Awards, Honours, and Recognition at St John Ambulance Western Australia St John Ambulance Western Australia recognises the service provided by its staff and volunteers in a number of ways, foremost among these being through formal and .

This brochure provides a definitive guide on the formal awards and medals available as well as details about who is eligible, what the eligibility criteria is, and how nominations should be completed.

This brochure, and the information in it, supersedes all previous information and advice as at February 2016. St John Ambulance Awards St John Ambulance awards The Service of the is a THE SERVICE MEDAL OF THE ORDER OF ST JOHN THE SERVICErecognised MEDAL OF honourThe Service Medal recognises only length of The Service Medal is available only to THE ORDER OF ST JOHN service and as such provides a different form Nomination process of recognition to that given through admission to volunteers who have completed 12 years of The Service Medalwithin is available only the to volunteers Australian A circular calling for nominations is or promotion within the Order of St John, where ‘efficient service’, with bars awarded for who have completed 12 years of ‘effi cient distributed each year in September, an emphasis is placed on an individual’s every five years of efficient service thereafter. service’, with barsHonours awarded for every fi ve System. years with a December deadline for submitting achievements and the impact his/her service Efficient service is achieved if a volunteer of effi cient service thereafter. Effi cient service is completed nominations. Nomination has had on the community. Consequently, has: achieved if a volunteer has: forms for country ambulance volunteers the nomination processes are separate. are attached to the circular and need `` Provided at least 60 hours of annual service to NOMINATION PROCESS the community through their St John } Provided at least 60 hours of annual service The Service Medal of the Order is a recognised to be submitted to Volunteer Member , per calendar year. Hours spent to the communityA circular through calling their forSt Johnnominations is distributed each honour within the Australian Honours System. Services (VMS) by the due date. Event on stand-by accrue at 50% (i.e. 30 minutes is volunteering.year Hours in September,spent on stand-by with accruea December deadline for counted for every 60 minutes on standby); and Health Services (EHS) tends to identify at 50% (i.e. 30submitting minutes is completed counted for nominations.every Nomination eligible EHS volunteers through its `` Maintained any skills required to perform their 60 minutes onforms standby); for country and ambulance volunteers are Annual Returns, with Area and Divisional role/s at St John; and attached to the circular and need to be submitted } Maintained any skills required to perform their Managers responsible for compiling all `` Ensured their service is of a satisfactory quality to Volunteer Member Services (VMS) by the due role/s at St John; and the necessary supporting documentation A simple way of thinking about the Service date. Event Health Services (EHS) tends to identify (usually just a print out of a volunteer’s Medal is that a volunteer needs to complete } Worked in accordanceeligible EHS with volunteers their through its Annual Returns, service hours per year) and sending efficient service, within each calendar year, position description.with Divisional Managers responsible for compiling this to VMS. for twelve years. Those years do not have to A simple way ofall thinking the necessary about the supporting Service Medal documentation be consecutive. is that a volunteer(usually needs just to completea print out effi ofcient a volunteer’s service Once nominations are processed by The Service Medal recognises only length of service, within hourseach calendar per year) year, and sending this to VMS. St John WA, they are then sent to the service and as such provides a different form for 12 years. ThoseOnce years nominations do not have are processed by St John WA, Australian Priory in Canberra for fi nal of recognition to that given through to be consecutive.they are then sent to the Priory in Canberra for final approval. Presentation of medals and bars admission to or promotion within the Order approval. Presentation of medals and bars occurs occurs each year at the State Conference. of St John, where an emphasis is placed on each year at the State Conference. As the Volunteer Information Portal (VIP) an individual’s achievements and the impact develops additional functionality, a his/her service has had on the community. volunteer’s hours will be automatically Consequently, the nomination processes are recorded in the database and then separate. grouped by year, allowing a greater level of automation to the nominations process.

4 I St John Ambulance Western Australia Awards, Honours and Recognition I 5 Three, six and nine year Three, six and nine year service recognition service recognition pins (EHS) (country ambulance)

