Tom Ovenstone appointed as the new Executive Director of Operations at Scouts

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Tom Ovenstone as Executive Director of Operations at Scouts.

Tom joins Scouts from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), where he built an impressive 15-year career across a number of senior roles, including Head of Operations and Assistant Director for Operations and Business Intelligence. Most recently, he served as Director of Quality and Compliance.

Throughout the selection process, Tom stood out for his depth of experience in operational leadership, alongside his strong expertise in safety and safeguarding. At DofE, he led a significant cultural and strategic shift in safeguarding, strengthening practice across a wide network of delivery partners while championing a proactive, values-led approach. He also played an important role in shaping DofE’s Youth Without Limits strategy, as well as its Theory of Change and Impact Measurement Framework, demonstrating a clear commitment to impact and evidence-led decision making.

Tom brings valuable prior experience from his earlier career at Scouts, where he held several roles within the Programme Team, leaving in 2010 as Head of Programme. This background gives him a strong understanding of the organisation’s federated structure, volunteer culture and the realities of delivering Scouting locally.

Tom is particularly looking forward to returning to Scouts, working with staff and volunteers to strengthen the volunteering experience and help more young people find a place to belong, in line with the organisation’s new strategy.

He will take up the role on 18th May, leading teams across volunteering, movement support and growth, safeguarding, resilience and safety, as well as international and events. We are confident that his experience, leadership and insight will make a significant contribution to Scouts.

Asked for comment, Tom said:

"I really enjoyed working with the team at Society, as they helped the Scouts through the process of finding a new Executive Director of Operations. Simon and Kayley really went the extra mile in terms of communication, making sure that I was fully informed about the expectations of the role and the appointment process. I’d absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for similar recruitment support."

We wish Tom every success as he begins his new role with Scouts.