Tom Ovenstone

Tom Ovenstone is the Scouts’ Executive Director of Operations, responsible for ensuring that Scouts’ services are effective, safe, inclusive and grounded in the needs of local communities.

He leads the Movement facing operational activity, working in shared leadership with UK volunteers, which includes volunteering, safeguarding, safety, movement support and growth, international work and major events.  

Tom brings nearly 25 years’ experience in national youth organisations, with a career spanning strategic leadership, safeguarding, operational delivery and large scale volunteer engagement. Before joining Scouts, he was Director of Quality & Compliance at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). Earlier in his career, Tom served as Head of Programme at Scouts, where he helped shape the national programme for 6–25 year olds and worked closely with volunteers to modernise resources and improve programme quality.

Tom has served on the National Trust Council and previously held trusteeships with Vauxhall City Farm and the Children’s Rights Alliance for England. He is an alumnus of the Windsor Leadership Programme and holds qualifications in management and project leadership.

Outside work, Tom is passionate about the British countryside, shaped by growing up on a mixed farm in Worcestershire. He is a member of the British Deer Society and a former mountaineer who has climbed in North America, Europe and the Middle East.