Welcoming our new Chief Volunteer of Wales, Jon Williams
Following a successful search process across Wales, UK Chief Volunteer Carl Hankinson is delighted to announce the appointment of Jon Williams as the new Chief Volunteer of Wales.
We welcome Jon to our UK Leadership Team as he takes up this important leadership role for UK Scouts and ScoutsCymru. As Chief Volunteer, Jon will provide leadership and support to our Wales Team, comprised of our Regional, Area and District Lead Volunteers and wider ScoutsCymru team. He'll be working in partnership with ScoutsCymru staff colleagues and Trustees to make sure that our 12 Welsh Areas are well led and empowered to deliver our Skills For Life Strategy, and as we transition to our new UK Scouts strategy beyond 2025.
Jon will spend the next few months working with Rhian Moore, Lowri Williams (Wales Youth Lead), Kirsty Palmer (Chair of ScoutsCymru) and Kerrie Gemmill (Chief Executive of ScoutsCymru) preparing to take on the role and completing various induction and transitionary activities ahead of a formal handover with Rhian Moore at the start of September.
Jon’s Scout journey
Jon started Scouting at the age of six at his local group in Llangennech, moving through each section. Once he turned 18, Jon became Cub leader for the group, and then moved to be a Scout Leader at Llanelli Scout group before becoming the Area Lead Volunteer for Carmarthenshire. Jon has also been the Event Lead for All Wales Cub Funday for the past six years along with deputy event lead for All Wales Scout Camp.
Outside of Scouts
Having grown up in Llanelli, Jon (a Welsh speaker) works within the financial services as an Area Manger and travels across Wales visiting his team. Jon is married to Cath and has two daughters - Chloe (20) and Ffion (18), and a Labrador called Buster. Jon enjoys family time down at their caravan, and also enjoys listening to music and going out for walks.
I am really excited to be taking on the role of Chief Volunteer, working with Lowri, Kirsty and Kerrie to continue to build a strong Scouting presence in Wales. As we begin the journey of Scouts next strategy there is no better time than to work together with Scouts UK for the success of ScoutsCymru
Jon Williams, Chief Volunteer of Wales (designate)
I’m excited to appoint Jon Williams to our UK Leadership Team as Chief Volunteer of Wales, building on Rhian’s achievements over the past eight years. Jon’s experience leading Scouts in Carmarthenshire and his passion for leading successful teams give me great confidence in what Scouting in Wales can achieve in the future
Carl Hankinson, UK Chief Volunteer
I look forward to working with Jon to build the next phase of Scouting in Wales. The movement is in a great position to make a difference to the lives of young people, and I’m sure we’ll see further progress under Jon’s leadership
Kirsty Palmer, Chair of ScoutsCymru
I’m delighted that Jon has been appointed as the next Chief Volunteer for Wales. I’m looking forward to working alongside Jon to deliver on behalf of the young people of Cymru. Our paths have crossed already since my short time as Youth Lead Volunteer for Wales and I’m sure our shared enthusiasm for ensuring the voices of young people are heard, will make for a great partnership
Lowri Williams, Wales Youth Lead