Interview with Wayne Bulpitt

The Daily Joust interviewed today Wayne Bulpitt, who came to look round the Chamboree site. Wayne is the Chief Commissioner for Scouting in the UK.

Daily Joust: What is your favourite aspect of being UK Chief Commissioner?

Wayne Bulpitt: Going to events such as Chamboree and seeing Scouting in action.

DJ: What is your least favourite aspect of being UK Chief Commissioner?

WB: About one percent of my email inbox and in-tray.

DJ: What is your Scouting background, and how did you get become UK Chief Commissioner?

WB: I have been a member of Scouting ever since the age of 8 when I joined as a Cub, and I have been in the movement ever since – apart from when I took five years out to do other things. I have also been a Venture Scout Leader, Scout Leader, County Treasurer and then 8 years ago I became a National Trustee – all this because I thought my involvement could bring positive change to Scouting.

DJ: Is this your day job, or is it a voluntary position – if not, what is your day job?

WB: It is a voluntary position and I spend roughly 3 to 4 days a week doing Scouting; I also class it as a hobby. As far as my day job is concerned I own a management consultancy company for the financial industry.

DJ: Do you miss the practical aspect of working with Scouts every week?

WB: In a sense no, because I thoroughly enjoy what I do now: seeing a lot more young people benefit and enjoy scouting; however I like to go back and visit my troop from time to time, as and when they need extra leaders.

DJ: Where is the best place you have been to as UK Chief Commissioner and would you consider going on an adventure with Bear Grylls?

WB: I wouldn’t say I have a favourite place – I enjoy all aspects of my role and the places I get to visit, and in terms of adventures with Bear I don’t think I would be able to keep up!

DJ: If there was one thing in scouting you could change, what would it be?

WB: Without a shadow of a doubt, I would get more adult helpers into the organisation.

DJ: Have you got any entertaining or funny nicknames, from school or anywhere else?

WB: With a surname of Bulpitt, I’m sure you can imagine the variety of nicknames I have had! However a family-friendly one was Chad, from a cartoon that I apparently looked like.

Jonathon Ducker, Chief Celebrity Correspondent (and Young Spokesperson), interviews Wayne Bulpitt

DJ: Can you briefly describe your life outside of Scouting?

WB: Well, last year I did 123 nights away with Scouting, so as you can imagine I don’t get much time, however, I like to spend time with my wife and two children who are all also heavily involved in Scouting.

DJ: What would your family say is your worst habit?

WB: Never being at home!!

DJ: How do you keep in contact and listen to the views of young people?

WB: Listening to young people is clearly very important, and I do this by visiting events such as Chamboree, but also by using the internet and social networking. I also blog regularly at Scouts.org.uk!

DJ: Final question now – would you ever consider a change in uniform?

WB: Yes, and this is an ongoing process that is looked at by Gilwell regularly.