New UK’s Chief Scout announced – September 2024
11th Chief Scout
The Scout Association are excited to announce that Dwayne Fields, adventurer and TV presenter, is the UK’s new Chief Scout.
Dwayne’s been appointed as our 11th Chief Scout to lead our half a million young people and adult volunteers for his values, commitment to help young people, and outstanding leadership qualities. During his time as Chief Scout, Dwayne aims to inspire even more young people and adult volunteers to join from all backgrounds.
Chief Scout – Dwayne Fields
Carl Hankinson, UK Chief Volunteer, says: ‘Dwayne already has the respect of thousands of young people and volunteers in Scouts. He’s shown real commitment and kindness to Scouts in communities across the UK. As well as being an inspirational adventurer and TV presenter, he’s able to reach across generations and support Scouts serving more local communities.’
Born in Jamaica, Dwayne came to the UK when he was 6 years old. Growing up in North East London in Stoke Newington, with little access to nature, Scouts offered Dwayne access to the outdoors, new friendships, and opened new horizons.
When he joined as a Cub Scout, Scouts gave him skills, belief in himself and place to belong. Through his determination and support from his Scout volunteer leaders and friends, he set himself on a path to become the first Black Briton to reach the North Pole. He’s passionate about encouraging people from all backgrounds to explore nature, support their communities and be the best they can be.
Dwayne says: ‘I hope my story will encourage others to join our movement. My volunteer Leaders believed in me as a young person and taught me to believe in myself. They showed me I could do anything I put my mind to, and others would help me along the way. Now I want a new generation to learn the skills, friendship and belonging I felt when I needed them most. I want to show that the outdoors is a place for all of us to be at our best, that Scouts is truly open to all.’