Lead Volunteer appointed for Chester and District

Megan Porter has been appointed to lead Chester and District from 1 December 2024.

Dave Hopley, County Lead Volunteer said,

“I am delighted to have appointed Megan Porter as District Lead Volunteer for Chester and District. Megan has a compelling vision for the District combined with her enthusiasm and passion for delivering Scouting to young people, she brings a wealth of skills and experience from her Scouting and professional life to lead the District forward to a bright future, as we look to transform our volunteer experience”

“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Alan Wilding for his dedication and commitment as District Lead Volunteer for Chester and District over the past five years. Over the next 2-3 weeks, Alan and Megan will be working through a structured handover. The District are hoping to arrange a leader focussed event prior to Christmas to provide an occasion to say a huge thank you to Alan, and a welcome to Megan is her new role, further information will follow.”

Megan is a Teacher at a small, rural primary school in Cheshire West and Chester. She is a subject lead for many parts of the curriculum, a deputy designated safeguarding lead and has recently completed her Leading teaching national professional qualification.

Megan’s Scouting journey started as an Assistant Scout Leader at 1st Malpas Scout Group in 2014, prior to this she had been involved with Girlguiding from a young age. Megan was appointed as District Youth Commissioner for Chester and District in 2016, and for the last five years has served as a Deputy District Commissioner, while supporting Explorer Scouts as District Explorer Scout Commissioner. This Summer, Megan led a Chester and District contingent on an international expedition to Norway

Outside of Scouting Megan enjoys camping and woodland walks with her cocker spaniel, Juno.

On her appointment Megan said, “I am incredibly grateful and excited to be stepping into the Lead Volunteer role for Chester and District, I look forward to working with our wonderful adult volunteers as we embrace the imminent transformation, building on our current successes and creating new and exciting opportunities for our youth members.”

Alan Wilding said, “I have been honoured to serve the District and would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my time as District Commissioner and Lead Volunteer. I know that we will continue to work effectively together to ensure a smooth transition. Megan has a passion for Scouting and will lead the District to benefit the youth members.”

Kieran Skinner, District Chair said, “We were extremely fortunate to have received several high-quality applications for the District Lead Volunteer role, and it was inspiring to see how much enthusiasm and talent we have within the District. Thank you to all that applied. Following the rigorous appointments process, I am delighted that Dave has appointed Megan to the role. Having worked with Megan over the past few years, I have witnessed her achievements, commitment and passion for Scouting first-hand and am sure she will be extremely successful in her new role. I expect like all of us across the District, I too am looking forward to working with and supporting Megan over the coming years, to help secure the continued growth and success of Scouting in Chester and District”.