Scouts has appointed former Relate chief executive Aidan Jones to lead the youth charity.

He spent five years at the relationship support charity until last year and joins Scouts next week.

Jones is a former cub scout, adult volunteer at the charity and was director of the Kandersteg International Scout Centre.

He replaces Matt Hyde, who announced he was leaving in March after 11 years to become chief executive at Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales.

Prior to joining Relate in 2018 Jones oversaw two major career events for young people, as executive director of WorldSkills Abu Dhabi in 2017 and chief executive of World Skills London in 2011.

He also has experience of organising global Scout events, including Eurojam and 2007’s Centenary World Scout Jamboree.

In addition, he was chief operating officer of the World Scout Bureau for two years until 2014.

"Having been involved in Scouts for more than 50 years I’ve benefitted personally from the skills I’ve learned and the friendships I’ve made,” said Jones.

“I’m excited to be returning to Scouts as chief executive and I’m looking forward to leading the staff team which works to support almost half a million young people and volunteers, to further increase the Movement’s positive impact.”

Scouts chair Jennie Price added: “I am very pleased to welcome Aidan as the new CEO of the Scouts.

“He has a deep understanding of the Scouting movement and as a CEO of a major charity has led organisations through considerable change.

“I am sure that his breadth of experience and his strong commitment to giving young people skills for life will stand us in good stead for the future.”

Safeguarding concerns

Earlier this year it emerged that Scouts had launched a redundancy programme to tackle “extra cost pressures on essential work” including improving its safeguarding. Lower than expected membership growth was another factor.

Also, this year a coroner referred Scouts to the Charity Commission amid concerns over safety following the death of a teenager while on a trip with the charity.

Assistant Coroner for North Wales David Pojur criticised the charity for being “institutionally defensive”.

Price issued an apology to the teenager’s family.

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