Welcoming our new Chief Commissioner of Scotland, Barry Donald-Hewitt
Following a successful search process across Scotland, Carl Hankinson, working in partnership with the Scottish Board, is delighted to announce the appointment of Barry Donald-Hewitt as the new Chief Commissioner of Scotland.
Welcoming Barry
We're pleased to welcome Barry to our UK Leadership Team as he takes up this important leadership role for UK Scouts and Scouts Scotland.
From gathering around a fire outside a Scout hall aged six to hiking in the Himalayas, Scouts has given me a rich, varied and colourful life and I am excited about the future of our movement. High quality Scouts should be accessible to everyone and be truly representative of the communities we serve. I'm incredibly motivated by the opportunity to make this a reality
Barry Donald-Hewitt, Chief Commissioner of Scotland (designate)
As Chief Commissioner, Barry will provide leadership and support to our Scotland Team, which is comprised of our Regional Commissioners and wider Scotland commissioner support team. They'll be working in partnership with Scouts Scotland HQ staff colleagues and Trustees to make sure that our eight Scottish Regions are well led and empowered to deliver our Skills For Life Strategy. Find out more about Scouts in Scotland.
Barry will spend the next few months preparing to take on the role. He'll be completing various induction and transitionary activities, before taking on some of the Chief Commissioner responsibilities from 1 July. There'll then be a formal handover with Sharkey on 1 September.
Barry’s Scouts journey
With over 25 years of volunteer experience with Scouts, Barry has held various roles, including Section, District, and Scotland-level positions. For the past 15 years, Barry has focused on the Explorer Scout Section, volunteering in both Edinburgh and Highland Perthshire.
He strongly believes in the value of international Scouting and has attended Jamborees, completed his Explorer Belt, and led international expeditions to Malaysia, Uganda, Nepal, and Cambodia.
Barry has also served in Scotland roles. This has included being a Trustee on the Scottish Board, supporting the delivery of the first two Scottish youth conferences, and three years as Deputy Chief Commissioner of Scotland (Programme).
Outside of Scouts
In his professional life, Barry works as a Primary School Headteacher, leading two schools in rural Highland Perthshire.
I’m delighted to welcome Barry to our UK Leadership Team as Chief Commissioner of Scotland, building on Sharkey’s efforts over the past five years. Barry’s experience leading brilliant programme in Scouts in various roles and his passion for providing adventure and skills for young people give me great confidence in what Scouts in Scotland can achieve in the future
Carl Hankinson, UK Chief Commissioner