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Veterans Badge Campaign

Recognising the service of former military personnel who volunteer with young people.

Many former military personnel dedicate their time to volunteering with organisations like Scouts and Guides, bringing valuable skills, experience, and dedication to supporting young people.

IYVS is campaigning for Scouts and Guides organisations to allow youth volunteers who are former military personnel to display a recognised badge on their uniform to honour their service.

This simple recognition would acknowledge the contributions these volunteers have made to their country while celebrating their ongoing commitment to youth development.

Why This Matters

Honouring Service

Veterans have served their country with dedication and sacrifice. Allowing them to wear a veterans badge recognises this service and shows respect for their commitment to public service—both in uniform and as civilian volunteers.

Visibility & Pride

Many veteran volunteers are proud of their military service and the values it represents. A visible badge allows them to share this part of their identity with young people, parents, and fellow volunteers, fostering conversations about service, duty, and resilience.

Role Modelling

Young people benefit from diverse role models. Veterans bring unique perspectives on leadership, teamwork, discipline, and overcoming challenges—qualities that align perfectly with youth organisation values.

Inclusivity & Belonging

Recognising veterans' backgrounds helps create an inclusive environment where volunteers feel their whole identity is valued. This sense of belonging strengthens volunteer retention and wellbeing.

Precedent & Best Practice

Many organisations across the UK recognise veterans' service through badges, pins, or other symbols. Youth organisations can join this movement by adopting similar practices, demonstrating their commitment to supporting those who have served.

What We're Asking For

We are calling on Scouts and Guides organisations to:

  • Formally approve the wearing of a recognised veterans badge on volunteer uniforms
  • Provide clear guidance to groups and districts about this policy
  • Recognise the Armed Forces Covenant and the contributions of veteran volunteers
  • Create an inclusive environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences
  • Consider adopting a standardised veterans badge design that can be worn alongside existing uniform insignia

This simple policy change would cost nothing, require minimal administrative effort, and demonstrate meaningful respect for those who have served.

Proposed Badge Design

We propose adopting a recognised veterans badge design that aligns with existing Armed Forces community symbols, such as those endorsed by the Ministry of Defence or established veterans organisations.

The badge would be small, discreet, and worn in accordance with existing uniform standards—ensuring it complements rather than detracts from the youth organisation's identity.

Who This Campaign Supports

This campaign benefits:

  • Veteran volunteers who want their service recognised while volunteering with young people
  • Young people who gain from diverse role models with unique life experiences
  • Youth organisations seeking to demonstrate inclusivity and support for the Armed Forces community
  • Families of veterans who value visible recognition of their loved ones' service
  • The wider Armed Forces community by promoting positive connections between veterans and civilian society

Campaign Progress

Status: Campaign launched January 2026

We are currently gathering evidence, building support among veteran volunteers, and preparing formal submissions to Scouts and Guides organisations.

If you're a veteran volunteer or support this campaign, we'd love to hear from you.

Campaign Updates

Follow our progress and read the latest news about the Veterans Badge Campaign.

Get Involved

You can support this campaign by:

  • Sharing your story as a veteran volunteer (confidentially if preferred)
  • Expressing your support through our newsletter community
  • Raising this issue with your local Scout or Guide group leadership
  • Contacting IYVS to discuss how you can help advance this campaign
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