Tom Salvini appointed as District Lead Volunteer for Mersey Weaver

We are delighted to announce that Tom Salvini has been appointed as the next District Lead Volunteer for Mersey Weaver, taking up the role from 1 September 2026.

There will be an opportunity to meet Tom at Mersey Weaver’s District AGM, and he will also be joining District Trustee Board meetings, District Leadership Team meetings, and other opportunities across the District as he prepares to step into the role.

County Lead Volunteer, Dave Hopley, said:

“I’m thrilled to appoint Tom as District Lead Volunteer for Mersey Weaver. Tom brings a powerful blend of strategic clarity, fresh thinking and people‑centred leadership. His experience supporting large‑scale transformation at United Utilities, alongside his fast‑growing impact across Group, District and Regional Scouting, means he is exceptionally well placed to guide Mersey Weaver into its next exciting chapter.

“I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to both Oli and Jeff for their outstanding leadership over many years. Their passion and commitment have shaped Mersey Weaver into the stable and thriving District it is today, and their continued support in the coming months will ensure Tom receives a smooth and positive handover.”

Tom is a business transformation consultant and coach, currently working at United Utilities, where he helps diverse teams align around shared outcomes while navigating the complexities of organisational change. His focus on clarity, collaboration and empowering people is at the heart of both his professional and voluntary leadership.

Tom’s Scouting journey began in 2022 as a Cub Section Leader at 4th Warrington Scout Group, where he quickly immersed himself in the movement. He has since contributed across Group, District, Regional and international contexts. In 2025, he designed and led a District Cub Camp, and later that year joined the North West Regional Team, supporting wider volunteer development and programme delivery. When Tom’s not Scouting he loves going on adventures in his van with the family and their dog.

On his appointment, Tom said:

“Although I’m new to Mersey Weaver, it’s already clear that it’s made up of so many amazing volunteers and members. It will be an honour and a pleasure to get to know as many people as possible, and to support Groups, teams and members as we continue delivering fantastic outcomes for young people into the future.”

Current District Lead Volunteer, Oliver Chambers, said:

“Being District Lead Volunteer has been one of the great privileges of my life. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together, from investing in our activity centres and opening new sections and groups, to supporting each other through Covid and celebrating record numbers of awards for both young people and volunteers a like.

“As I prepare to hand over, I’m confident that Tom brings the clarity, energy and same passion for innovation to keep Mersey Weaver on the same trajectory. I look forward to supporting him through the transition and seeing Mersey Weaver continue to thrive.”

Outgoing District Chair, Jeff Shaw, said:

“Serving as District Chair for the last decade has been hugely rewarding. I’ve had the pleasure of working with dedicated Trustees and two exceptional District Lead Volunteers. As I prepare to step down, I’m delighted to welcome Tom into the role. His calm, thoughtful and people‑focused approach will be invaluable in supporting volunteers and shaping the future for the District and its Trustee Board. I’m confident that, building on the amazing progress we have made over the past decade, Tom will help ensure Mersey Weaver continues to go from strength to strength.”

We appreciate many of you will be eager to connect with Tom. In due course, he intends to meet with District Team Leaders, Sub‑Team Leaders and Group Lead Volunteers as part of his preparation.

Thank you once again for everything you do to give young people a place to belong and prepare them with skills for life.