03/06/2026
We're pleased to announce that Scouts UK has appointed Tom Vincent as the new County Lead Volunteer for the Isle of Wight. Tom currently serves as Group Lead Volunteer for 1st Bembridge, St Helens & Seaview. He will formally take up his new role at the conclusion of the County AGM on 8 July 2026.
Tom has been involved in Scouting since the age of 8, starting as a Cub in Wiltshire, moving up to Sea Scouts as both Scout and Leader, where he got his love for the sea. Moving to the Island in 2013, he joined Bembridge Sea Scouts in 2019 when his son started at Beavers. Initially helping the Beaver section, he then took over the Cub section in 2022, eventually taking on the Group Lead Volunteer role. Tom and his wife live in Bembridge and have two children who are both still involved in Scouting. Tom is a Captain with Wightlink, where he has worked for the past 21 years.
Tom says: “I am excited to begin my new role and continue my Scouting journey here on the Isle of Wight. My immediate focus is to get to know our amazing volunteers, listening to them to learn how best to support them in the work they do for the young people in our communities. Their commitment is what keeps Scouting alive, and it’s vital we continue to support them. I look forward to leading Scouting on the Island as we continue to adapt and grow and support our young people in their personal development.”
James Palin, Region Lead for South East England, said: “Tom has demonstrated a strong commitment to Scouting and to supporting volunteers and young people in his current role. Following a call for applications and a competitive interview panel process, Tom was selected to lead Scouting across the County. I wish him every success in his new role and look forward to working with him.
“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Dave Simpson for his outstanding leadership, dedication and service over the past seven years. Dave’s commitment to Scouting on the Isle of Wight has made a lasting impact, and the County is stronger because of his contribution. We are immensely grateful for everything he has achieved during his tenure.
“Finally, I would like to thank all our volunteers for the incredible contribution they make to Scouting across the Isle of Wight. Their time, energy and commitment continue to create life-changing opportunities for hundreds of young people, and their support is deeply valued.”
The County Lead Volunteer provides leadership to the Island’s County Scout Team, who in turn support the local Scout Groups, Explorer Scout Units and specialist support teams including Corf Scout Campsite. Scouting is the largest voluntary sector provider of activities for young people on the Isle of Wight but without the support of adult volunteers none of this would be possible. We have uniformed and non-uniformed volunteer roles in Scout Groups and Units across the Island and welcome enquiries via https://volunteeringopportunities.scouts.org.uk/ or our page .
