Five Minutes With…Scouting Special

Our Managing Consultant Andy Hicks has been with the Scouting Movement for over a decade, and talks about his work within it.

How did you get involved in Scouting?

Many years ago, my eldest son decided he wanted to join the Scouting movement and from an early age enjoyed Beavers and Cubs each week in our local group. However, when he got to 10-and-a-half years old, he was ready to move to the Scout section. But we were told that due to a lack of volunteer leaders he would have to change to another group. I have always enjoyed outdoor activities and so decided to go along as an adult helper and support the already in place leadership team.

So what happened next?

Well, that was over 12 years ago and I am now the scout section leader, with a group of 22 young people attending each Friday, which is just great.

As well as taking part in about six to eight weekends camping each year, there is also a week long annual summer camp.

What activities do you take part in?

The time I spend volunteering with the Scouts is amazing, not only do I get to lead lots of outdoor activities that I enjoy (canoeing, climbing, hiking pioneering to name a few) but I get to see our scouts’ learning skills and developing self confidence in themselves. It’s my way of putting something back.

You are away for most of the week when you are working with clients. How do you fit it all in?

Time management is always a challenge as a busy Managing Consultant mostly working away on client sites, and personal and family time is very precious to me, so there is a constant balancing act in progress managing that commitment to Scouting, whilst getting the desired quality time with family and friends.

But Develop Consulting has been incredibly supportive and through the new CSR policy, I get supported volunteering days which means that I don’t have to use annual leave days to cover events like summer camp, which is a massive help in enabling me to get that time balance right.

I would recommend anyone who volunteers to ask their company if they can offer this extra support, and, if not why not ask?

And finally, how would someone get involved in the Scouting movement?

If you enjoy the outdoors and can relate to young people up to the age of 18, why not contact your local scout troop and see how you can help, you won’t regret it, honestly!