County Team
Steve Donohue
County CommissionerHi, I’m Steve the County Commissioner for Devon Scouts.
Scouting has been a part of my life for over 40 years, whether that’s as a young member in Cubs and Scouts or, as an adult volunteer.
Over those years, I have worked as a leader with Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers and I can honestly say, Scouting has been the most rewarding thing I have undertaken in my life.
To be a part of the development of young people whether that’s through a 2 hour meeting, activities such as hikes, climbing, archery or, through residential experiences, it is an honour to have that opportunity.
I have had some fantastic experiences in my Scouting journey, most of which would not have been possible without Scouting.
So, whether It’s having the chance to speak to inspiring young people completing their Duke of Edinburgh Expedition on Dartmoor or , being invested as a leader into an Explorer unit whilst hanging upside down on a climbing wall, Scouting genuinely changes the lives of those who participate and I am proud to be a member of this amazing movement.
Vacant
Deputy County CommissionerJohn Jarvis
Deputy County CommissionerA member since the age of 11. Held leader roles and was ADC Scout Fellowship in Oxford before moving to Devon in 2007.
Have been ACC Scout Fellowship; County Commissioner; DC for East Devon and then Torridge
Current roles are : Deputy CC (Awards and Recognition); County Training Advisor; Appointments Panel Chair( North Devon); Executive Committee Member 1st North Devon.
Vacant
Assistant County Commissioner (International)Sara Pitchford
Assistant County Commissioner (Perception)Hello, I’m Sara, ACC Perception. I’ve been in and around Scouting for the past 16 years both as an enthusiastic parent and Leader. I have seen first-hand how Scouting makes an incredible difference in Young People’s lives and that of the Volunteers which offer so much time, to give opportunities for everyone to experience.
I’m passionate about enabling Scouting for all, especially those in areas where youth provision is often overlooked.
I enjoy being in the outdoors and making the most of the benefits it offers, be it up on Dartmoor on around our amazing Coastline.
Margaret Jarvis
Assistant County Commissioner (Support)In 1965 joined in Oxford as a Cub Scout Leader, then District Commissioner and finally as ACC Beavers. Moving to North Devon in 2007 I was ADC Beavers, and briefly DC for Torridge. In 2011 appointed as DC for Tiverton District.
Current roles are: County Appointments Secretary; ACC Support; County TA; Appointments Secretary( North Devon) and Chair of 1st North Devon (Barnstaple) Group
(Vacant Role)
Assistant County Commissioner (WSJ)John Slater
Appointments ChairJohn Slater is the County Appointment Chairman as well as East Devon’s Appointment Secretary. He achieved his Leaping Wolf in 1966 and has remained in Scouting pretty much ever since, including being a long term member of the Longridge Service Crew and Chief Instructor at Longridge Scout and Guide Canoe Club plus being a Venture Scout Leader and ASL in Scunthorpe, Group Scout Leader at 1st Sheet and was the DESC in Petersfield twice, in addition had two stints as District Commissioner, before moving to Devon in 2015.
Sam Dawson
County Squirrels AdviserMy Scouting journey started 15 years ago when I offered to help at a Cub pack in Beer, East Devon. My daughter had recently joined as a cub.
I have always been a keen outdoor enthusiast I had been an instructor for Milton Keynes Air Cadets, and have always enjoyed walking and climbing. My love of the outdoors was something that bought me to Devon, I studied HND Countryside Recreation Management at Bicton College.
My time with Cubs has shown me the vast benefits Scouting brings to young people, to see them develop and grow in skills and confidence has been the biggest reward.
As my daughter has moved through scouting and us now herself a leader, I too have developed, my journey has seen me move from leader to training advisor then Local Training Manager.
I am still Bagheera at 1st Beer Cubs, but I am thoroughly enjoying the challenge my new role as County Squirrel Advisor is bringing to me. My role is to guide Districts and the County Team to offer important scouting Skills to a younger generation of future scout leaders and to continue to move Scouting into the future. I am looking forward to seeing the faces of this new Section delight in the opportunities available in being a Devon Squirrel Scout .
Sam Webber
ACC NetworkI started scouting the week before my sixth birthday as a Beaver in Teignbridge. Since then I’ve been lucky enough to wear my Necker up mountains, down in to caves, along rivers and generally getting muddy everywhere I go. My passion lies in getting young people outdoors and enjoying the same experiences I benefitted from.
Vacant
County ChairVacant
County TreasurerJane Batchelor
County AdministratorHi, I’m Jane and I’ve been the County Administrator for Devon Scouts for 11 1/2 years. I see my role as providing as much administrative support as possible to the County Team and Trustees to allow them to concentrate on “proper” Scouting. I’m also the first port of call for enquiries from the wider Scouting community in Devon as well as members of the public.
When I’m not sat behind my desk, I enjoy road cycling, running and I also sing in a Choir.
Rory Fitz-Gerald
County Youth CommissionerI’m Rory, Devon Scouts’ County Youth Commissioner. I’ve been Scouting in Devon since the age of 7 with 1st Highweek Village Scouts, in Teignbridge, as a Beaver, Cub, Scout, Explorer & Young Leader, and now an Assistant Section Leader with our Scout section. I am also a member of the Teignbridge Ten Tors SASU, training young people out on Dartmoor to complete the same great challenge that I did whilst I was in their position, as well as assisting in the running of the Hurdlestone Challenge as part of the security team. On top of all this, I’ve recently being selected as one of leaders for Unit 77, one of Devon’s two WSJ units, an experience I cannot wait for! In my non-scouting time I enjoy the outdoors, football, spending time with my mates, playing video games & cricket, and my work in a small business called Lockabox.
Emma Pacey
County Training ManagerI have been in scouting since 1989 when I started as a Venture Scout moving over from Rangers. At 18 I became a Beaver Leader which I did for 20 years, I then moved to scouts and became an Assistant Scout Leader.
I joined the training team as an Local Training Manager in 2004, at the start of the current training scheme, I did the role for 12 years before changing to Deputy Training Manager in 2016