Choosing a layer of the RSA Badge Standard

Find out more about aligning with the RSA Badge Standard for writing a new digital badge.

All badges written with Badge Nation are quality assured to this standard and it is what sets us apart from other badge frameworks, we will ask you to select a layer each time you write a new badge.

There are four layers to the standard, each captures the type of activity an earner is undertaking, their type of engagement, and how they are learning or using skills.

These are referred to as ‘layers’ rather than levels as your badges don’t need to show linear progression – you might write badges at different layers of the standard, or you might only deliver activity that maps to one layer of the standard.

Supporting you to get this right is part of our Quality Assurance and Publishing process, so don't worry if you aren't sure which layer to choose. It's very common for the layer of a badge to change during the process, especially for an organisation's first badges.

Below is a basic introduction to the Standard with some examples of activity types that are appropriate for each layer.

Engage

"Showing up"

Earners have gathered information and experienced a topic. These are light-touch badges to recognise when an earner has shown up and expressed an interest, but perhaps hasn’t had to partake in interactive activities. Examples of activities that fall under the ‘Engage’ layer are:

✅ Attending a webinar, exhibition, open day or information session.
✅ Viewing an event, performance, or presentation.
✅ Taking the first step in a journey, e.g. enrolling on a programme.

Alex attended a webinar to gain insight about the different options for volunteering with a charity. They learnt more about the charity and its programmes and had the opportunity to ask questions, but didn’t have to complete any tasks or activities.

Participate

"Getting involved"

Earners have interacted with learning and joined in with others. These badges are perfect for any kind of classroom or workshop-based activity, where the earner has learnt about new skills, how they can be applied, and had a go at using them, but perhaps hasn’t had an opportunity to use them in a real-world situation. Examples of activities that fall under the ‘Participate’ layer are:

✅ Completing a course.
✅ Participating in an interactive workshop, club, or training session.
✅ Taking an active role in participation e.g. they have had a go at using new skills and techniques.

Alex attended a training session to prepare them for their shift as a volunteer fundraiser. This included meeting other volunteers, learning about the charity’s programmes, participating in role play for best ways to interact with the public to gain donations, and a quiz on completing end of day paperwork.

Demonstrate

"Doing the thing"

Earners have applied skills in a real-world environment to gain experience, and receive and action feedback on their performance. These badges are perfect to recognise activities in which the earner has gone out into the world and applied their knowledge and skills to situations. Examples of activities that fall under the ‘Demonstrate’ layer are:

✅ Teaching skills or new information to others.
✅ Completing volunteering duties for an event or ongoing role.
✅ Completing work experience, an internship, or a placement.
✅ Fulfilling required duties of a job role.
✅ Planning and delivery of a project, event or activity.
✅ Delivering a presentation or performance.
✅ Competing in a competition or tournament.

Alex carried out their shifts as a volunteer fundraiser. They applied their learning from the training session to set up the stall, interact with members of the public, spread awareness about the charity’s programmes, generate financial donations, and submit the end of day paperwork.

Lead

"Above and beyond"

Earners have embedded knowledge in different contexts to inspire and influence others. This is the ultimate recognition in the Badge Standard, and is a great tool for earners that have gone above and beyond the requirements of their role. Examples of activities that fall under the ‘Lead’ layer are:

✅ Acting as an ambassador for a charity or organisation.
✅ Mentoring or advocating for others beyond the scope of their usual role.
✅ Setting up a new initiative to bring awareness or action to a particular area of need.
✅ Completing an intensive leadership programme in which they have applied their learning to respond to a particular area of need, and produced awareness / action.

After becoming an experienced volunteer fundraiser, Alex became a mentor to other volunteers. This was not part of their volunteer role, but they provided support and advice to new volunteers, influenced others by setting up a WhatsApp group to share experiences, and inspired potential new volunteers by sitting on the panel for the charity’s information webinars.