Trustee Board
Shaping Scouting, together: A team dedicated to youth empowerment.
Every year, our community comes together at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to elect the North Devon Scout Council Trustee Board. This passionate team of volunteers, chosen by you, acts as a trusted steward of Scouting. We understand the magic of Scouting and its transformative power on young minds. That’s why we work hand-in-hand with leaders, families, and volunteers to ensure Scouting remains vibrant, accessible, and impactful for all young people.
Through effective governance, strategic planning, and responsible oversight, we create a thriving environment where young people can develop essential life skills, build confidence, and contribute positively to society. We are accountable to both you and the community, working tirelessly to deliver high-quality Scouting programs that empower young people to reach their full potential.
Join us in shaping the future of Scouting. Learn more about becoming involved, either as a volunteer or participant, and experience the joy of watching young minds soar through the power of Scouting.

Dan Smith
Dan’s involvement with the Scouts spans over 17 years, beginning as a youth member before transitioning into an adult volunteer role. Throughout this period, he has assumed a variety of roles at the Section, Group, and District levels. He previously served as a District Trustee from 2015 to 2017 before rejoining as Chair in 2023. He is passionate about ensuring young people, regardless of their backgrounds, have equal access to outdoor adventures and strongly advocates for a youth-driven approach within the organisation. In his role on the Board of Trustees, he will focus on establishing effective governance practices throughout the organisation, and providing responsible oversight to promote the growth, sustainability, and meaningful delivery of scouting programmes for young people. In his professional life, Dan is employed by a global environmental charity, where he works as a manager within their legal department. In this capacity, he plays a crucial role in delivering robust risk management, governance, and assurance coverage.

Jack Tighe
I’ve been involved in Scouting since I joined 1st Tawstock at 10 years old, and haven’t looked back. I’ve had a varied involvement in the movement, scouting at a group, district and county level, primarily in North Devon but also in Teignbridge and Tiverton Districts. My particular interests in Scouting are charity governance, the 14 – 25 age range and, above all else, programme and activities. I’m most often to be found at our district events, up a climbing wall, on the water or the moors – anywhere young people are being adventurous and getting stuck in!

Matt Cole
My scouting journey began in 1980 as a Cub and then a Sea Scout. After that I became a Young Leader for two local Cub packs – those experiences shaped my decision to enter teacher training in 1991. A chance meeting on Bideford Quay in 2018 led to me stepping back into Scouting with 1st Woolsery after a 25-year break. At Group level, I have worked with fellow leaders to build a very strong and vibrant group of over 100 members and have led on a wide range of adventures including taking our Troop to Canada in 2022. I am also a Training Advisor, and part of the District Commissioner Team.
As a Trustee, I am committed to ensuring both young people and adult volunteers are well supported in developing a love of the outdoors, and a spirit of adventure. My particular areas of interest are hillwalking and international elements of Scouting, giving our young people a truly global perspective for their future lives.

Mark Etheridge
I came into the movement in 2012 as Group Scout Leader of 1st North Devon, a role I still hold. I am actively involved in Target sports, campsite, young leaders, and technology.
It is my passion for technology I want to use to help us achieve our charitable goals and build a strong foundation that enables growth.

Phil Gladwin
I have been involved in the Scouting movement since I was 8 when I joined 12th North Devon as a Cub. I have loved my time in Scouting and feel that it has influenced the person I am today. Currently, I volunteer at 1st Fremington Scouts as an Assistant Scout Leader; in becoming a Trustee this year, I am hoping that I will be able to provide insight from a group level. My passions within Scouting include kayaking and hillwalking, activities that I am hoping to review the permits for within the District. I particularly enjoy assisting with the training of our young people for the Ten Tors challenge.

Matt Lavercombe
Matt has been a part of the scouting movement since the age of 6 starting as a Beaver in 2007 at 12th North Devon (Pilton) and he now runs the cub section aged 22 at 12th alongside being a trustee.
Matt has completed both his bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh award with the Taw Explorers unit at Collard Bridge as well as assisting at the campsite’s climbing tower and the valley of the rocks as a member of the climbing instructor’s team of volunteers.
He was also in the cast of the North Devon Gang Show from 2010 to 2019. Matt joined the backstage committee for the 2020 show and since taken on the role of treasurer for the 2024 show and beyond.
He has recently qualified as a chartered accountant and works in a local firm in Barnstaple called Glover Stanbury. Matt has a keen interest in the finance aspect of the Trustee board and is using this interest to shape the finance policy and budgets of the District. With a main aim to ensure that the young people have access to funding from the District in a sustainable manner to enable the District to continue to support the young people in scouting for many years to come.

Alison Homa
I have been in Scouting a long time, with all of my children, as a parent helper then a leader for the last 6 years. I have been a School Governor for a number of years, and have experience in governance. I am passionate about young people reaching their potential, and in scouting attaining the top awards.
If you asked the young people why I am a Trustee, I hope they would say because I was there for them.

Norman Rider
With 24 years in Scouting, I’ve held various roles from Cub Scout Assistant to District Commissioner. I have a deep understanding of Scouting principles and practice, demonstrated by awards like the Chief Scout’s 20 Years Service Award.
My leadership experience includes guiding a struggling group to growth and success, navigating GDPR challenges, and organizing a district-wide centenary celebration. My professional background in Sales & Marketing complements my Scouting skills, making me a valuable asset to the North Devon District board of trustees and scout groups.
Best Practice Documents
Please follow the links below to some example documents to help your Trustee board.-
Each charitable organisation, even if exempt from registration, is obligated to have a well-defined charitable purpose and statement of public benefit. This information should be included in your annual report and, if relevant, on the Charity Commission register. This document outlines the significance of these elements, offers guidance on crafting them ,a nd presents an example that you can utilise or adapt for your Group.
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Effective charitable governance is a cornerstone of a charity’s achievements. Even if your Scout Group is exempt from registering with the Charity Commission, it is important to recognise that you still hold charitable status, and therefore, must adhere to legal requirements and applicable regulations. You can find a link to The Charity Governance Code, a valuable resource for upholding high governance standards, in this document.
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The primary objective of Policy, Organisation & Rules (POR) is to outline the structure, organisation, management, and governance of the Scouts. You can find a concise summary and access a link within this document.
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Although it remains a Trustee Board meeting, your Annual General Meeting (AGM) should have a distinct agenda to comprehensively address vital areas, including financial matters and elections. We have created a sample agenda to assist you in following best practices effectively.
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To ensure adherence to Policy, Organisation & Rules (POR) and Charity Law, it is imperative that your AGM incorporates several essential components. Following these guidelines, which also offer suggested language, will assist you in upholding best practices.
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Keeping a record of attendees at your Annual General Meeting (AGM) is crucial since many of them are integral members of the Group Scout Council. The individuals who participate in the AGM should be documented in the meeting minutes. This Sign in Sheet offers a straightforward template to assist you in maintaining records effortlessly.
- For every Trustee Board meeting, it is essential to have an agenda in place. This should encompass recurring matters as well as accommodate any fresh and emerging issues. We’ve prepared a sample agenda that can serve as a solid framework for productive trustee meetings.
- Trustees must undergo introductory and mandatory training modules, all of which are available online and can be completed at your convenience. These modules are designed to enhance your comprehension of Scouting, our core principles, essential policies, and your responsibilities as a trustee.