THREE, SIX AND NINE YEAR For EHS: Divisional Managers will identify eligible Service Recognition are awarded to volunteers These pins are awarded to country ambulance volunteers THREE, SIX AND NINE YEAR For EHS: Divisional Managers will identify eligible SERVICE RECOGNITION RIBBON volunteers. Those who think they may be SERVICE RECOGNITION RIBBON who volunteers.have completed Those 3,who 6 andthink 9 they years may of be efficient who have performed 3, 6 or 9 years’ efficient service. eligible should also contact EHS. The Chief service.eligible ‘Efficient should alsoservice’ contact is definedEHS. The in Chief the same way as Volunteer Member Services (together with Regional Executive Offi cer approves the awarding of for the Service Medal of the Order. After 12 years’ Managers) will identify eligible recipients, based on service Service Recognition Service Recognition Executive Offi cer approves the awarding of ribbons, which are presented by EHS at the service and a volunteer has been awarded the Service records and through the VIP system, and then notify them ribbons, which are presented by EHS at the Ribbons are awarded EHS awards ceremony. Ribbons are awarded Medal,EHS the awards Service ceremony. Recognition ribbons are no longer but volunteers who think they may be eligible should contact worn. VMS at any time. Ribbons are awarded at the relevant to volunteers who For country: Over time, the Service Recognition For country: Over time, the Service Recognition Ribbons will replace the existing Country to volunteers who Divisional Managers will identify eligible volunteers but volunteer’s sub-centre. Ribbons will replace the existing Country Ambulance Volunteer . VMS (together those who think they may be eligible should also It is intended that, over time, pins will be replaced by the have completed three, have completed three, Ambulance Volunteer Badge. VMS (together with Regional Managers) will identify eligible contact EHS. The Chief Executive Officer approves the ribbons which EHS volunteers currently receive. with Regional Managers) will identify eligible six and nine years of recipients, based on service records and through six and nine years of awarding of ribbons, which are presented by EHS at the recipients, based on service records and through the VIP system and then notify them, but EHS Awards Ceremony. effi cient service. effi cient service. the VIP system and then notify them, but volunteers who think they may be eligible should volunteers who think they may be eligible should ‘Effi cient service’ is defi ned in the same way as contact VMS at any time. Ribbons are awarded ‘Effi cient service’ is defi ned in the same way as contact VMS at any time. Ribbons are awarded for the Service Medal of the Order. After 12 years’ at the relevant volunteer’s sub-centre. for the Service Medal of the Order. After 12 years’ at the relevant volunteer’s sub-centre. service, and a volunteer has been awarded with service, and a volunteer has been awarded with the Service Medal, the Service Recognition the Service Medal, the Service Recognition ribbons are no longer worn. ribbons are no longer worn.

