Dwayne’s been appointed as our 11th Chief Scout to lead our half a million young people and adult volunteers for his values, commitment to help young people, and outstanding leadership qualities. During his time as Chief Scout, Dwayne aims to inspire even more young people and adult volunteers to join from all backgrounds.
Carl Hankinson, UK Chief Volunteer, says: ‘Dwayne already has the respect of thousands of young people and volunteers in Scouts. He’s shown real commitment and kindness to Scouts in communities across the UK. As well as being an inspirational adventurer and TV presenter, he’s able to reach across generations and support Scouts serving more local communities.’
Born in Jamaica, Dwayne came to the UK when he was 6 years old. Growing up in North East London in Stoke Newington, with little access to nature, Scouts offered Dwayne access to the outdoors, new friendships, and opened new horizons.
When he joined as a Cub Scout, Scouts gave him skills, belief in himself and place to belong. Through his determination and support from his Scout volunteer leaders and friends, he set himself on a path to become the first Black Briton to reach the North Pole. He’s passionate about encouraging people from all backgrounds to explore nature, support their communities and be the best they can be.
Dwayne says: ‘I hope my story will encourage others to join our movement. My volunteer leaders believed in me as a young person and taught me to believe in myself. They showed me I could do anything I put my mind to, and others would help me along the way. Now I want a new generation to learn the skills, friendship and belonging I felt when I needed them most. I want to show that the outdoors is a place for all of us to be at our best, that Scouts is truly open to all.’
Fun facts about Dwayne that you may or may not know
- He co-founded the #WeTwo Foundation – aimed at helping young people from underprivileged backgrounds to expand their horizons and find their place in the world.
- He’s a seasoned TV host who’s appeared on BBC’s Countryfile, the Disney Channel and many others.
- His Channel 5 TV series Endurance: Race to the Pole with Ben Fogle was nominated in the 2024 BAFTA awards.
Ayesha Karim, UK Youth Lead, says: “I think Dwayne’s going to be an amazing new chief Scout because the bottom line is he absolutely exemplifies what it is to be a Scout. He lives by our values. He is consistently kind to anyone he meets. If you’ve met him before, you’ll know he just takes the time to really get to know you, and also truly talks with so much passion about Scouts.”
HRH The Duke of Kent, Joint President, says: ‘It gives me great pleasure to pass on my deep-felt congratulations to Dwayne Fields on his appointment as the 11th Chief Scout. As an explorer, a TV presenter, and someone who has already shown a clear commitment to young people and Scouts, I’m quite sure he will relish his new role. I wish Dwayne, and all Scouts, every success in the future.’
Dwayne says: ‘I’m calling for more volunteers to step up and make a difference to young people’s lives across the country.’
Dwayne’s determined to help recruit new volunteers in every community in the UK. If you’re inspired to support young people and join the adventure find out more.
