Chief scout

A chief scout is the principal or head scout for a military unit, colonial administration, an exploration expedition, or a Scout organisation. In performing or creative arts, particularly sport, the term may also refer to an organisation's senior talent scout.

A chief scout, or chief of scouts, was historically the person in charge of intelligence and reconnaissance in the English Navy, armies or in expeditions. The title was popularly used in colonies or frontiers such as in the Americas and southern Africa during the colonial period although the title dates back as far as English Civil War. Frederick Russell Burnham, was chief scout of the British South Africa Company and chief of scouts to Field Marshal Lord Roberts during the Boer War.

The founder of Scouting, Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, adopted the titles of Chief Scout and Chairman of The Boy Scouts Association in 1908, holding both positions until his death in 1941. At the closing ceremony of the 1st World Scout Jamboree in 1920, Baden-Powell was also acclaimed Chief Scout of the World by the 8,000 members in attendance from 34 countries. The title Chief Scout of the World has not been used since his death in 1941.

Many organisations in the Scout Movement, such as Ireland, Poland and the United Kingdom still use the title Chief Scout for the uniformed head of their organisation. Some organisations, such as Scouts Australia and Scouts Aotearoa, appoint high government officials like the Governor-General of Australia and Governor-General of New Zealand respectively as their Chief Scout. In these countries, the modern position of Chief Scout is akin to the Chancellor of a university, responsible for some governance functions, formally approving certain awards, and presiding at certain ceremonies.

Other organisations like Scouts Canada and Scouts Victoria use popular figures like survival expert, filmmaker and musician Les Stroud and actor, writer and director Shane Jacobson in efforts to promote their organisations to wider audiences.

In both scenarios, the day-to-day leadership of the organisation is performed by an experienced Scout Leader, often known as the Chief Commissioner.