13/06/2026
Scouts Volunteer Neil Salter awarded MBE
Long-serving Scout volunteer Neil Salter has been awarded an MBE in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Scouting and dedicated voluntary service to young people and communities across Avon.
The award recognises his service as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Avon Scouts, now Chair of 2nd Portishead Scout Group, acknowledging his significant contribution to Scouting and the positive impact his volunteering has made on countless young people, volunteers and local communities.
2nd Portishead Scout Group is absolutely delighted that our Chairman, Neil Salter, has received this well-deserved award. Neil has been a tremendous supporter of Scouting in Portishead and across Avon for many years, and everyone at 2nd Portishead is incredibly pleased to see his dedication, commitment and service recognised at a national level.
Over almost six decades of service, Neil has held many different roles and helped generations of young people access opportunities, develop confidence, learn valuable life skills and become active members of their communities. His leadership and commitment have also supported hundreds of volunteers, helping Scouts to thrive across Avon and in Portishead.
Scouting has become a true family affair for the Salters, as Neil met his wife through Scouting, his daughter met her husband through the movement, and both his son and daughter have held leadership roles within Scouts.
Reacting to the news, Neil said: “I was astonished and incredibly honoured to receive this recognition. The Scout motto is ‘Be Prepared’, but I certainly was totally unprepared for this.
“For nearly 60 years, Scouting has given me many opportunities along with lifelong friendships. To me, Scouting has always been about giving young people the chance to grow in confidence, develop life skills, and experience adventure. Volunteering with the Scouts has been my way of putting something back into a movement that helped shape my life.
“This recognition is not just for me - it reflects the incredible dedication of volunteers across Avon who give up their time every week to support young people and make a positive difference in our communities.”
The award recognises not only Neil’s exceptional dedication to Scouting, but also the lasting impact his volunteering has had on countless young people, families and communities. Through his tireless service, he has helped create opportunities that have changed lives, strengthened community connections and inspired others to volunteer. It is this sustained and significant contribution to society that has led to him being recognised with the award of an MBE.
Everyone at 2nd Portishead Scout Group offers Neil their warmest congratulations on this outstanding and thoroughly well-deserved achievement.
