Screamline

This is one of a set of factsheets on Scout Shows and the National Recognition scheme. It explains the role of the Scout Show Assessor, together with the skills and training required to do the job.
The procedure for managing the assessment process itself is set out in the factsheet Scout Show Recognition Scheme (FS120163).
Overview of the National Recognition Scheme
Scout Shows are a valuable tool both in developing young people and in promoting Scouting to the public. The National Recognition scheme was introduced to encourage a high standard of shows within Scouting both for the young people taking part and for members of the public in the audience.
National Recognition is awarded by the District Commissioner (or County Commissioner for County Shows) on a recommendation from a Scout Show Assessor based on the delivery of the creative elements of the show. It is given until a set date at which point a show will need a further assessment before it receives National Recognition again.

The Scout Show Assessor
All Counties will need to appoint one or a number of Scout Show Assessors. Their key role will be to assess any type of Scout Show, where the show has requested to their Commissioner that they would like to be assessed for National Recognition, to see whether the delivery of the creative elements is to the standard required.
As a minimum to become an Assessor a person must:
•    Be at least an Associate Member of the Movement.
•    Have completed a modified version of module 25 of the Adult Training Scheme, which can be validated through assessing two shows for recognition
A special word version of the module 25 workbook aimed specifically at Scout Show Assessors is available to download from ScoutBase UK or from the Information Centre.
•    Have experience in a key personnel role of a Scout Show production.
An Assessor must not assess a show they are currently involved in, and good practise would say that they shouldn't assess a show they have had recent involvement in.

The Assessment
The assessment for National Recognition should not be seen as a test or trial, but an opportunity to help the show develop and improve, and as a way of rewarding and celebrating achievement.
It is recommended that shows should not know when they are being assessed due to the extra pressures this can place on show members, which can lead to a deterioration in performance levels.
Assessors should be flexible in conducting assessments. They should recognise that shows can be run successfully in many different styles and different formats. Just because a show chooses a different style or format to that which the Assessor would have chosen does not make it a bad show.
The purpose of an assessment by a Scout Show Assessor is to look at the creative elements of the show as defined in the factsheet FS120270 Assessment Criteria for Scout Show Recognition.

Recommending National Recognition
Having visited the show the Scout Show Assessor should pass their recommendation, as to whether the show should receive National Recognition, on to the County Commissioner (for County shows) or District Commissioner (for District and Group shows). It is the Commissioner who then makes the final decision and awards the show National Recognition if they have been successful.
Along with the recommendation it is useful if the Assessor can provide brief notes on the show, what went well, what can be improved on, how they can develop etc, to the Commissioner. These can be used to aid future development in discussions between the Commissioner and Show Chairperson / management team.