First Sea Lord Scout
Represent young people in Scouts
The RN Affiliated Sea Scouts are seeking young people for the First Sea Lord Scout Position. The role is about being an ambassador for Scouts, listening to other young people and helping their views be heard. It is a development opportunity linked to Sea Scouting and the Royal Navy partnership; it is not an application to join the Royal Navy.
What you may do
· Represent Scouts respectfully at national events and meetings.
· Gather and share the views of young people beyond your own Group or Unit.
· Explain Sea Scouting and the partnership to different audiences.
· Take part in induction and ambassador training.
· Work with supporting adults to make the role useful and visible.
Who may apply?
· An active Explorer Scout involved in Sea Scouting and part of an RN Affiliated group.
· Applicants are to be aged between 15 and 17 years old at the start of 2027 and remain under 18 by the end of the appointment
· Able to remain eligible for the required appointment duration.
· At least 12 months of active Sea Scout membership.
· As far as reasonably known at application, available for the principal events in the provisional annual programme, with known conflicts or support needs declared.
· Supported by a parent or carer and by an appropriate local Scout volunteer.
Expected national commitments
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The six events listed in the programme are currently expected to form the core programme for the appointment year.
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Availability is essential, but a potential conflict does not automatically disqualify you if it can reasonably be resolved. Dates, venues and activities may change because of Royal Navy operational requirements, security, weather or event planning.
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Some events may involve preceding-day travel, an overnight stay or a full weekend. Appointment must not depend on attending an event that is inaccessible because reasonable adjustments were not provided.
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Whilst acting as an ambassador, you should hold high standards in your appearance. Elements of additional uniform will be provided by the Scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
How the selection process works?
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You write the application in your own words.
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A local volunteer verifies your eligibility and provides a short reference.
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Our team remove names before at least two assessors independently score eligible applications against the published criteria. Scores are moderated, a shortlist is agreed, and shortlisted applicants take part in a consistent interview.
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A panel recommends the successful applicant and reserve.
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Everyone is told privately before any public announcement.
What are the age requirements?
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Applicants are to be aged between 15 and 17 years old at the start of 2027 and remain under 18 by the end of the appointment
Time and travel commitment?
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The current expectation is six core engagements across January, March, May, September, October and December in Portsmouth, London and Plymouth.
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Some may require travel the day before, overnight accommodation or attendance across a full weekend. Further official engagements may be offered. Exact dates, venues and activities are not confirmed and may change.
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The RN Sea Scout Team will try to support travel arrangements where possible, whilst working alongside the RN Cadet Forces to provide overnight ratios and support during events.
Who provides my reference?
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All applications are to upload the Local Volunteer Endorsement and Reference Form at the same time they complete their answers.
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Please ask your section leader or group lead volunteer to complete the reference form.
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Referees might be contacted to confirm your active involvement in your group.
Will I be with my friends?
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The First Sea Lord Cadets are all in the same position as yourself.
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You will be joined together with cadets from all the Royal Navy Cadet forces with these including members of the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Sea Cadets and Volunteer Cadet Core (VCC)
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With representatives being selected from all over the country, it means everyone is meeting for the first time. You will rapidly make new friends whilst enjoying once in a life time opportunities.
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Our previous First Sea Lord Scouts will also support you through the year, bringing their knowledge and experiences to help you transition into the role.
Our Team
Whilst our team has many members, the below people are key points of contact for your young person whilst they are taking on the role.
Nathan Cole
Royal Navy Sea Scout Lead
UK Sea Scout Lead
Alex Merrifield
Deputy RN SS Lead
RN Camps Lead
Vicky Spurgeon
Deputy RN SS Lead
RN Welfare Lead
Henry
First Sea Lord Scout for 2026 and mentor for 2027
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First Sea Lord Scout 2027
TBC
First Sea Lord Scout 2027
TBC