Rhian Moore, former ScoutsCymru Chief Volunteer for Wales, was “truly humbled and honoured” to hear she had been awarded an MBE in The King’s Birthday Honours List for her services to young people through Scouting.
The honours system recognises people who have committed themselves to serving and helping people across the United Kingdom. Rhian has received an MBE for her services to young people through Scouting.
Rhian said of receiving the honour:
“I’m truly humbled and honoured to receive this recognition and will forever be grateful for the nomination.
“At the heart of Scouting are the volunteers who make it happen for young people every week. During my time as Chief Volunteer of Wales, I had the privilege of seeing first-hand the extraordinary impact volunteers have in helping young people grow in confidence, feel included, and find a place where they belong and believe in themselves.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together, and I accept this honour on behalf of the volunteers who continue to give young people opportunities they may not otherwise have had, supporting them with skills, experiences and memories that stay with them for life.”
For more than 14 years, Rhian has been part of Scouts. Joining as a volunteer in 2012 after moving to Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire and wanting to become more involved in her local community, she has volunteered with Cubs in Kidwelly and Skewen, and with Scouts in Pencoed.
After supporting Scouting in a number of roles, Rhian went on to become Chief Volunteer for Wales in 2019, becoming the first woman to hold the role. During her seven years as Chief Volunteer, she helped guide Scouting in Wales through the Covid-19 pandemic, supported the introduction and growth of Squirrels, celebrated 100 years of Scouting in Wales, championed partnerships with organisations including Public Health Wales, the RNLI and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, and supported the delivery of opportunities that helped thousands of young people across Wales gain skills for life.
Rhian currently supports local Scouting and serves as a Trustee of the Youth United Foundation, representing Scouts and other youth organisations on the UK Board. She has also volunteered for more than 20 years with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in Wales and on its UK Council. Professionally, Rhian is Head of Communications and Engagement at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and lives in Bridgend, South Wales.
Kirsty Palmer, Chair of Trustees at ScoutsCymru, said:
“On behalf of ScoutsCymru, I would like to offer my congratulations to Rhian on receiving an MBE in The King’s Birthday Honours List.
“Rhian has dedicated many years to supporting young people through Scouting, both in Wales and across the wider UK movement. Through her commitment and passion for volunteering, she has helped create opportunities for young people to develop confidence, gain skills for life and experience the adventure that Scouting offers.
“This honour recognises not only Rhian’s contribution to Scouting, but also her wider commitment to volunteering and public service. We are delighted to see her efforts recognised in this way and wish her every congratulations on this achievement.”
Rhian is one of more than 140,000 volunteers for Scouts across the UK, 4300 of them in Wales, offering fun, adventure and skills for life for young people aged between 4 and 25.
