ScoutsCymru is delighted to announce the appointment of Kirsty Palmer as chair of its Board of Trustees.
Following an Extraordinary General Meeting earlier this month, Kirsty’s appointment will commence at the start of February 2024.
The Chair of the Board of Trustees is a vital role in the governance of ScoutsCymru, working with volunteers and staff to deliver the Skills for Life strategy and to ensure even more young people across Wales have the opportunity to gain valuable skills for life.
Kirsty brings with her a wealth of experience from her role as director of Student Services at Cardiff Metropolitan University. She has worked in higher education since 2013 following a decade in the voluntary sector, including roles at Girlguiding UK and Woodcraft Folk. She was also involved in recruiting and training London Ambassador volunteers for the 2012 Olympics.
Kirsty is an experienced trustee. She joimed the Board of Welsh Women’s Aid in 2019 and was elected Chair in November 2021. She is also co-event director at Tremorfa parkrun, and a staff governor at Cardiff Met. In September 2021 she completed a Masters in Strategy, Change and Leadership at Bristol University, and hopes to bring both this learning and her professional and previous trustee experience to her role at ScoutsCymru.
Kirsty Palmer said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of the Board of Trustees for ScoutsCymru. Having been an active trustee for over a decade across a number of organisations, as well as having a previous professional career working with volunteers and young people, I believe I have the right combination of skills and experience to support ScoutsCymru’s ongoing development. Now, more than ever, young people need spaces and places where they can develop confidence, team-working, and a habit of community involvement, and I am proud to begin to play my part in that mission in Wales.”
Rhian Moore, ScoutsCymru Chief Volunteer, said: “Kirsty impressed us during the recruitment process with her understanding of the issues facing young people in Wales, her inclusive approach, her passion for volunteering, and her experiences as a trustee for other organisations.
“She has already made a great impression on staff and volunteers and we know she will have a hugely positive impact on the lives of young people and volunteers in Scouts across Wales.
Kerrie Gemmill, Director of ScoutsCymru said; “I am thrilled that Kirsty has made the decision to take on the role of Chair of Trustees for ScoutsCymru. Kirsty joins us at an exciting time as we start to look to the future, and we very much look forward to her joining the team. The addition of Kirsty as our new Chair of Trustees, alongside Rhian, our Chief Volunteer, marks a significant milestone with three experienced women leading ScoutsCymru.”
