How young people shaped our strategy

The UK Youth Forum 2025 was led by our UK Youth Team to make sure young people’s voices shaped our strategy.

Through local self-led activities and four in-person events held during March and April 2025, young people shared ideas, aspirations, and concerns for the future, building on the ‘Skills for Life’ strategy and advancing our commitment to youth-shaped Scouting.

Over 500 young people aged 10–24 years attended the in-person events, with delegations representing almost every County, Area, or Region across all four Nations, as well as Overseas, reflecting a strong balance of sections, ages, and genders.

A further 1,000 young people aged 4–24 contributed to the self-led activities. They showed they’re exceptional problem-solvers, offering fresh insights to deliver our new strategy.

The Forum revealed a vision for Scouts as safe, adventurous, practical, inclusive, and youth-led, supported by committed volunteer leaders.

Outdoor activities, life skills, and youth leadership emerged as key priorities, with some delegates viewing these as enablers to strengthen mental wellbeing, boost community impact, and attract new members.

They also wanted to see easier volunteering, stronger community connections, and a balance between tradition and progress.

Looking ahead to 2035, their top goals for Scouts were:

• developing awards and life skills;
• promoting inclusivity and accessibility;
• expanding youth-led initiatives;
• encouraging growth;
• fostering stronger connections; and
• viewing Scouts as a launchpad for ambitions.

Our young people wanted safe, judgement-free spaces supported by trusted, well-trained volunteers.

The UK Youth Forum 2025 confirmed our future is challenging but bright, driven by passionate young people eager to shape it.

The UK Youth Team also shared the findings in a webinar in February 2026.

Watch the video to hear what some of our amazing young people think the world will look like in 10 years' time.

Listening to Leaders

At Summit25, more than 700 leaders, volunteers and staff gathered to explore the big challenges and opportunities for our movement. Their feedback highlights what matters most for volunteers - everyday support, safety, inclusion, recognition and clear communication.

Watch the video to hear from our volunteer leaders and speakers at Summit25.

Thousands more volunteers, staff, parents, carers and members of the public have shared their views in surveys and conversations, making sure this strategy reflects the needs of the whole movement, and the needs of society more broadly. We also held research with external subject and sector experts.

How we developed the strategy

This has been a journey of listening, reflecting and planning together. From the Scout Experience Survey to Summit25, from UK Youth Forum events to self-led activities in local groups, we’ve gathered over 28,000 contributions.

Every step of the way, the message has been clear: young people want Scouts to remain true to its values, but also to adapt boldly to the world they are inheriting.

• 2023–2025: Wide consultation with young people, volunteers, parents, supporters, and external research.
• Summer–Autumn 2025: Final sense-check with our volunteer leadership teams.
• October 2025: UK Board of Trustees reviewed and approved the strategy.
• March 2026: Online calls to share actions members can take to adopt the strategy and first three-year plan.
• April 2026: Launch of the new nine-year strategy and first three-year plan.

This is a strategy for young people, shaped by young people. Thank you to everyone who’s contributed to this monumental, collaborative effort.