Editing

One of the easiest ways to highlight my ability in this area is through Scouting magazine, of which I was the editor from 2018–2020. Scouting was a sector-leading termly magazine aimed at Scouts volunteers aged 18–80+ across the UK. It had a readership of around 80,000, was available both in print and digitally, and its KPIs were to make members feel empowered, valued and proud.

The editorial team prioritised commissioning diverse and emerging contributors (I’m passionate about better representation and opportunities for LGBTQ+, BAME, disabled, female and non-binary people) and making bold, unexpected editorial choices. Print issues were delivered in compostable potato-starch wrap and were carbon-neutral – we took environmental impact into consideration with all our editorial choices.

Please see some highlights from the last few issues below. Examples of copyediting and proofreading are available on request.

Scouting magazine

Summer term 2020

Highlights:

Scouts last reviewed their uniform 18 years ago. We were briefed to start touching lightly on the topic of uniform to help members start thinking about a potential future review, and came up with a feature on inclusive clothing. Annabel Rose writes beautifully and sensitively on how clothing interacts with self-harm, disability and more – interviewing a range of voices including autistic artist Josefina Troncoso and plus-size fashion blogger Hollie Burgess – and illustrations by Kate Wilson make for a modern, perception-challenging cover.

Aimee-lee Abraham’s advice piece gives practical tips and resources for retaining and recruiting Scouts volunteers (a key issue when 50,000+ young people are on Scouts’ waiting lists). The feature also reflects the diversity of groups on the ground, captured beautifully by photographer Dave Bird.
Sadly, the next feature has become increasingly important for members in a post-COVID-19 world. In this piece, I visit a Death Cafe to learn why it’s important that we become comfortable talking about – and planning for – death. While it’s a challenging topic, the interview with Death Cafe organiser Debbie Young is followed by a summary of the unique and unexpected ways that different countries deal with death, giving the piece a quirky readability and reminding volunteers of Scouts’ status as an international movement. It’s further brightened by Margaux Carpentier’s colourful, illustrations, that fit the global feel. You can read the full article here.
My final highlight is a listicle by Aimee-lee Abraham on films that encompass Scout values, for a range of different age groups. This type of content is practical (volunteers will often show films to members on camps or as occasional treats), fun, and translates well for web and social (we reproduce some articles as blog posts, and listicles go down a treat). The gorgeous illustrations are by Maria Saurez-Inclan.

As you can see, the magazine retains a sense of consistency throughout – through its grid, tone of voice and strong use of brand – while still feeling fresh and surprising, thanks to wide-ranging artwork styles, layouts and topics.

Download the issue.

Scouting magazine

Spring term 2020

Highlights:

This issue’s cover came from a story on people who’d been so dramatically affected by Scouts that they had Scouts tattoos. Jacqueline Landey uncovers some amazing interviewees and the moody, rock ’n’ roll photographs by Dean Chalkley challenge perceptions of what a Scout looks like.
This feature on zines was a real passion project and I seized the opportunity to collaborate with artist and zine maker, Soofiya. The playful, ’meta’ layout is one of my favourites and, combined with the interview with Alex Hornsby (co-creator of Weird Walk, a brilliant zine that combines British hikes with all things esoteric), it’s a fun read with handy tips. See the full article.

In ’Getting off the ground’, Jacqueline Landey visits a group in the most deprived area of the Midlands, shining a light on their challenges (such as gangs preying on members and a constantly vandalised banner) with humour and kindness, and challenging the idea that Scouts is just for middle class communities. Photographs by Nick Dawe.
This feature on UFOs taps into my love of the weird and wonderful. The photography by WRK Design – of models that combine camping equipment with aliens and spaceships – absolutely sings on social and the mini-interview with ESA astronaut (and very busy man) Tim Peake was a coup.
Finally, this timeline of young activists who’ve bravely fought for social change captures why I’m proud to work for a youth movement. Jacqueline Landey inspires leaders to encourage young members who fight for what’ s right, underscored by Olivia Twist’s powerful illustrations (the colour palette’s lovely too).

Download the issue.