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.

Good morning Reunion! Hopefully everyone has recovered from the campfire, quiz and silent disco combo. Today before you head home you can blow the cobwebs away with a Heritage Tour or have a go, for the adrenaline junkies, with Scout Adventures on the various adventurous activities onsite. Our partners and various programme support teams will be back in the Programme tent sharing knowledge and resources. Of course there are still info sessions in various places today, including DofE, Scouts of the World, Safeguarding and International Events. Remember all info about times, locations and availability can be found in the app

Don’t forget the closing ceremony on the Training Ground 13:00-14:30

A gallery from out and about on Saturday

The Scouts AGM took place this morning in the marquee on Branchet Field. County, Region and Area representatives were updated on the year past and looked forward to what the year ahead holds.

As many will be aware this is Matt Hyde’s last few days as CEO and today offered the perfect opportunity for Carl Hankinson, UK Lead Volunteer and Chair of Trustees Jenny Price to say thank you on behalf of The Scouts. Matt received a gift and a two-minute standing ovation from those gathered at the meeting.

Carl also thanked Bear for his 15 years of service and spoke about Bear’s impact on Scouts, both in the UK and worldwide. Bear was unable to attend today but shared a video in which he thanked all the volunteers, saying “I celebrate you and all you’ve done to help so many people… In our lives we all get the chance to stand on the shoulders of giants, as Chief Scout all of you have been giants to me.”

The UK Leadership team talked about the progress made towards the 2025 strategic targets, particularly growth and enhancing the volunteer experience and how they had been achieved.

Congratulations to Jenny Price, who was re-elected Chair of Trustees for a second three-year term.

Welcome to the live stream of the Campfire Circle at Gilwell Reunion, we go live at 7:30pm

You can also watch Live on https://www.youtube.com/@ScoutAdventures and https://www.youtube.com/@scout_content or on Facebook with www.facebook.com/ScoutContent or www.facebook.com/GilwellReunion

Drop in on the Heritage team in the Programme tent to step through scouting history with their simple but fun activity – and if you’re lucky, you might even earn a badge for your efforts.

The stall offers the opportunity to try seven activities drawn from activity (proficiency) badges throughout the years. Can you tie knots blindfold, know the difference between Cumulonimbus and Cirrostratus, perhaps you can show off your skills by spinning plates (not the metaphorical ones) or even fly a diablo.

This is not just an exercise in showing that leaders can turn their hand to anything, it also shows that these skills have been something we’ve been encouraging and sharing with our young people for over 100 years. The badges might have changed name, shape or even disappeared completely but our Scouting Heritage is always with us.

If you want to see more on the history of Scouting along with some objects on display, pop in on the  exhibit in the Collaboration Space in Gilwell House.

Rhian Moore, Chief Volunteer of Wales dropped by the Reunion Express news desk this morning to share her thoughts and reflections on the weekend ahead.

Taking time for an early morning wander around Gilwell reunion you quickly remember what the event means to the thousands of volunteers who come along. For some it’s an annual event, for others it the first time they have some and are taking it all in.

It is easy to take our Scouting family for granted, and taking time to pause, look around and remember that we are part of a worldwide movement is good for our soul and energy levels as we prepare for a new term.

As a nation chief volunteer, the weekend is packed with things to do, from meeting and greeting Council members at the AGM and then helping to share the amazing story of Scouts over the last year, to visiting volunteers from Wales who are at the event.

A highlight for me this weekend will be seeing Gill Clay presented with her Bronze Wolf on behalf of the World Organisation of Scout Movement on Saturday afternoon. I have the privilege of knowing Gill as a Beaver leader in Cowbridge, south Wales. She is an amazing lady with a wonderful energy and enthusiasm for supporting young people to be the best they can be and sharing skills for life.

I hope you find time this weekend to unite with friends, make brilliant memories and gather some new knowledge that will make your scouting even more amazing next year. Thank you for all you do and thank you for coming along to reunion and being part of this amazing movement.