Dwayne Fields appointed UK chief scout, a historic first

Dwayne Fields has been appointed as the new chief scout for the UK, marking a significant milestone as he is the first person of colour to hold this position. Fields, who has been an ambassador for the Scouts since 2017, aims to enhance the organization's outreach, particularly in communities that have not traditionally engaged with scouting. His personal journey, having faced challenges growing up in inner-city London, has fueled his passion for promoting inclusivity within the movement. The Scouts organization has recognized the need for greater ethnic diversity, as only 8% of its members come from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, compared to 14% of the UK population. Fields' leadership is expected to address these disparities and foster a sense of belonging among all young people. He emphasizes the importance of the skills, friendships, and self-belief that scouting can provide, which he personally experienced as a child. Fields' formal investment as chief scout took place at Scout Park in north-east London, where he reminisced about his own experiences in Cub scouts. His achievements, including being the first black Briton to reach the North Pole in 2013, serve as an inspiration for young scouts. He aims to encourage new generations to embrace the outdoors and develop essential life skills. The Scouts are also working towards increasing the representation of volunteers from diverse backgrounds, currently at 3.8%, with a goal of reaching at least 5%. Initiatives are being planned to strengthen connections with Black communities and enhance participation in scouting activities.