Spen Valley Scouts is incredibly proud to celebrate one of our own, Gillian Caine, who has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List.
Gillian receives this national honour “For services to Scouting, Dewsbury Young Diabetics and to the community in Kirklees, West Yorkshire.”
With over 50 years of continuous voluntary service, Gillian’s contribution to her community and Scouting has been nothing short of extraordinary. Starting her journey in 1978 with 1st Spen Valley (Birkenshaw), she has taken on numerous roles, including Beaver, Cub, and Scout Leader, as well as her current position as Group Lead Volunteer.
Within the Spen Valley District, she plays an essential role in delivering Explorer Scouting, supports the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, runs Young Leader training, and is also a valued member of the District Adult Training Team. Her influence extends across the County too, where she serves as a West Yorkshire Scouts Trustee, and contributes her time and knowledge to the County’s Training, Growth and Finance teams.
Gillian’s energy, commitment and kindness have made her a role model for generations of young people and volunteers. She has always gone the extra mile, whether that’s encouraging new leaders, developing youth-led programmes, or quietly supporting others behind the scenes. Her dedication to succession planning has strengthened the group’s future, helping build a cohesive team of volunteers who work together to deliver exceptional opportunities to local young people.
She is also known for her thoughtfulness and compassion. At Christmas, she organised a simple but powerful act of kindness by encouraging Scouts to deliver handmade cards and potted plants to elderly and vulnerable people in our extended Scout family. This gesture brought connection and joy to many.
Reflecting on her award, Gillian said:
“I am amazed that something that has brought me so much joy and is integral to my daily life has been recognised in this way. I embrace the skills and values I learned through Scouting from a young age and enjoy using them to empower, inspire and shape future generations.”
David Sowden, Lead Volunteer for Spen Valley Scouts, commented:
“Gillian’s long-standing service and dedication to both Scouting and the community are well recognised. Her contributions over many years have made a significant impact, and this MBE is a fitting acknowledgement of her commitment.”
UK Chief Scout Dwayne Fields added:
“Gillian’s passion for Scouting and for helping others is simply incredible. For decades, she has demonstrated what service truly means. Her impact will be felt for generations, and this honour is so richly deserved.”
Gillian’s dedication doesn’t stop with Scouting. In her professional life, she served as a Paediatric Dietitian with the NHS at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals. She was the founding force behind Dewsbury Young Diabetics, a support group for families of children with Type 1 Diabetes. Thanks to her leadership, it evolved into a registered charity that has supported hundreds of families through educational events, peer networks, and confidence-building residentials, many of which drew on her Scouting knowledge to create safe and empowering experiences for young people.
Even after retirement, Gillian continues to volunteer with the charity, offering support, compassion, and practical help to families navigating life with childhood diabetes. Her work in this area is both unique and deeply impactful.
Gillian’s lifetime of service, both in Scouting and healthcare, is marked by generosity, humility and a genuine love of helping others. She leads without seeking praise and inspires without asking for recognition. Her MBE is a testament to the lives she’s touched, the communities she’s strengthened, and the spirit of Scouting she embodies every day.
From everyone in Spen Valley and across West Yorkshire Scouts, congratulations, Gillian, and thank you.
