OUR TEAM

We are privileged to have the volunteer contribution of fantastic, committed and highly competent outdoor professionals who give up thousands of hours each year to support our work. Our technical advisors do the same. So do our trustees. In addition to our core team, we also have volunteers working in our office.

Our Royal Patron

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT GCVO

The Duke of Edinburgh is His Majesty The King’s brother and the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

He dedicates much of his time as a full-time working member of the Royal Family to championing young people and promoting the benefits of non-formal education across the world.

Photo: © Millie Pilkington / Bagshot Park

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Our President

Lord Marvin Rees

Marvin went on expedition with British Exploring Society in 1990, and accepted the role of President of British Exploring Society in the summer of 2019. He served as the Mayor of Bristol from 2016 – 2024, and was appointed to the House of Lords in 2025.

Marvin was brought up in Bristol, where he later worked as a freelance journalist and radio presenter at BBC Radio Bristol and Ujima Radio, as the Programme Manager for race equality in mental health issues at NHS Bristol, and as the Communications and Events Manager at Black Development Agency (now Phoenix Social Enterprise). Marvin is the Founder of The Bristol Leadership Programme, a two-week programme that helps a dozen young people annually from disadvantaged backgrounds to attain what they aspire to.

MEET OUR TEAM

Our Leaders

Meet our Leaders. From our very first expedition in 1932, our volunteer Leaders have shared their considerable skills, enthusiasm and commitment and helped to feed our spirit of adventure.

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Our Trustees

Meet our Trustees. We are fortunate to be supported by an exceptionally talented board of trustees, who kindly donate their time and expertise to ensure that British Exploring Society receives the support it needs to continue along the right path.

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Our Fellows

Meet our Fellows. Fellowship at British Exploring is awarded by our Council. Fellowship is attainable by any individual involved in our work: staff, volunteers, partners, donors, patrons and explorers and is granted in relation to exceptional contribution.

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HQ Staff

Meet our HQ Staff. "An organisation is as good as its vision and the team who deliver on that vision. If you want to get something challenging done you can't go far wrong with a British Exploring team member." - Volunteer Leader

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Technical Advisers

Meet our Technical Advisers. Our Technical Advisors are highly experienced experts in their field who help us to set and maintain the highest of standards across all our procedures.

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Development Board

Meet our Development Board. The Board consists of a group of accomplished individuals who collectively make a significant difference to the long-term success of the charity.

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