Introducing our new President

I am delighted to announce that John May has agreed to become British Scouting Overseas first ever President.

John is the Secretary General of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation and Chair of Trustees for Oxfordshire County Scouts. He has spent his career working with and for young people in the UK and around the world.

John became a Scout when he was 11 and he has worked with every Section. He has been: DC; Trustee of the Scout Association; International Commissioner for the UK; UK Chairman of Programme & Development; Member of the World Scout Committee – he served six years on the World Scout Committee, three as Vice Chair and he is currently WOSM’s lead volunteer for human rights education.

In 2015 John was awarded the Silver Wolf by the UK Scout Association and in 2016 the World Scout Committee awarded him the Bronze Wolf.

British Scouting Overseas is one of the most diverse and fastest growing Areas of the UK Scout Association and John’s wealth of knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue on our international journey, delivering exciting and challenging programmes for young people.

John describes himself as “mischief maker and habitual chocolate cake eater” – ideally suited for BSO! If you want to find out more then see John’s Blog www.johnccmay.net

I am looking forward to working with John as we continue to develop BSO.



Peter Dawes
Area Commissioner