Former Ramsey cub gets top scout job as new chief executive

Former 1st Ramsey Scout Matt Hyde who has just started a new job as chief executive of the Scout Association (Image: Martyn Milner / The Scout Association - 2013)

Matt Hyde, pictured, started his new job on Monday, replacing Derek Twine, who had been in the position for 16 years.

Mr Hyde, 38, the youngest of four children, followed his twin brothers Jeremy and Christopher into Scouting at 1st Ramsey Scout Group.

His mum Diana, of Abbots Close, Ramsey, said: “It’s gone full circle for him really. They used to enjoy the camps. There were some good leaders then and a good group of parents who helped. Scouts is a marvellous opportunity for any youngster. It puts them in good stead for the life ahead of them.”

His father, Richard, who was the chairman of 1st Ramsey Scout Group from 1978 to 1980, added: “He was in the Cubs but didn’t go into Scouts. He moved on to other things, in particular his studies, and he did very well at school.”

Mr Hyde, whose family ran furniture and drapery business GB Hyde and Son, went to Ramsey infant and junior schools before moving to the Abbey School.

He completed a degree in English at Queen Mary College, University of London, where he was voted president of its students’ union.

Mr Hyde, who also has a sister, Nicola, went on to be the president of the University of London Union and later worked at students’ unions for King’s College, London, and Goldsmiths before joining the National Union of Students (NUS) in 2005. He became the organisation’s chief executive in 2007.

Commenting on his new role, Mr Hyde, who lives with wife Laura and their son, Reuben, five, in St Albans, said: “Together, we will look to open scouting up to an even greater number of young people, from those living in inner cities who may not previously have had access to outdoor adventure to those representing the diverse spectrum of Britain’s society.”