Scots BB leader appointed as new Chief Executive

Bill Stevenson, originally from Leith and With over 40 years of first-hand experience of the Boys' Bridgade has been appointed as the new Chief Executive and secretary throughout the UK and Ireland.

New BB chief executive Bill Stevenson. Picture: Contributed

The 55-year-old former director for the BB Scotland will now take on the role working across the UK & RoI to grow the organisation and continue to be a voice for all members.

Bill joined the 4th Leith Company when he was eight, and went on to be one of the youngest BB Captains in Scotland. Bill has also served as President of the Leith Battalion and many other volunteer roles in the organisation.

Whilst remaining committed to both the church at the BB, Bill also studied accountancy and finance before working in Housing Associations across the UK.

However, since 2009, he has worked as the Director of Scotland, a role he has gained experience that he will use to strengthen the organisation as chief executive.

Bill said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed as Brigade Secretary and CEO. I have been involved with the BB from an early age and wouldn’t have it any other way. The fact I can now use my role to enhance the experience of all our members is just fantastic.

“I want to make the BB bigger and better. This means continuing to develop and grow the Brigade and addressing issues that will improve the lives of all our members. We are faith-based organisation and I’m keen to ensure our members learn more about the Christian faith in a safe and fun environment.”

“I am looking forward to travelling across the UK and RoI which will help me gain a real insight to how the Brigade is doing locally. This will help better position ourselves to move forward and support our fantastic network of volunteers.

“In recent months we have started to address and focus on the concerns of young people including male body image and online bullying, areas we discovered directly affect not only our members, but young people across the British Isles. We want to act as a voice that can address these problems and find solutions.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck into my new role and steering the BB in a positive direction that not only supports our current members, but welcomes and encourages new people to join the movement.”

The Boys’ Brigade was founded in Glasgow on 4 October, 1883, by Sir William Alexander Smith. From this one Company formed in Scotland the BB has grown in to a worldwide movement having worked with millions of children and young people for well over a century.

The Boys’ Brigade cares for and challenges children and young people through a programme of informal education in a fun way. Each week more than 50,000 members across the UK and ROI, aged 5 to 18, take part in groups supported by volunteers.