The UK Scout Association has appointed Mark Hislop to the new role of commercial director.
The position was created as part of UK Scouting's strategic plan for 2014-18, and to "spearhead" future fundraising efforts as well as to maximise the potential of the organisation’s commercial activities.
There has been nine consecutive years of membership growth at the UK Scout Association but there are 40,000 young people on waiting lists to join the movement. The organisation’s strategic plan hopes to increase the number of youth members and adult volunteers.
According to the 2013/14 annual report, UK Scouting hopes to have 500,000 young members and 150,000 adult volunteers by 2018. The charity is also aiming to deliver 8,000 community impact ‘projects’ every year by 2018.
Matt Hyde, chief executive of the Scout Association, said: “I am delighted to welcome Mark onto the staff. He brings unique qualities and experience to the team that will ensure that UK Scouting is able to give even more young people, the opportunity to experience the life-changing adventure that Scouting offers.”
Hislop is currently the commercial director of the Somerset House Trust. Before moving into the voluntary sector he worked for 28 years in the retail sector including roles with Habitat, Marks & Spencer and Tesco.
He will take up his new position with the Scouts in early April.
