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1st February 2003

A new volunteer leader is being sought to head-up the largest co-educational youth Movement in the United Kingdom. The role of Chief Scout, first held by Lord Robert Baden-Powell, is the top volunteer post in The Scout Association.

This time the search is on for the man or woman from inside or outside Scouting who can lead the Movement at a crucial time in its continuing development.

The new Chief Scout will be only the eighth person to take on the role since Baden-Powell founded Scouting in 1907. He or she will lead the 500,000 strong membership in the United Kingdom and across its overseas branches into and beyond Scouting's centenary in 2007.

The individual appointed will not only provide motivation, inspiration and leadership within the organisation, but will also be a credible spokesperson at the highest level. He or she will play a key role in promoting Scouting's major contribution to national and international communities.

Chairman of the Trustees of The Scout Association, John Asplin is heading the Search Group.

"The role of Chief Scout is vital. Total commitment to the aims and ethos of Scouting is essential but that does not necessarily imply that current membership is a pre-requisite", he confirms.

"It is an exciting, complex and challenging role requiring extensive travel and time commitment. A normal business week can involve meeting Royalty, Parliamentarians and leaders of business and commerce and at the weekends, joining young people in their activities."

The current Chief Scout, George Purdy CBE completes his term of office in 2004. Since taking up the role in 1996, he has led The Scout Association through the modernisation of its training programme for young people, a new uniform and new corporate identity.

Significant work has also been undertaken to identify the Association's challenging strategy for the next ten years. In 2007, world Scouting celebrates its Centenary. This includes hosting a World Scout Jamboree for 40,000 young people from more than 180 countries.

The deadline for nominations is 25 April 2003. The name of the new Chief Scout will be announced early in 2004.

Further information about Scouting in the UK and the nomination pack is available on The Scout Association's website www.scouts.org.uk