Governance

In 2024, we continued to refine our governance, approving decisions concerning the nomination and appointment processes for Board and Committee members, and the evaluation and renewal of co-opted Board Members, as well as a maximum term of office for Board Members.

We recognised David Huestis’ significant contribution to both World Scouting and the World Scout Foundation when he moved to the Life Member category of the Board in April 2024 and will mark this more publicly on a suitable occasion. We celebrated Margot Bogert’s 31 years of service on the Board and her unwavering support of World Scouting at the 76th BP Fellowship Event in Brazil, following her 2023 decision to move to the Life Member category.

Throughout 2024, we also embarked on a journey to further improve the way we manage our investments, with the aim of increasing our annual income from the investments and facilitating co-investment from WOSM entities via the establishment of a new WSF Investment Fund.

We thank all of the hard-working volunteers who serve on the Foundation Board and on our governance and fundraising committees.

The Foundation Board met twice in 2024: in April, in Stockholm, Sweden, and in October, on the occasion of the 76th BP Fellowship Event in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Executive Committee of the Board, as well as Board Sub-committees for governance and fundraising met regularly online during the year. In-person meetings of the governance and all fundraising committees also took place in Stockholm, and select governance committees also met ahead of our Brazil event.

As of 31 December 2023, the Foundation Board comprises 27 influential businesspersons, representatives of global Scouting and world leaders, led by our Honorary Chairman, His Majesty the King of Sweden. We are fortunate to also count on the expertise of 5 (non-voting) Life Members of the Board.

David Huestis joined the World Baden-Powell Fellowship in 1992 and was appointed as a Board Member of the World Scout Foundation in 1995. Throughout his tenure, he has worked hard to drive fundraising in Canada through the introduction of numerous new BP Fellows including many Young BP Fellows, and his leadership of the Canada Chapter. David was instrumental in the organisation of our 2010 BP Fellowship Event in Ottawa and continues to support numerous Chapter events and initiatives. He has also provided sage guidance and expertise as a Member and Chair of the Audit Committee, dedicating countless volunteer hours to set up the Audit Committee and provide effective oversight of the Foundation’s finances. In 2011, David was deservedly awarded the Bronze Wolf, Scouting’s highest honour, in recognition of his outstanding service, commitment, and contributions to the World Scouting.

David and his wife Faye are long-standing and cherished Members of the Baden-Powell Circle of the Honours Programme. Together, over the course of decades, they have generously enabled numerous programmes and initiatives in Canada and internationally, including the Scouts Canada national e-learning platform. In April 2024, David requested to move to the Life Member category of the Board (non-voting) after a phenomenal 24 years of active service. At the same time, he and Faye pledged an additional, significant gift to World Scouting in honour of his many years with the Foundation, which will ensure multi-year, earmarked funding for World Scouting’s vital work in the areas of Safe from Harm and Humanitarian Action.

Thank you, David and Faye, for your unwavering generosity, kindness and championing of World Scouting.

The Foundation counts on an incredible network of volunteers working in numerous Sub-committees of the Board and working groups to achieve our vision and Strategy. 

Meet the staff team supporting the day-to-day work of the World Scout Foundation!

We love to connect with our BP Fellows and other donors, partners and anyone interested in supporting our mission to strengthen the impact of Scouting worldwide. Please don’t hesitate to reach out via the contacts below or to let us know if you’re in the vicinity! We have an operations office in Kandersteg and our legal seat is in Geneva.