Looking back after five years of hard work

Whilst we welcome Carl as our new lead volunteer it would be wrong not to reflect on Tim’s time in post.

There have been many highlights for Tim, notably Summit in 2016 where many of the plans of where The Scouts were headed was worked out. “Many of the things we were working out and taking inspiration from are becoming actions. Carl coming in now, is really exciting and great timing as many of these changes are starting to get traction”.

Of course, we cannot reflect on Tim’s time as UK Commissioner without talking about the last 18 months. In Tim’s words the time has been Interesting “But an awful lot of good has come of it. We have seen amazing things achieved not only by volunteers but also by the staff who supported the movement in rolling out resources in a very short space of time. The last 18 months have been really interesting. I believe we have pulled more out of the box than we would have done normally. I hope that through the necessity to move online, more people are at ease with a flexible approach to programme delivery and the suitability for our young people”.

Tim admits the last 18 months were made easier by the support of Team UK. “We’ve been a close-knit team and have rallied around each other. I have reflected that had we not been such a good team, it really would have tested us. Throughout the pandemic we met online almost every day and that has gradually reduced to weekly and now monthly”.

The pandemic had one clear positive for Tim. He has been able to reflect on his own carbon footprint and the environmental impact of his role. “Before the pandemic I was doing perhaps 20-25000 miles a year driving all over the country for meetings and events. Through the pandemic I have filmed over 300 videos and been to over 100 local meetings virtually. I have met far more young people and adult volunteers in the last year than I would have done previously.

As we bid goodbye to Tim in his role as UK Chief Commissioner and members of Team UK as they step away to make way for Carl’s UK Leadership Team, Tim wishes the new team well. “I know the new team will be fantastic.”

Tim isn’t leaving scouting, he will still be found in his local roles as a Trainer and Training Adviser in Oxfordshire and he sits on the appointments committee for his local Scout District. “I’m going to let things settle for a bit and then see what’s next”.

We would like to thank Tim for all he has done for Scouting, and would like to wish him all the best for the future. Its been a pleasure!