Stepping forward to take the lead...

Just moments before this years Reunion Express edition went live a very special event took place. Following five years at the helm Tim Kidd handed over the reigns to Carl Hankinson as UK Chief Commissioner.

The official handover took place just after 12:00 today at Gilwell Park and everyone was invited to watch along live on Facebook Live.

This video should be available again once the broadcast has finished. Bear Grylls, Chief Scout, even made a virtual appearance to thank Tim for his time and wish them well on their respective journeys.

If you have questions for our new UK Chief Commissioner, head over to the Leopard Gate at 15:00 to chat with Carl and the UK Leadership Team. First lets meet Carl and reflect on Tim’s five years in the lead.

Carl Hankinson takes the lead on the UK Leadership Team following over 30 years of volunteering with the movement at both local and national level. Carl has held a number of roles from starting out as a local Scout Leader in West Lancashire to running Ventures, Explorers and Scout Network.

He ended a ten year term as County Commissioner in 2016. He has also held various national volunteering roles including chairing the Ops Committee between 2010 and 2015.

He is an active supporter of the value of the international experience and opportunities Scouting offers having been a participant at a Moot and the UK Contingent Leader in 2004 to Taiwan, an Assistant Unit Leader, Unit Leader and a member of UK Management Team at a series of Jamborees including Holland, Chile and Thailand.

Carl is looking forward to the challenge of the next 5 years as he seeks to take Scouting further into the 2020’s. He told Reunion Express he is keen to refresh what we offer across the age ranges as we look to ensure Scouting grows and continues to hold relevance for our members and communities beyond the Covid years.

Carl passionately believes that one of Scouting’s successes is that our young people achieve through doing. “Our young people need to achieve awards and we should be shouting about it. We need to be encouraging attainment, celebrating achievement, and supporting peer leadership.”

When asked about his leadership style and ideas Carl explained “ Our most contemporary challenge is to make our membership reflect UK Society. I believe The Scouts has a great future and the UK Leadership Team is here to lead, support, inspire and help our adult volunteers achieve it”.

Tim and Carl the night before the handover at Gilwell Reunion