10 Questions for The Chief Scout

1. What’s your best Scouting memory?

So many to choose from! The Windsor Day of Celebration and Achievement is always so special; to be able to honour so many young people’s journey and effort to reach the top and earn their Queen’s Scouts Awards. And to see their parents and carers' faces of pride is something I will always remember. And so many of the Meritorious Conduct award recipients too… those stories are always so powerful, often heart breaking, but stories of quiet courage and Scouting heroism.

But maybe my favourite moments are the smaller unseen ones, such as a volunteer quietly helping a young Beaver tie a friendship knot on his necker or to see an Explorer Scout give their first presentation in front of their peers. It’s simply the act of service and being able to share in some life moments alongside our young people that always moves me the most.

2. What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

The simple power of courage, kindness and a never give up spirit. Those three things carry people far in life and set people apart.

3. Where’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever woken up? 

To be honest, the place I feel most happy is our small island hideaway in North Wales - where I feel most at home. We have no mains electricity or water and run everything totally off grid, but our three boys, my wife Shara and I are happier there than anywhere else.  

4. What’s your best childhood memory?

Climbing, messing around and having adventures with my late father. He was a former Commando, and was always such a big inspiration to me. He taught me to survive and climb from a young age, and he encouraged me to have big dreams and that it was ok to fail a few times along the way. And to be a good friend to people on the journey. All those were his values.

5. Can you give us a great camping/outdoors tip?

Great survivors are defined in their attitude more than their skills. In the wild, positivity, resourcefulness, courage, determination and a sense of humour conquers so much. And when with dealing with other people, know that  kindness and humility are at the heart of it all.

6. What food is guaranteed to cheer you up?

Homemade banana ice cream with double cream! 

7. What do you consider the most useful ‘skill for life?’

Being willing to fail. Not being afraid to go for things and to take a few risks. Failure is never failure but is more like a stepping stone to success. As Baden-Powell said: never say die until you’re dead!

8. Why should leaders nominate Scouts as Unsung Heroes?

Because our movement thrives on the unsung heroes who quietly face incredible odds and come through. Scouting is made great by those who serve others and ask for no reward. Being able to recognise and celebrate those sort of people amongst us (and there are many!) is truly humbling and inspiring. 

9. What’s the best thing about being Chief Scout?

Well it’s simply the biggest honour in my life. To stand alongside so many heroes, of every age, and know that together we are part of something so incredible. Scouting is the greatest youth movement on Earth and such an inspiring force for good. From the stories of courage in refugee camps to the inner-city work of volunteers, the commitment and values that Scouting stands for is inspirational. I could not be prouder to be a small cog in the incredible machine and family that is Scouting.

10. What are you looking forward to?

World Scout Jamboree in South Korea 2023. It’s going to be epic!