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Digital ambitions
ByJohn MayWe’ve been talking a lot about ambition at The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recently. Our new strategy talks about a long term ambition that by 2026, when the Award celebrates 70 years, every eligible young person should have the opportunity to participate in the Award. As a charity we are ambitious for young people,…
The work happens in the middle
ByJohn MayI have been revisiting The History of Youth Work in Europe, the remarkable series developed over a decade through the partnership between the European Commission and the Council of Europe. The seventh and final volume is co-edited by my good friend Howard Williamson, alongside Tanya Basarab, and it is one of those books that prompts…
Leaving the Hall a Little Taller
ByJohn MayThe Cambrian Learning Trust’s Platinum Primary Character and Citizenship Awards Presentation Evening11 June 2026The Beacon, Wantage This evening I had the immense pleasure of attending The Cambrian Learning Trust’s Platinum Primary Character and Citizenship Awards Presentation Evening at The Beacon in Wantage. I was there in my role as a Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, which…
Running the London Marathon for Nepal
ByJohn MayI’ve run marathons before. 5 times, in four different cities. But yesterday’s experience in London was the most difficult, emotionally challenging and exhausting race I’ve ever completed. It was also the most exhilarating. Running London is like running through a tunnel of well-wishers for 42.2km. There isn’t a moment when someone isn’t shouting…
A new visual identity for The Scouts in the UK
ByJohn MayThe UK Scout Association (The Scouts) has announced a new strategy today. And, along with the strategy, it’s announced a new corporate visual identity. The old ‘swoosh’ has gone, to be replaced by what I think is a more contemporary treatment of the iconic arrowhead / fleur-de-lis. I’m always sorry to say goodbye to an…
Internships, internships, internships
ByJohn MayTen years ago, a group of City business leaders, convened by Sir Win Bischoff of Citigroup, created Career Academies in the UK, taking their inspiration from a well-established programme in the United States. The idea was that young people from non traditional backgrounds should get a taste of big business during their six form studies. …

