Youth Voices: shaping the future of Scouting in Wales – Research Report

Young people have told us what matters – and now it’s time to act. 

We’re proud to launch Youth Voices: Shaping the Future of Scouting in Wales – a powerful new report capturing what young people really think about Scouting in Wales today, and what they want it to become. 

This is the first time that Scouts anywhere in the UK has conducted one-to-one interviews with young people as part of a national research programme. We commissioned this work now because we want to amplify the voices of young people in Wales ahead of the launch of the new UK Scouts strategy in early 2026 – ensuring we’re ready to hit the ground running when it’s published and take on board what young people have told us really matters. 

The findings are honest, challenging and full of insight. While young people spoke positively about friendship, fun, adventure and belonging, they also challenge us to evolve – to modernise how we involve young people, reflect the diverse communities we serve, and ensure every young person feels they belong. One young person put it simply: 

“We’re asked for our views – but then we don’t see anything happen.” 

We’re determined to change that. 

 The report makes four clear recommendations: 

• Co-design – Work alongside young people to develop solutions – particularly on complex issues like age flexibility, fundraising, communication, and growing the Network offer. This is about collaborating with our young people to shape how Scouting works in practice. 

• Youth-insights – Gather high-quality insights from young people in consistent, creative ways — from local sessions to national events — so we understand their lives and priorities and can respond meaningfully. 

• Youth-shaped – Support young people to help plan, lead and shape activities – at local and national levels – and recognise and share examples of youth-shaped Scouting in Wales in action. 

• Youth-led – Strengthen the role of young people in governance, strategy and decision-making – by clearly defining roles, providing support and mentoring, and creating space for their voices to shape the movement at every level. 

This report is not the end of a process – it’s the beginning of a shared agenda for action. 

We’re already making changes. In the coming months, we’ll share examples of how we’re responding – from new bilingual resources to more structured youth leadership pathways and clearer ways for young people to give feedback and see what’s changed. 

We’ll also work with young people to co-create a practical action plan, so the changes that follow reflect their ideas and priorities. While some things may sit at a UK level and can’t be changed immediately, we’ll be clear about what those are and work to influence them on behalf of young people in Wales.  

Real change won’t happen from the centre — it happens through our volunteers.  From section leaders to Youth Leads, it’s volunteers who make Scouting possible. The insights in this report challenge us to change how we involve young people and ensure that what we offer truly reflects the diverse communities we serve across Wales. The recommendations in this report give us a shared roadmap. Now, it’s up to all of us – staff, volunteers and young people – to bring it to life. 

Read the full report here via the link below.  

Got ideas or want to be involved? Get in touch: youthshaped@scoutscymru.org.uk  

Because when young people speak, we don’t just listen – we act.