Matt Reflects on eleven years as CEO
After 11 years at the helm Matt steps down as CEO of The Scouts as Gilwell Reunion 2024 closes. In his last few hours in role he spent a few minutes with Reunion Express reflecting on his time.
Reflecting on eleven years is incredibly challenging and Matt struggled to identify what one highlight to take away. “There’s been so many, so I will give you a few. The launch of Squirrels was incredibly exciting. Squirrels were always going to be a game changer with growth and impact on such a key age group but also the opportunity for diversity and inclusion. Also, the Big Help Out and the visit to the group by the Prince and Princess of Wales with their family. That was hugely impactful.” Matt admits the idea for Big Help Out was something he had had over 18 months before the launch and accepts that you need an element of luck with some successes. In this instance it was a conversation with government representatives at the late Queen’s Lying in State.
Matt is also incredibly proud of the development of the Youth Shape programme including the Youth Commissioners (now Volunteer Youth Leads). “I took my learning from NUS and how you give young people agency and voice and put them in the driving seat.” There are now over 500 Youth Leads across the country. Finally, “Our Brand, not just the rebrand [of the logo] the fact that trust in Scouts is at an all time high despite our challenges shows we are seen as a modern and relevant organisation.
Matt’s passion for The Scouts and the aims of the movement comes across when he speaks. He is proud of so much of what has been achieved from work on making Scouting accessible to all, to transformation and so much more in between. “I’ve also loved the events; Jamborees, Windsor, the Summits and Basecamps”.
“I am proud that Gilwell Reunion is youthful and vibrant. We’ve done that through building a culture full of really good people who live the values of the movement through engagement. We’ve built a culture of transparency so you can explain things even when they go wrong.”
When his predecessor, Derek Twine, left his advice was “You’ve got to do it your way”. This is something Matt has not only embraced but also passes on as his advice to the person who fills his shoes. “Do it your way. It’s such a privilege and enjoy it!”
“If you’re ever having a tough time go out and see a local group. Sometimes you lose sight of what is happening at local level. Visit a squirrel meeting, its impossible not to smile”
When asked if he’s a had fun. Matts response was “I’ve had a blast”. It’s clear that moving on is bitter sweet but the right time. “What a privilege to do a job that’s been a third of my career that’s been so impactful. I’ve done things I’d never have thought I’d do in my wildest dreams, from hanging out with the Royal Family to para-gliding with Bear Grylls!”
We’re sure all our readers will send a heartfelt Thank you to Matt for an incredible eleven years as CEO and wish him all the best as he moves onto pastures new.