Career
He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire "for services to young people" in the 2002 Queen"s New Year Honours list. Purdy was also the first Chief Scout not to have spent time in the British Armed Forces. He joined the Northern Ireland Civil Service in 1960 and retired as Director of Policy and Legislation in the Department of Health and Social Services.
His service in the Scout Association started in 1950 as a Cub Scout.
In 1960 he became an Assistant Scout Leader in the 45th West Belfast Scout Group. In 1994, he became Chief Commissioner of Northern Ireland and in 1996, Chief Scout of the United Kingdom. He retired as Chief Scout in 2004, being replaced by Peter Duncan.