6 I St John Ambulance Western Australia Awards, Honours and Recognition I 7 6 I St John Ambulance Western Australia Awards, Honours and Recognition I 7 Quotas limit the number of individuals who may be admitted to or promoted one level Admission to or promotion within the after admittance to the Order. Western Australia’s quota is a combined total of 40. Order of St John Individuals are not able to nominate themselves for admission or promotion, and those nominating others must keep that fact confidential. Individuals whose nominations are successful are invested into the Order during the Being admitted to the Order of St John is the highest ADMISSION TO OR PROMOTION Nomination process Quotas limit the number of individuals who Annual Investiture (usually at the investiture serviceA Regional in theNominations second Committeeyear after is the may be admitted to or promoted one level after honour within St John’s awards and honours system a WITHIN THE ORDER OF ST JOHN nomination is submitted). established in each region to identify between fi ve admittance to the Order. Western Australia’s volunteer or employee can be given. Service needs to be Being admitted to the Order of St John is the and ten individuals whose service is deserving of quota is a combined total of 40. recognised as ‘outstanding’. Outstanding service is highest honour within St John’s awards and What is the Order of St John? the recognition given through membership of the honours system a volunteer or employee can Individuals are not able to nominate themselves measured by the quality of an individual’s service, The Order of St John is sometimes defined Orderas a ‘royal of St John. order The of Committeechivalry’ identifibut this es isthese not be given. Service needs to be recognised as for admission or promotion, and those identifiable achievements during that service, and the level a useful way of understanding what it actuallyindividuals is. An ‘order’ either through is typically the nominations a society it or ‘outstanding’. Outstanding service is measured nominating others must keep that of impact on the organisation and community because of group of people who abide by the same religiousreceives and/or through moral an open codes process, and orwho through act in by the quality of an individual’s service, fact confi dential. that service. Length of service is an important its own knowledge, and is then responsible for identifi able achievementsfurtherance during of a similar that service, purpose. Orders exist as a means of recognising exceptional ensuring that a nomination for each individual Individuals whose nominations are successful consideration in determining the merits of an individual’s and the leveland of impact long-standing on the organisation service and to a nation – for example, the Order of Australia, or the is of a high standard and contains enough are invested into the Order during the Annual nomination, although is recognised in its own right through community becauseOrder of of the that Britishservice. EmpireLength – but some may also exist not just to recognise valued information to support/justify the case for Investiture (usually at the investiture service in the the Service Medal. of service is service,an important but consideration to serve humanitarian in and charitable ends. The Order of St John is one admission or promotion. second year after the nomination is submitted). Promotion within the Order is determined not only on the basis of the outstanding determining suchthe merits dual-purpose of an individual’s order: it recognises service, and it operates across the globe to service given by an individual since his/her last promotion, but also on the ability of nomination, alleviatealthough is sickness, recognised distress, in its suffering and danger.A similar It processis a ‘royal exists order’ for EHS because volunteers, HM with the that individual to demonstrate how his or her leadership has influenced St John own right throughQueen the is Service the head Medal. of the Order, and it is an ‘orderArea Managers of ’ working in recognition with Division Managersof the to oversee the nomination process for EHS and Ambulance for the better. Promotion within the Order is not normally considered Promotion withincode the of Order behaviour is determined expected not of its members. also call for nominations to be received. Area before five years has passed since admission/the last promotion, although there have only on the basis of the outstanding service given Managers/Division Managers then identify been exceptions. Being admitted to the Order of St John is a recognised honour by an individualWhat since does his/her it lastmean promotion, to be a member of the Order of St John? between fi ve and ten EHS volunteers per area within the Australian Honours System. but also on theUnder ability the of thatconstitution individual to of St John Ambulance WA, members of the Order of St John whose service is considered deserving of Order demonstrateare how simultaneously his or her leadership members has of the in Western Australia of the Order of membership. They also ensure that nominations infl uenced StSt John John. Ambulance This entitles for the better.members to attend and, depending on the grade of NOMINATION PROCESS forwarded to the CEO’s Offi ce are of a high Promotion withinmembership the Order is(Officer not normally and above), vote at the Commandery meeting (the A Regional Nominations Committee is established in each region to identify standard and well written. considered beforeAnnual fi ve General years has Meeting), passed since as well as receive the Annual and Financial Reports of the individuals whose service is deserving of the recognition given through membership admission/theorganisation, last promotion, and although receive there invitations to Commandery/OrderNominations are sent specific to the CEO’s events. Offi ce Beyond for of the Order of St John. The Committee identifies these individuals either through the have been exceptions.this, however, members of the Order are partforwarding of a unique to the body Commandery whose membersInvestigations – nominations it receives through an open process, or through its own knowledge, and Committee (CIC), which assesses the merits of Being admittedwith to theirthe Order collective of St John experience, knowledge and understanding of the pillars and is then responsible for ensuring that a nomination for each individual is of a high each nomination before forwarding successful is a recognisedfabric honour of St within John the – Australian help guide the organisation forward. Members are the current standard and contains enough information to support/justify the case for admission nominations to the Priory Investigations Honours System.custodians of the traditions and history of an Order which has existed in its modern or promotion. Committee (PIC) in Canberra. sense for well over a century but whose origins go back a thousand years. A similar process exists for EHS personnel, with EHS Management with Divisional Managers overseeing the nomination process for EHS, calling for nominations to be What information should I put in a nomination? received, writing nominations, and