'Be prepared' is a long-cherished maxim of the Scouts.

Likewise for one in-house counsel, who wowed delegates at Legal Week's recent Global Legal Forum with his permanent state of cat-like readiness.

"I carry my crisis management plan everywhere with me," he boasted, waving the flimsy document for all to see.

"I even take it on holiday," he added wryly, "which makes my wife very happy."

Rumours that the Scouts are to introduce badges for corporate governance and reputation management have yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, expect the ever-ready general counsel to be spied drawing up a divorce management plan in the not-too-distant future…