Meet the National Awards Advisory Group

Michael joined Scouts as a Beaver. He holds roles both locally and nationally. Michael sat on the National Board of Trustee 2012-2015 and was a Trustee of Greater Manchester West Scouts until 2018. He supports Cheshire Scouts as a Trustee and was a Unit Leader for the 25th World Scout Jamboree.

In his day job, he is an Assistant Headteacher at one of the country's largest independent day schools with a remit of Service, Outreach and Partnership, as well as supporting educational visits, treks and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

In 2022, Michael was Commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, support volunteering and charities in Greater Manchester, looking for worthy charities for the King's Award for volunteering, as well as representing the Lord Lieutenant on behalf of His Majesty the King.

'When we make people feel proud and valued they are empowered to help even more - that's why I love my role on the National Honours Subgroup. I get to read all the amazing things that leaders and young people are doing and help local volunteers say well done or thank you. Think about the time someone thanked you? How did that make you feel? It is emotive, and rightly so.'

Alan is Alan is currently part of the Volunteering Development Team and a Vice president of Merseyside Scouts.

‘Being a member of the National Awards Advisory Group is not only a privilege but extremely enjoyable. Working alongside a fantastic staff support team and some amazing volunteers in order to ensure that all of our adults and young people receive the recognition they deserve is very rewarding and satisfying.

‘In addition, I get to support and take part in some unique national events such as Windsor when we celebrate achievement for King Scout’s and others in receipt of significant awards. Being part of this team really feels like I am making a difference to how our volunteers feel about themselves.’

Graeme joined as a Cub Scout and has never left, he still enjoys Scouting as much today as he did then and is an Explorers Section Team Leader in rural Northumberland.

Graeme has a passion for International Scouts and has attended several World Scout Jamboree’s.

‘I find that the time I give to the role fits in well with my busy lifestyle, I often read citations during my lunch time or in the evening when I get 10 mins. Every citation is different and I never get tired of reading about the amazing achievements, acts of heroism and bravery that make me so proud to be part of the Scouts.

‘Being a member of the National Awards Advisory Group has to be one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in the Scouts.’

Luke has been involved with the Scouts since joining as a Beaver, working his way up through all the sections until becoming an adult volunteer. Luke is currently a District 14-24 Team Member, Explorers Section Team Leader and Section Team Member. He also serves on both his County and District Trustee Boards, with a key interest in supporting under 25s into governance and trustee roles. He also delivers external award recognition programmes locally and is a member of his District Awards and Recognition Team.

In his spare time, he enjoys many sports and volunteers at a range of charities. Professionally, Luke works in community development and the charity sector and has worked as a professional fundraiser and in community engagement to improve social well-being across South East England.

‘I’ve been a member of the National Awards Advisory Group for around two years. It’s been a brilliant experience to play a part in recognising those in Scouting that have given so much to young people.

‘No one volunteers for the awards but it is a privilege to be involved in celebrating the achievements of many throughout the UK from all walks of life.’

Megan joined the Scouts as a Beaver in 2007 at age 6. She progressed through all the sections before becoming an adult volunteer at 18. Megan holds a number of roles which currently includes; Cubs Section Team Leader, District Youth Lead and is part of the County Volunteer Development Team.

Professionally, Megan completed a History degree at the University of Winchester and works as a primary school teacher.

‘Being a member of the National Awards Advisory Group has given me the opportunity to meet some amazing people in scouting from all over the country as well as attend some brilliant events.’

Cat started in the Scouts as a Beaver in 1996 and worked her way through all the sections, becoming a Cub Leader in 2008 and achieving her Queen’s Scout Award in 2015. She currently holds roles in West Lothian, Scotland, as well as being a member of the King’s Scout Working Party.

Professionally Cat has worked as a freelance stage manager in theatre for 15 years, a job which sometimes takes her all around the country and occasionally abroad too, working across plays, musicals, panto and opera, but is currently taking a step back to focus on home life, including lots of DIY and redecorating at her new home.

A crazy cat lady in training, Cat likes to make friends with cats wherever she goes, and enjoys curling up with a good book or film.

‘Reading about the incredible dedication of fellow volunteers, as well as those who have shown devotion to duty, courage and bravery in their lives at the Scouts, and knowing that I can be a part of recognising them for it, is a wonderful feeling.

‘Seeing surprised smiles spread across faces of award recipients reminds me that what the National Awards Advisory Group do is so important, and hopefully inspires others to deliver that extra special level of service to the Scouts.’

Alan joined Scouts as a Beaver and has been a member of Scouts ever since. He's held roles across Group, District, County and National levels over the last 15 years, including roles as District 14-24 Team Member and Trustee, and is currently a Scouts Section Team Leader in Greater London South East.

Alan is a keen traveller and through International events has attended four Jamborees in different roles and led expeditions across four continents.

Professionally, Alan is Managing Director of a training company in the Utilities sector and is Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development qualified in Learning and Development.

‘Being able to read and review the citations submitted to National Awards Advisory Group is hugely inspirational. To see the number of volunteers who live the Scouts Values and have subsequently delivered amazing and distinguished service in their roles, is incredible.

‘To be able to read about the amazing acts of bravery, honour and courage across our membership and to be able to recognise and reward these people is hugely important.

‘I'm grateful to be part of the team that does this. It's one of the most enjoyable roles I have had in the Scouts.’

Catherine joined Girlguiding aged five and progressed through the sections to become an adult volunteer, before joining Scouts in 2014. Catherine currently holds a role as Cubs Section Team Leader and also helps to support Duke of Edinburgh and King's Scout Award at District level.

Catherine gained her medical degree in 2017, and is now working as a GP in Derbyshire.

Catherine’s hobbies including gardening, well dressing (a traditional Derbyshire craft) and hiking, but is also always planning her next adventure.

‘I joined the National Awards Advisory Group to have a chance to meet new people and see Scouts from a different perspective.

‘Being a member of the National Awards Advisory Group is really humbling, as it gives a glimpse into the dedication and courage shown by our volunteers.’