ensuring that in all cases nominations which are Nomination forms contain two sections: a service statement and a ‘reason for forwarded to the CEO’s Office are of a high standard 8 andI St John well Ambulance written. Western Australia nomination’ statement. When filling out the first section, ensure that enough details Awards, Honours and Recognition I 9 Nominations are sent to the CEO’s Office for forwarding to the Commandery are provided about how long the nominee has served St John – and in what Honours & Awards Committee (CHAC), which assesses the merits of each positions, at what locations – and that short descriptions are also provided about nomination before forwarding successful nominations to the Priory Honours & what those positions have entailed (i.e. what are the responsibilities of the position?). Awards Committee (PHAC) in Canberra. When filling out the ‘reason for nomination’ section, ensure there are enough details so that it’s obvious to the Honours & Awards committee why the nominee should be admitted or promoted in the Order. For example, it’s useful to talk specifically about the nominee’s achievements and what difference these have made to the Lifetime Association Certificates organisation, and to the local community. It is also useful to back statements up with examples, evidence and numbers (hours of service, ambulance cases attended, first aid students trained etc.). Think of the overall nomination as equivalent to a job Lifetime Association Certificates are presented to current staff, former staff, current application – claims have to be substantiated and backed up with good examples! volunteers, and former volunteers if they have an association with St John of 50 years (Gold), 55 years (Emerald), 60 years (Diamond), 65 years (Sapphire) and 70 years What does it mean to be a member What information should I put COMMANDERY COMMENDATION (Platinum).The Certificates nomination are awardedprocess on andthe basis forms of having are themaintained same, a connection of the Order of St John? in a nomination? to St Johnhowever, for the relevant as for qualifying admission period. to/promotion That connection within can be themaintained What does it mean to be a member What information should I put COMMANDERY COMMENDATIONCommanderyThe nomination process Commendation andA forms Commandery are the same, Commendation is awarded through active ambulance service, service on a sub-centre committee, other service The Order of St John is offi cially an order of The nomination forms contain three sections: Order (i.e. it is handled through the Regional of the Order of St John? in a nomination? however, as for admission to/promotionto a volunteer within or theemployee who is considered at or involvement with a sub-centre, membership of the Order of St John, A Commandery Commendation is awarded volunteering at the Heritage Centre, or through many other forms of involvement. The Order of St John is offi cially an order of The nominationchivalry forms under contain the threecrown sections: but in reality has a much service, achievement, and impact.A CommanderyThe fi rstOrder should Commendation (i.e. it is handled is awarded through to a thevolunteer Regional or employee who is Nominations Committee). Commandery to a volunteer or employee who is consideredconsidered deserving of some recognition butdeserving not at the levelof some given by recognition membership but not at the level chivalry under the crown but in reality has a much service, achievement,more practical and impact.purpose. The It fi rstexists should not only as a include detail about someone’s service historyNominations Committee). Commandery Commendations are presented at the Annual deserving of some recognition but not at theof levelthe Order of St John. The nomination processgiven and by forms membership are the same, of however, the Order of St John. NOMINATION PROCESS more practical purpose. It exists not only as a include detail about someone’s service history as for admissionCommendations to/promotion within are presented the Order (i.e. at itthe is handledAnnual through the Regional way of formally recognising outstanding service, given (positionsby membership held, of sub-centre/division, the Order of St John. including with Eligible individualsInvestiture are (usuallyidentified atand the then service notified. in Notwithstanding,the year those who think Nominations Committee). they may be eligible are encouraged to contact the Executive Administration Officer way of formally recognising outstanding service, (positions butheld, as sub-centre/division, a body whose members including with – with their number of years); the second should includeInvestiture detail (usually at the service in the year after the nomination is submitted). in Belmont and advise of that fact. but as a body whose members – with their number ofcollective years); the experience,second should knowledge include detail and about some of the notable achievements ofafter that the nomination is submitted). collective experience, knowledge and about some of the notable achievements of that understanding of the pillars and fabric of St John, service (for example, number of students taught understanding of the pillars and fabric of St John, service (for example, number of students taught and how these relate to modern times – help fi rst aid, numberand how of fi rstthese aid classesrelate togiven, modern number times – help fi rst aid, number of fi rst aid classes given, number guide the organisation forward. The Order of of hours ofguide service, the details organisation of any innovation forward. or The Order of of hours of service, details of any innovation or St John is the group under whose name the change forSt the John better); is the and group the third under should whose name the change for the better); and the third should business of St John Ambulance is conducted, include detailbusiness about theof Stimpact John those Ambulance is conducted, include detail about the impact those and its members are the current custodians achievementsand haveits members had on St areJohn the and current on the custodians achievements have had on St John and on the LIFETIME ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATE of the traditions and history of an Order which community. In addressing the third criteria, care DIAMOND of the traditions and history of an Order which community. In addressing the third criteria, care has existed in its modern sense for well should be taken not to provide or repeat a has existed in its modern sense for well should be taken not to provide or repeat a Awarded to over a century. description of someone’s achievements; this is Mr Alexander Taylor OStJ required underover thea century. second criteria (achievement). description of someone’s achievements; this is Rather, it is important to outline why those required under the second criteria (achievement). On this 14th day of August, 2015 achievements have enabled St John better to Rather, it is important to outline why those For 60 years of being associated with St John Ambulance Western Australia meet its purpose of serving humanity. achievements have enabled St John better to meet its purpose of serving humanity.

