The RSGB is in the process of launching an initiative called ‘Amateur Radio Discovery‘ (ARD), part of a suite of schemes under the umbrella of “Beyond Exams”. This page is a placeholder in preparation for the launch.
The scheme was scheduled for launch in 2019, but it has been delayed. At the time of writing, not much has been made public about the scheme, but here’s what we know so far, based on information in the public domain (which may or may not be 100% accurate)
| Update Jan 2020:The RSGB site now reports the following: “The Beyond Exams suite supports the priorities from the RSGB’s Strategy 2022. In particular, it covers our strategic objectives to encourage participation, grow the hobby and highlight the diversity of amateur radio activities. Over the next few months, we are piloting two new Beyond Exams schemes in Region 13 (East Midlands). Each is designed to help amateurs get the most from the hobby but they can be accessed in different ways.”
Clubs taking part that we know of: Leicester RS, Worksop ARS. Once the pilot is completed and the schemes adapted where necessary, the RSGB will apparently be launching the initiatives nationally in Spring 2020. |
What is ARD?
The Amateur Radio Discovery project was first pitched to the RSGB Board in July 2018, and according to the August 2018 Board minutes, the ARD project will be complementary to another initiative called “Brickworks“, which is intended to encourage the retention of new licence holders and their development into active practitioners.
The October 2018 RadCom refers to “an awards scheme for newly-licensed individuals, executed by clubs but managed centrally” to promote and encourage progression” and providing “a mechanism to nurture individuals on their journey into amateur radio”. The, then unnamed, project was set to be launched by “mid-2019”.
The Board has agreed to support, promote and RSGB-brand Amateur Radio Discovery, and it is likely that this will be hosted on RSGB servers and the RSGB web site.
Who’s running Amateur Radio Discovery?
The RSGB TEC (Training & Education Committee) appears to be being replaced by a new group, the Amateur Radio Development Group (ARDG). According to the January 2019 RSGB Board Minutes, this new group will cover: Schools Link, Train the Trainers, project development, Beyond Exams, the Disability WG and Morse Competency.
We understand that ‘Discovery’ is part of “Beyond Exams”, so will be looked after by the new ARDG. In April 2019, the RSGB recruited for a Beyond Exams Champion to look after the launch and running of Beyond Exams initiatives, managing applications to the schemes and supplying timely information to enquirers, as well as promoting the schemes through RadCom, RSGB website, social media, events such as RSGB Convention, Hamfest, and to the VLT and Regional Team.
That’s all we know so far. Heard anything? Please add a comment below…
