As Peter Oliver completes his five-year term, Peter hands over to Chris Valentine-Burrows as our next County Commissioner, on Monday 16th May.
Peter writes:
Following the recent announcement by Ian Hill, our Regional Commissioner, I am delighted that Chris Valentine-Burrows has been appointed as our next County Commissioner to lead the support we provide to the 145 communities we serve across Merseyside.
We continue to achieve so much. Over the last five years, we’ve consistently sought to place our members, and the things that matter, at the heart of everything we do. We’ve largely been growing (including an incredible bounce-back following the pandemic), have become increasingly youth shaped, enhanced our community impact and are becoming more inclusive. And, importantly, we’ve tried to have a little fun along the way. The successes we achieve together have been, and will continue to be, the combined achievements of each member of Merseyside Scouts, and of our Community Partners – and long may this momentum continue.
The privileged opportunity this role has given me to volunteer as part of our team, and to experience first-hand the breadth and depth of the incredible work of each volunteer, across the many communities we serve has been inspirational and heart-warming. Our young people flourish through the programmes our teams deliver. They learn new skills that will last their lifetime, they become active citizens, and will go on to do even greater things than many could imagine. The work our teams generously undertake develops brighter futures.
I could not have delivered this role without the incredible encouragement, support, and energy of everyone who’s helped me along the way – particularly those who have shared my responsibilities – and for that I’m hugely grateful. I am looking forward to continuing to be an ambassador of Merseyside Scouts as a newly appointed Vice President, and for the remainder of my elected term will continue to be a member of the UK Board of Trustees, and the current Chair of the Strategy and Delivery Committee.
I know that Chris will make a massive impact and I look forward to seeing where we go next, and supporting along the way. I hope you’re able to support Chris in the way you have supported me.
Thank you, sincerely, for the life-changing experiences you deliver to our members, and for the personal support and warmth you’ve provided to me.
Best wishes,
