Mr Fields vowed to show that the group “is a family for absolutely anyone” and appeal to new communities which may have been put off by “a lot of the older ideas” around scouting – such as those in inner cities.
The group has a membership of some 500,000 young people and adult volunteers.
The adventurer will succeed TV star Bear Grylls, who was appointed Chief Scout in 2009, aged 34, making him the UK’s youngest ever in the role at the time.
Mr Fields said: “It’s absolutely a sense of honour (to be appointed) – initially disbelief, followed by a huge sense of pride in something that’s made a huge difference to my life.
“I remember being seven years old and walking into that Cub Scouts’ hut in Palmers Green, in north London, and I never thought I belonged anywhere until the moment I walked into that hut.
“And now, to be given this role as Chief Scout, to me it’s pride of place, really. It’s the fact that other young people can look at me and say, ‘Well, actually, that guy started exactly where I am’.”
Here is what you need to know about the new Chief Scout.
In his early years, he became a victim of both knife and gun crime.
On his website, he states that as a child in Jamaica, he loved nature and wildlife and so made the decision to “reconnect to his early life in the forests and hilltops of Jamaica where he was born”.
He joined the Scouts and his journey with the outdoor enthusiasts has continued from there.
Yes, he is a face known to many, as a TV presenter and adventurer.
In 2010, Mr Fields set himself his first of many challenges, becoming the first black Briton to walk more than 400 nautical miles to the magnetic North Pole. On his return, he was invited to Buckingham Palace by the then Queen Elizabeth, joining other polar explorers and adventurers at a reception to mark the centenary of Scott’s expedition to the South Pole.
What else has he achieved?
He was also made an official ambassador by the prestigious Royal Marines in July, and given the title honorary colonel.
When was he made Chief Scout?
The 41-year-old was formally invested as Chief Scout on Thursday (September 5) at Scout Park, in north-east London, where he spent time in Cub Scouts as a child.
Chief Scouts are appointed for a five-year tenure but may serve for longer periods. Mr Fields will be the 11th person to hold the title and is taking over from Bear Grylls.
In 2009, the Scout Association announced Bear Grylls as Chief Scout following the end of former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan‘s five-year term.