Gerard King KStJ Commandery Lieutenant Chairman of the Board of Directors

10 I St John Ambulance Western Australia Awards, Honours and Recognition I 11

10 I St John Ambulance Western Australia Awards, Honours and Recognition I 11 50 YEAR SERVICE CERTIFICATE (PAID) SERVICE Service Recognition Awards RECOGNITION AWARDS The Fifty Year Service Certifi cate is awarded to are internal St John WA awards staff who have had an ‘ongoing connection’ with There is no nomination process; eligible staff are St John for 50 years. Such connection can be identifi ed and then notifi ed by Human Resources/ and are awarded to all paid staff achieved through active service as well as Corporate(Paid) Events and Service then are presented theirRecognition members for every Awards fi ve years’ EHS Volunteer Contribution Pins through attending St John meetings (such as awards at an opportune time (for 5 year service recipients) or at the State Conference (for 10 year service (up to 45 years) they the Friends of St John) and events, helping out Service Recognition Awards are internal St John WA awards and are awarded to all EHS volunteers who perform 250, 500, 750, and 1000 hours of service in a calendar and above service recipients). Recipients of the at sub-centres, providing administration support paid staff members for every five years’ servicehave completed.(up to 45 years) they have completed. year are eligible for EHS Contribution pins corresponding to that service. There is no are asked to complete a small at sub-centres, and remaining a member of the There is no nomination process; eligible staff are identified and then notified by nomination process – EHS volunteers who believe they are eligible (based on a Order of St John. questionnaire providing details about what they likeHuman most about Resources/Corporate working at St John, and Events about and then are presented their awards at an cumulative total of the number of hours’ service performed) should inform their a highlightopportune of their time career (for to 5 date. year service recipients) or at the State Conference (for 10 year Divisional Manager. 60 AND 70 YEAR SERVICE and above service recipients). CERTIFICATE From 2014 on, 60 and 70 years’ service will also EHS VOLUNTEER COUNTRY AMBULANCE SERVICE Awards are judged by a selection panel and be recognised by service certifi cates. Eligibility are presented at the Annual Christmas Awards. and nomination process is the same as for the CONTRIBUTION PINS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR The judging panel may also award Special 50 Year Service Certifi cate. EHS volunteers who perform 250, 500, 750, The nomination process for the Country Commendations to those nominees who have Nomination process and 1000 hours of service in a calendar year are Ambulance Service Volunteer of the Year is displayed skill and courage but fall short of the Eligible individuals are identifi ed and then notifi ed. eligible for EHS Contribution pins corresponding exactly the same as for the EHS Volunteer of threshold for the Community Hero Award. Notwithstanding, those who think they may be to that service. There is no nomination process the Year. Nominations are shortlisted by VMS eligible are encouraged to contact the Executive Administration Offi cer at Belmont. – EHS volunteers who believe they are eligible together with Country Ambulance Operations Further details can be found at: (based on a cumulative total of the number of Managers, the winner is chosen by the Chief stjohnambulance.com.au/st-john/about-us/ hours’ service performed) should inform their Executive Offi cer, and the award is presented awards-and-recognition/community-hero-awards. Divisional Manager. Service pins are presented at the Awards Sundowner. at the annual EHS seminar. CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION COMMUNITY HERO AWARD Signed by the Ambulance Service Director, EHS YOUNG VOLUNTEER (SERVICE CATEGORY) the Certifi cate of Commendation is presented

12 I St John Ambulance Western Australia Awards, Honours and Recognition I 13 OF THE YEAR AND EHS Nominations for the Community Hero Award to ambulance offi cers and paramedics (both paid VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR in the Service category are open to all St John and volunteer) whose efforts in attending These awards are, respectively, for the EHS Ambulance WA personnel (paid or volunteer) who incidents have been brought to the organisation’s Young Volunteer of the Year (under 30 years have gone ‘above and beyond’ their ordinary duties attention by witnesses, members of the public, of age) and the EHS Volunteer of the Year; both and responsibilities to prevent injury and loss of life. or by those who received treatment. There is no are presented at the Awards Sundowner. Nominees are expected to have acted in a way that nomination process. Nominations are sent (usually in May) to EHS staff was over and above what a ‘trained’ individual and nominators are required to complete details would have been expected to carry out, and to about a nominee’s service, achievements, and have demonstrated courage, exceptional impact –essentially, it is the same criteria as judgement, and professionalism in the face of an admission to or promotion within the Order, adverse situation. Winners must agree to participate although relates specifi cally to EHS. Nominees in media interviews and photo opportunities. must also have completed ‘effi cient’ service. Nominations are accepted from anyone at Nominations are shortlisted by VMS together St John, staff from other emergency organisations with EHS, and the winners are chosen by the and from members of the public. Nominations Chief Executive Offi cer. usually have to be received by the end of September each year.

