{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWelcome from our UK Chief Volunteer\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESince 2021, when I started in this role, I\u2019ve been privileged to see the incredible impact my fellow volunteers have.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFrom supporting young people (and each other) through the pandemic, to navigating changes to the way we volunteer \u2013 including new systems and structures \u2013 their patience and fortitude have always been remarkable.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENow, with the launch of our new strategy, Place to Belong, a new chapter begins. This is a time of focus and renewal.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019re moving on from what can feel like many competing priorities to just two: delivering a great programme for young people and supporting our volunteers. If we get both of these right, our movement will thrive.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe new strategy gives us a united sense of purpose and direction, supported by a positive, shared culture founded on Scout values.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere\u2019s a shift towards focused, everyday, support for our time-pressed volunteers. We\u2019re committed to removing complexity without compromising safety. Across the year, we\u2019ve seen changes to our volunteer and staff structures which, I know, has been unsettling for some. Thank you to all our teams for managing this with such good grace.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWe\u2019ve made efficiencies to our delivery, started to simplify our governance, and improved our processes. This reduces costs, but, more importantly, it saves volunteers\u2019 time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ENow, with the right balance across our teams, and a more sustainable financial base, we\u2019ve the stability we need to deliver on our ambitions to empower more young people. I\u2019ve seen so many things this year that give me hope for the future \u2013 like the 500 Explorer Scouts who travelled to Portugal for the 16th World Scout Moot. You were incredible ambassadors for the UK, building the international friendships we need to promote a more peaceful world.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EI was also incredibly proud of the Scouts who represented us at the VE Day 80 commemorations. Especially Abbie McFarlane, a King\u2019s Scout from Hereford and Worcester, who gave a thoughtful address of thanks in Westminster Abbey. We returned to the Abbey when we celebrated the contribution of our volunteers in our Thanksgiving Service, close to Founder\u2019s Day in February.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EScouts contribution to society was recognised more widely this year too. We were so proud of the six groups who were awarded the King\u2019s Award for Voluntary Service this year. They\u2019ve been bright beacons of hope, strengthening community cohesion. It was wonderful to see our volunteers, including our tireless Chief Scout Dwayne Fields, and Squirrels supporting our Joint President, HRH The Princess of Wales, at Frogmore House during the US state visit in September. It was a true showcase of what we do best \u2013 getting young people into nature, building skills, and friendships.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMy thanks also to our indefatigable Joint President, HRH The Duke of Kent, who celebrated his 90th birthday this year. A longtime advocate for Scouts, The Duke made sure he was there for our Queen\u2019s and King\u2019s Scouts at their day of Celebration and Achievement at Windsor Castle in April 2025.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAs I begin my new five-year term, it\u2019s a moment to reflect not only on how much we\u2019ve achieved together, but on how much we have to look forward to. Not least, preparing for hosting the World Scout Conference as part of our 120 years of Scouts leadership in 2027.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ELet\u2019s go forward in a spirit of friendship, with belief in our purpose, to deliver our bright vision for the future. \u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECarl Hankinson \u003C/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EUK Chief Volunteer\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"prev":{"link":"/about-us/our-impacts-and-reports/scouts-annual-report-2025-26/prepared-for-the-path-ahead/","title":"Prepared for the path ahead"},"next":{"link":"/about-us/our-impacts-and-reports/scouts-annual-report-2025-26/our-purpose-and-method/","title":"Our purpose and method"},"allParts":[{"link":"/about-us/our-impacts-and-reports/scouts-annual-report-2025-26/prepared-for-the-path-ahead/","title":"Prepared for the path 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