A familiar face in local Scouting has been chosen to take on the top volunteer role for West Yorkshire Scouts, including Ilkley.
Toby Hammond, has been appointed as the new County Lead Volunteer, a role previously known as County Commissioner, for West Yorkshire Scouts and will officially step into the role on 1st May. He brings a deep passion for youth work and an impressive background in both local and national Scouting.
Toby has held a number of key roles in the movement, including County Youth Lead, member of the UK Scouts HQ Team, and Trustee. Outside of Scouting, he also works professionally within Education, supporting schools and early years settings.
His grandparents live in Ilkley, so Toby has spent much of his life in and around the Ilkley area, and taking on the new role, Toby says:
“I am excited to support volunteers and empower young people to take the lead in shaping their Scouting journey. I’m excited to see Wharfedale Scouts growth and go from strength to strength under their brilliant leadership team and it will be a privilege to support them! Wharfedale Scouts has so much to offer young people from Reva, the water sports centre, to Curly Hill Campsite and of course the youth hostel Hag Dyke, to the 10 amazing groups that meet week in and week out”.
Toby takes over from Ian Womersley, who has led West Yorkshire Scouts for the past five years. Under Ian’s leadership, the County has grown, with new Squirrel Dreys opening and exciting new partnerships forged with organisations like Bradford University and the Jo Cox Foundation.
West Yorkshire Scouts supports thousands of young people aged 4–25 and adult volunteers across communities including Ilkley, Keighley, Bingley, Bradford and beyond. With Toby now at the helm, the County looks set for another exciting chapter of growth and opportunity.

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