14 I St John Ambulance Western Australia Awards, Honours and Recognition I 15 National Awards National Awards

AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL THENational NATIONAL MEDAL Awards AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL THE NATIONAL MEDAL The AmbulanceThe NationalService Medal is awarded Medal for Paid staff who have provided 15 years of service The Ambulance Service Medal is awarded for Paid staff who have provided 15 years of service ‘distinguished service’ to a state or territory for an eligible organisation can nominate for the ‘distinguished service’ to a state or territory for an eligible organisation can nominate for the ambulance service. While there are no strict ambulance service. While there are no strict NationalAMBULANCE Medal, with clasps SERVICE for every 10 MEDAL years of National Medal, with clasps for every 10 years of Paid staff who have provided 15 years of service for an eligible defi nitions on what constitutes distinguished defi nitions on what constitutes distinguished serviceThe thereafter. Ambulance St John Service Ambulance Medal WA is awardedis an for ‘distinguished service thereafter. St John Ambulance WA is an organisation can nominate for the National Medal, with clasps service, it is usually taken to mean service service, it is usually taken to mean service eligibleservice’ organisation. to a state Service or territorycan be wholly ambulance at service. While there eligible organisation. Service can be wholly at markedfor byevery signifi 10 cant years achievements of service (many thereafter. St John Ambulance marked by signifi cant achievements (many St Johnare or no partly strict at definitionsSt John with onthe balancewhat constitutes distinguished St John or partly at St John with the balance over andWA aboveis an eligiblethat which organisation. would normally Service be can be wholly at St over and above that which would normally be madeservice, up through it is service usually at takenanother to eligible mean service marked by significant made up through service at another eligible expectedJohn of or an partly employee/volunteer at St John with of anthe balance made up through expected of an employee/volunteer of an organisationachievements (typically (manywhat may over be and referred above to asthat which would normally organisation (typically what may be referred to as ambulanceservice organisation at another and eligible over aorganisation signifi cant (typically what may be ambulance organisation and over a signifi cant a ‘servicebe expected organisation’: of an for employee/volunteer example, the Defence of an ambulance a ‘service organisation’: for example, the Defence periodreferred of time). to as a ‘service organisation’: for example, the period of time). Force,organisation Corrective Services, and over Protective a significant Services, period of time). Force, Corrective Services, Protective Services, Defence Force, Corrective Services, Protective Services, and The Ambulance Service Medal is a recognised The Ambulance Service Medal is a recognised and Police). and Police). honourPolice). within the Australian Honours System. honour within the Australian Honours System. NOMINATION PROCESS The National Medal is a recognised award within The National Medal is a recognised award within the The National Medal is a recognised award within Nomination process Each year, the Chief Executive Officer of St John WA nominates one Nomination process the Australian Honours System Australian Honours System. the Australian Honours System Each year, the Chief Executive Offi cer of St John paramedic, one volunteer ambulance officer, and one administrator/ Each year, the Chief Executive Offi cer of St John Service needs to be ‘eligible’, which means: WA nominatesService needsone paramedic, to be ‘eligible’, one volunteer which means: Servicemanager needs towho be ‘eligible’,support thewhich organisation’s means: ambulance operations. WA nominates one paramedic, one volunteer `` It is service to fulfil the primary function of an organisation. For St John Ambulance, the ambulance offi cer, and one administrator/manager ambulance offi cer, and one administrator/manager } It isNominations service to fulfi are l the sent primary to the function Minister of for an Health for consideration; the } It is service to fulfi l the primary function of an National Medal Regulations stipulate our primary function to be “ambulance operations”, so who supports the organisation’s ambulance who supports the organisation’s ambulance Minister then forwards those nominations to the Premier’s Department, from where they are organisation. For St John Ambulance, the paramedics, transport officers, communications officers, and other front-line staff who organisation. For St John Ambulance, the operations. Nominations are sent to the Minister for operations. Nominations are sent to the Minister for support ambulance operations, as well as managers in these roles, are eligible. Nationalthen sentMedal to RegulationsGovernment stipulate House ourin Canberra. The Governor-General awards the Ambulance National Medal Regulations stipulate our Health for consideration; the Minister then forwards Health for consideration; the Minister then forwards `` Throughout the service period, the employee needs to have maintained a level of training primaryService function Medal to on be the ‘ambulance recommendation operations’, of the Premier, and awards are announced as part of primary function to be ‘ambulance operations’, those nominations to the Premier’s Department, those nominations to the Premier’s Department, sufficient to fulfil the primary function; so paramedics,the Australia transportDay Honours. offi cers, While there