The Chair for the County of Avon. Working closely with the Lead Volunteer, to provide strategic vision, and governance oversite for the county.

I had 18 years activity with Scouting from cubs to leadership. I was a scout leader then Venture Leader, (Wood Bead holder) I worked on the district as a water-based permit holder. After learning to kayak at Gilwell Park s few years ago, I continued to Level 3 coaching in Sea and Inland Kayak with the British Canoe Union When age got the better of me for paddling the type of water I liked, I moved to Scuba diving and became a Master Scuba Instructor but following an accident on a bicycle I unfortunately had to stop diving and moved on to cycling. I continue to cycle race and enjoy long distance riding including Jon o Groats to Lands’ End. I have now gone back to kayaking and work with the Scout and Guides as a BC Coach and district permit holder. 

My working life was entirely in Logistics. Roles included regional and national leadership in transport and warehousing. After retiring I returned as a consultant, and later part of a Project Leadership team delivering a £25m refurbishment of the National Distribution Centre. This was completed in March, and I am now retired. Within that time, I learned and developed the required leadership skills to communicate across all levels. 

I have undertaken a number of roles in the community: 

Chairman of the School of Governors 

Chairman of the Parish Council 

Chairman of the Avon Local Council Association 

 I am married to Tina; we have one son and two grandchildren and the other love in my life is my dog Bela! 

 My Scouting roles are Avon County Chairman and now a Team Member in the IK Local Governance Support Team 

“I have a long background in scouting, having been a member of 175th Totterdown from a Beaver through to Scouts and then part of the early days of the Supernova Explorer Scout unit in Bristol South. After a break from scouting through University and the early years of my career, I was keen to get back involved and joined the Trustee Board in 2024 and subsequently have taken over as Treasurer in 2025. My professional background is in finance, technology and assurance so having the opportunity to give back to the scouting movement through utilising this skillset was a great opportunity.

I gained a huge amount in my time as a scout and it is great to be able to support the County and young people in this way. I hope my own two young children get to experience all of the opportunities scouting has to offer in the coming years and look forward to continuing on this journey.

If I’m not with my family, at work or at a trustee meeting you can usually find me out for a run, ideally in the mountains!”

The lead volunteer within the County of Avon. Working closely with the Chair of the Trustees Board, to provide strategic vision, leadership and operational effectiveness to the County. Achieved with support of the nine District Lead Volunteers and County leadership Team.

My journey with Scouting began in my youth as a cub and scout. After a break, I returned to Scouting in 1987 when my eldest son joined the cubs. I decided to help out with the scout troop and stayed involved for the next ten years. This led me to the role of Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts, and I also became part of the county training team from 1990 until 2022.

In 2002, I was fortunate to be part of the leadership team that took 36 scouts to Thailand for the World Scout Jamboree. When I returned, I became the District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC) and helped establish Explorer Scouts in Severn Vale. I also led one of the 2019 contingents to North America World Scout Jamboree.

Over the years, I took on various roles in Scouting at both the district and county levels. In October 2022, I became the County Commissioner, and today I serve as the County Lead Volunteer.

Throughout my Scouting journey, I have been privileged to support and witness the growth and development of many young minds. Scouting has been a significant part of my life, offering continuous opportunities for learning and teaching.

I work as an Information Technology Specialist at Vanaways, where I support the delivery of practical, user-friendly digital solutions that improve customer experience and efficiency. I enjoy problem-solving and using technology to support organisations as they grow and adapt.

Alongside my professional role, I volunteer locally as a Cub leader and am a proud supporter of Avon County Scouts. I strongly believe in Scouting’s ability to build confidence, life skills, and resilience in young people, and I have seen first-hand the positive impact it can have.

I chose to support Avon County Scouts as a Trustee as a way of giving something back and helping ensure Scouting continues to thrive and create positive opportunities for future generations.

Tony has held many appointments over the last 40 years, from active volunteering to time as a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Adviser/Assessor, Explorer Belt Adviser and terms on HQ/national teams for activities and working in special project groups and district management. 
After a short break Tony returned to Scouting reviving earlier roles and more recently serving for over a decade as a District Trustee and since 2020 as a County Trustee. Having careers spanning many industries, electrical, heritage tourism and aviation and with a wide interest base outside of Scouting including practical volunteering for National Trust, Heritage Railway, Lundy Island and several more Tony, doesn’t sit still for too long. Liking to apply his experiences to sorting through issues and problems, dealing with the detail. 
Asked ‘why do you do it?’ the response was ‘If I really knew why, I’d probably give up tomorrow, there is always something new and exciting.’ 

I joined Scouting as a Cub in 1960 and have since held various roles across South Bristol, including Group Scout Leader and District Chairman. Scouting has given me so much over the years – confidence, lifelong friendships, countless opportunities, and immense enjoyment.

This is why I chose to volunteer as a Trustee: to give something back. Throughout my journey, I have witnessed many changes and advancements within Scouting, and I firmly believe it remains as relevant and life-enhancing for young people today as ever before. I have been inspired by many dedicated leaders along the way, who encouraged me to be proactive in all my roles – including supporting the successful amalgamation of two districts.

I am passionate about ensuring that Scouting continues to grow and thrive for the next 100 years, providing young people with the same life-changing experiences it has given me.

In my youth I was a Cub and Scout with the All Souls 77th in Coventry and have many happy memories of friendships made, skills acquired, experiences lived and fun had camping on Rough Close.
I am now retired having spent a long career in Financial Services and accountancy.
I was keen to volunteer with an organisation that meant something to me and that makes a difference to young people’s lives so Avon Scouts seemed a perfect fit. As a result I became a Trustee Board Member just over a year ago.
I now line manage the Operations Manager of Woodhouse park and take an active role in both the short term and longer term planning and strategy development processes.
I’m in awe at how much amazing work the Avon Scout movement does and it is a privilege to be part of the leadership team.
I have many years of leadership, coaching and project management experience behind me and I’m keen to keep using my skills to support this amazing organisation.

My name is Steph Francis and I am a full time secondary English teacher. I have experience working with young people in the third sector too and am passionate about improving the life chances of all young people. I love to camp and hike in my spare time too so Scouting is a natural fit for me.

“I joined Scouting as a Cub Scout Leader after my son hinted that they needed help. I decided that I would stay with the group until he had moved on, this hasn’t quite worked out as expected as over ten years later I am still involved in Scouting, and he is now a volunteer leader with the same group (91st Bristol).
I am excited to take on this new role as a trustee, Scouting has had such a positive impact on my life, and I have witnessed first-hand so many young people really grow and accomplish so much that it is hard to think of a time when I wouldn’t want to support the movement in some way. It has provided me with many opportunities to grow personally, I have made many lifelong friendships through being involved in Scouting and I am constantly amazed by the commitment and dedication of fellow Scouters. “