I am delighted to announce that I have appointed a further Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) which completes my DCC team.  Stuart Ballard will join the team as DCC General Duties alongside those I have already appointed: Steve Smith (Operations), Karla Forrest (Management and Development Support) and Jools Granville (Marketing and Communications).

Stuart brings a wealth of experience from within and beyond Scouting and I very much value his good advice.  His appointment will complement the other DCCs and their roles, providing further balance to the team in terms of skill-set and experience and additional capacity to cover important areas of work not identified within the other roles.

Stuart lives in Keynsham and has carried out a variety of Group, District and County Scouting roles supporting sections, programme, events and projects such as leading a contingent to the World Scout Jamboree.  He works part time as a Public Rights of Way Officer having formerly served with the Avon & Somerset Police for 30 years and before that for 6 years with a Royal Air Force Regiment.  Anybody who knows Stuart will testify to his commitment and passion for Scouting and his approachable and fun manner. 

His new role will include support to the DCC Operations in overseeing management of County events and developing the activities function; management and development of our arrangements for adult volunteer awards and recognition and the Queen’s Scout and Duke of Edinburgh’s awards; a range of short-life projects that will vary from time to time including reviewing with the DCC Operations our arrangements for supporting World Scout events contingents; assisting the management and support of County search and selection processes; providing cover for critical vacancies such as District Commissioners; and linking with the County Executive/Trustees on supporting good governance and the development and management of Scouting’s infrastructure/resources.

I know you will wish to join me in welcoming Stuart and working supportively with him as he takes up these new responsibilities at this important and exciting time for the County.

Best wishes,

Dan