is no circular or other communication advising of the so paramedics, transport offi cers, from where they are then sent to Government State Awards from where they are then sent to Government `` The employee has served the organisation diligently. communicationnomination process offi cers, forand the other Ambulance front line Service Medal, individuals are free to suggest communication offi cers, and other front line House in Canberra. The Governor-General awards House in Canberra. The Governor-General awards nominees, and to present a supporting case, which the CEO’s Office keeps on file. staff who support ambulance operations, as the AmbulanceThere is aService strict Medalburden on of the proof on nominees to provide evidence of service in staff who support ambulance operations, as the Ambulance Service Medal on the well as managers in these roles, are eligible. recommendationanother organisation of the Premier, which and awardsthey want are counted towards the 15 year service well as managers in these roles, are eligible. recommendation of the Premier, and awards are announced as part of the Australia Day Honours. } Throughout the service period, the employee announcedrequirement. as part of Thatthe Australia evidence DayThere normally Honours. is a strict comes burden ofin proofthe formon nominees of official certification from } Throughout theDEPARTMENT service period, the OF employee While there is no circular or other communication Whilethat there other is no circularorganisation or other of communication startto provide dates evidence (day, monthof service and in another year), end dates (day, month, needsState to have maintainedCOMMUNITIES award a level of 50 training YEAR needs to have maintained a level of training advisingand of year), the nomination and any process breaks for inorganisation theservice. which they want counted towards suffi cient to fulfi VOLUNTEERl the primary function; SERVICE BADGE advising of the nomination process for the suffi cient to fulfi l the primary function; Ambulance Service Medal, individualsthe are 15 freeyear toservice requirement. That evidence Ambulance Service Medal, individuals are free to } TheDEPARTMENT employee hasThe servedDepartment OF the COMMUNITIES of Communities 50 Year WA: } The employee has served the suggest nominees, and to present a normallysupporting comes in the form of offi cial certifi cation Volunteer Service Badge is a State award suggest nominees, and to present a supporting NOMINATION PROCESS organisationVOLUNTEER diligently. SERVICE AWARDS organisation diligently. case, which the CEO’s Offi ce keeps onfrom fi le. another organisation of start dates (day, which any resident who meets the criteria is case, which the CEO’s Offi ce keeps on fi le. A circular is published in April each year calling on paid staff who consider they may The Department of Communities 25 & 50 Year month and year), end dates (day, month, and eligible to receive. Nominations are made by the be eligible to contact the Executiveyear), and any Administration breaks in service. Officer and to make themselves Volunteer Serviceorganisation with whom are theState resident awards has which known. In parallel, the Executive Administration Officer is able to access the any residentvolunteered who meets and authorisedthe criteria by that is eligibleorganisation’s to Chief Executive Offi cer. As indicated by the name 18 I St John Ambulance Western Australia organisation’s service records and identify individuals who would appear to qualify. receive. NominationsAwards, Honours are and made Recognition by the I 19 organisation 18 I St John Ambulance Western Australia Awards, Honours and Recognition I 19 Individuals who are identified through the latter process have the option of not with whom ofthe the resident badge, a volunteer has volunteered must have made and a Nomination process 50 year contribution to the mission or functioning continuing with the nomination.A circular Once is all published nominations in April each have year been received,nominations and have been received, and checks authorised ofby the that organisation. organisation’s The candidate Chief can Executive nominate checks completed on service callingperiods, on employees a list of staffwho consider considered they eligiblecompleted is sent on to service the periods, a list Officer. Volunteershow he/she wouldmust likehave the badgemade conferred. a 25 or 50 year may be eligible to contact the Executive of staff considered eligible is sent to the CEO for final approval, before being sent to Government House in Canberra for contributionVolunteers to the mission are able to or complete functioning the nomination of the Administration Offi cer and make themselves CEO for fi nal approval, before being sent consideration by the Honours & Awards Secretariat. organisation.form The themselves candidate via communities.wa.gov.au can nominate how and he/ known. In parallel, the Executive to Government House in Canberra for she would likethen thesubmit badge these toconferred. the Executive Administration Administration Offi cer is able to access the consideration by the Honours & Offi cer for further processing. organisation’s service records and identify Awards Secretariat. Volunteers are able to complete the nomination form themselves via https://www.dlgc. employees who would appear to qualify. The Medal is awarded each year by the wa.gov.au/CommunityInitiatives/Pages/Volunteer-Service-Awards.aspx and then Employees who are identifi ed through the Governor of Western Australia at the submit these to the Executive Administration Officer for further processing. latter process have the option of not Annual Christmas Awards. continuing with the nomination. Once all

