We are just regular people wanting to give something back to Scouting and our local community.
Together we make a great team. We each bring different experiences and skills to the Board, drawn from home, work and our hobbies and passions. Some of us are scout leaders, some are ex-leaders enjoying a new challenge and others are parents of young people who are currently (or used to be) part of 24th Macclesfield. But there’s no requirement for a Trustee to have pre-existing links to scouting – all that’s needed is enthusiasm and a few hours a month to contribute.
As Trustees, we take care of the requirements placed on us by the Charity Commission and Scouting UK through our ‘Constitution’. We focus on the legal duties, strategy, safety and safeguarding, risk management, finances and assurance.
Basically, we lead on most of the boring stuff. But it’s the stuff that means our leaders can concentrate on safely providing the fun activities that our young people enjoy each week.
The Trustees are accountable to the annual gathering of the 24th Macclesfield Methodist Scout Group Council at its Annual General Meeting. This takes place every summer alongside our celebratory summer BBQ.
After enjoying life as a cub, scout and explorer many years ago, and seeing my own two children thrive in Scouting, I leapt at the chance to give something back and agreed to Chair the Group’s Trustee Board. Here, I draw on the skills I’ve gained in a career focussed on public service and volunteering, including leadership, strategy, good governance, finance and risk management
Outside of work and Scouting, I enjoy gardening and the allotment, spending time with my wife Caroline exploring the UK’s hidden treasures and providing occasional support to our young adult children as they forge their own paths in life.
I have been with 24th Macclesfield Methodist Scout group since 2014 and am accountable for the operational aspects of Scouting in the group: setting the culture and strategy, whilst supporting a large team of adult volunteers with diverse skills and backgrounds, ensuring safety and safeguarding compliance, and inspiring everyone to do their best.
I joined as Group Lead Volunteer when my eldest child was a Cub after experiencing a 24th Macc Kids Plus One Camp as a parent and having a great time amongst a brilliant group of people. I have observed first hand the difference Scouting delivered to the confidence and independence of my own children and now do my best to share that opportunity to others in our community.
I bring communication and organisation skills from my training as a Scientist and work as a Product Manager and have learnt many new skills through Scouting and continue to learn every week as a Scout.
Growing up in a Scouting family and as a former Explorer, I have experienced first-hand the lasting positive impact of Scouting. I joined 24th Macclesfield as a parent volunteer when my youngest son was in Beavers, and I eventually became a Beaver Leader myself.
Whilst I have now stepped back from leadership, I am proud to continue supporting the group as Treasurer. My role is to ensure that our finances are managed safely and transparently, helping to ensure we can provide the resources our leaders need to deliver an amazing programme for our young people.
When i’m not involved in Scouting, I enjoy baking, keeping active at the gym and spending quality time with my two young adult sons whenever I can.
I am the membership secretary for the group and receive requests for names to add to the waiting list. I allocate places as spaces in sections become available.
I have been involved with 24th Macclesfield Methodist Scouts for about 40 years, since my son joined Cubs. Now retired, I worked in children’s day nurseries for many years. I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.
Volunteering has always been important to me. I’ve supported many different organisations, but took a few years’ break from volunteering after having two children. Recently, I realised I was ready to jump back in.
With a background in scientific research, journalism, comms, events and project management I bring a range of skills to the Trustee Board. I enjoy being able to give back to a group that has helped my oldest child to develop into an adventurous and quietly confident little boy.
When I’m not working, volunteering or being a mum, I can usually be found on the salsa dance floor, hiking in the Peaks or having a bracing dip in the nearest lake.
Our Strategy to 2035
Our Strategy to 2035 will help us keep the focus on what we do best - giving young people a place to belong and giving them the skills to thrive.
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