the programme work of other Operating Authorities in the region and internationally

3. Exchange services of Regional Representatives, for example assessors in wild country areas

Requirements

Regional Representatives must give a written statement of commitment before beginning their training. They commit to

1. Keeping themselves up to date on the programme and their specific role

2. Contributing regularly in their role and to document their activities in a personal logbook

3. Acting according to the Code of Conduct in their Award work

4. Actively and fully representing the interests and regulations of the Award Association

5. Taking part in training opportunities and workshops for Regional Representatives

Pre-requisites for certification as Regional Representative include:

1. A thorough understanding of the philosophy and structure of the programme (Leaders Course and Management Course attended)

2. Experience in working with the Award (several years of working on the management team of an Operating Authority offering at least Silver)

3. Some experience with the specific role of Regional Representative (see also requirements for each role)

4. Registration with the correct form including basic requirements

Regional Representatives need a thorough understanding of the following publications:

1. Print media: Handbook, Participant’s Logbook, Expedition Guide, Leader’s Manual, Notes for Adult Helpers, Forms Collection

2. Internet: Public Website (incl. NETZWERK, Calendar, Online-Shop), Intranet and Online Administration

Activities

What it means to “contribute regularly“ will depend on the role of the Regional Representative. Specific expectations can be found in the corresponding guidelines. Should a Regional Representative not contribute at all within the three-year period, then the certification becomes invalid. The extensive training as Regional Representative is only sensible with the intention of contributing regularly in the new role.

The central purpose of Regional Representatives is to actively represent the interests of the Award Association. This is only possible if one is thoroughly familiar with its philosophy and regulations and shares the values of the Association. Such grounding becomes especially important in the case of misunderstandings or resistance that may arise in working with Operating Authorities. Clearly pointing out any ambiguities or even mistakes in the implementation of the programme is just as crucial as highlighting examples of best practice!

Regional Representatives are asked to document their involvement in a personal logbook. The logbook should contain all relevant information and documents pertaining to the activities, such as

1. Certificates

2. General notes for Regional Representatives

3. Specific instructions for the role

4. Record of activities (forms can be found in the internal forms collection)

5. Overview of activities

6. Personal records

All relevant information and communication for Regional Representatives, including forms for documenting activities, can be accessed via the Intranet. Training opportunities will include workshops for Regional Representatives, which may be general, role-specific or a combination of both.