20 I St John Ambulance Western Australia Awards, Honours and Recognition I 21 Service Medal (12 Order of St John (Paid) National Ambulance EHS Ineligible years) Commandery Service Medal Service Medal Volunteer Eligible Service Recognition Commendation Recognition Contribution Ribbon or Badge Lifetime Awards Pins (3,6,9 years Association Department of Certificates Communities: Volunteer Service Awards Paid paramedics

Paid transport staff

Paid communications staff

Paid administrative/ support/Executive staff

Paid first aid services and training staff

Volunteer ambulance officers

Volunteer EHS members

Other volunteers Attending award presentations whether or not reimbursement will be given. 13. A sub-centre cannot approve reimbursement for one volunteer and deny it to another (if it is asked for) from the same sub-centre for attendance at the same investiture/ceremony/ St John believes that those who are receiving awards should not in some cases have presentation. to pay for the privilege of having the award conferred. As such, the following 14. Funding does not extend to spouses, family members, or friends. guidelines are in place and should be adhered to in the absence of compelling NOTE: in all cases, should flights not be available, the organisation will instead pay reasons: mileage if the award recipient lives outside the Perth metropolitan area. 1. Sub-Centres are strongly encouraged to pay flights (or equivalent) and accommodation for volunteers who receive the Service Medal and any Bars to attend event at which the medal/ bars are awarded. 2. Sub-Centres are strongly encouraged to pay flights (or equivalent) and accommodation for those volunteers who are being admitted to the Order of St John, or promoted within it, to Awards in the context of the attend the Annual Investiture. 3. It is at a sub-centre’s absolute discretion whether to fund flights and accommodation, in australian honours system part or in full, for those awarded with a Commandery Commendation to attend the Annual Investiture. As indicated throughout this booklet, some awards/medals which St John paid staff 4. Sub-Centres are strongly encouraged to fund flights and accommodation for those awarded and volunteers are eligible to receive are recognised in the Australian Honours a Lifetime Association Certificate to attend the event at which the certificate is presented, especially if those persons still serve in some capacity at, or is a life member of, a sub- System – these are the Service Medal, National Medal, and Ambulance Service centre. Medal. Being admitted to the Order of St John, or promoted within the Order, is also 5. Paid staff are given the time off to attend the ceremony at which they are given their National a recognised honour within the Australian Honours System. In 2007, the Official Medal, and any clasps, and the organisation will also pay for flights (or equivalent) and Secretary to the Governor-General gazetted the Order of Wearing for Australian accommodation. Honours – this lists the precedence of each award in the system. For example, the 6. Staff living outside the metropolitan area who are receiving Service Recognition Awards for highest honour in the Australian system is the Victoria Cross, followed by the Cross of 20 years’ service or longer are able to receive funding from the organisation for flights to and accommodation in Perth to allow attendance at the event at which the award is given. Time Valour, / of the Order of Australia, and so on. The full list is available on off will also be given. the It’s an Honour website (www.itsanhonour.gov.au). 7. In those cases where the awarding of the National Medal and/or clasps will also coincide with the awarding of Service Recognition Awards (at 15, 25, 35, or 45 years), award recipients are not entitled to ‘double dip’ and must nominate one event (the awarding of the National Medal/clasps OR the awarding of Service Recognition Awards) for the organisation Formal and less formal recognition to fund their attendance at. 8. St John will pay flights and accommodation for those paid staff who are being admitted to the Order of St John, or promoted within it, to attend the Annual Investiture at Government This guide provides an overview of the formal award and recognition processes at St House. The organisation will also grant time off. John but sub-centres, ambulance depots, and EHS divisions are encouraged to 9. It is at St John’s absolute discretion whether to fund (flights and accommodation), in part or adopt other forms of recognition for length of service not covered by formal honours in full, those paid staff members awarded with a Commandery Commendation to attend the and awards or for specific achievements. For example, a sub-centre or EHS division Annual Investiture. The organisation will, however, grant time off. may like a volunteer to be recognised for 10, 20, 30, or 40 years’ service – there 10. It is at St John’s discretion whether to fund (flights and accommodation) those paid staff being no formal award for such length of service (with the Service Medal and Bars members who are receiving a Lifetime Association Certificate to attend the event at which the certificate is presented. The organisation will, however, grant time off. recognising 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, 37, and 42 years’ service). For each decade of service, 11. In all cases where a paid staff member has been given time off, they must attend the award the CEO’s Office is, on request, able to arrange a letter and certificate signed by the ceremony for which time off has been given. CEO. Sub-centres and divisions are also free to arrange themselves any appropriate 12. In all cases where funding is provided for volunteers, it is done so only as a reimbursement. celebrations of service, or any other forms of recognition, so long as relevant St John Award recipients are under an obligation to keep flight costs at a minimum (for example, policies and guidelines are adhered to. It is important, however, for recognition falling through booking the cheapest flight ‘on the day’) and accommodation costs under the within these categories not to overshadow or take away from the more formal awards accommodation limit (currently $220 in Perth). Receipts must be provided and/or mileage outlined in this guide. records kept. Volunteers should confirm with their sub-centre to making arrangements St John Ambulance Western Australia Ltd. PO Box 183, Belmont Western Australia 6984 Tel 08 9334 1416 | Fax 08 9334 1330 [email protected] www.stjohnambulance.com.au