Branch Associations

The Branch Associations are guiding associations in the UK Overseas Territories.

What are the UK Overseas Territories?

Branch Associations They are a number of small islands and countries that have chosen to keep their political links with the United Kingdom. Each Territory has its own Government and Her Majesty the Queen is represented by a Governor, who acts as Head of State.

To find out more about the UK Overseas Territories, take a look at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.

Where are the Branch Associations?

Girlguiding UK has nine Branch Associations in the following UK Overseas Territories:

Anguilla
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Falkland Islands
Gibraltar
Montserrat
St Helena and dependencies
Turks and Caicos Islands.

Is guiding different in the Branch Associations?

The girls follow a similar programme to girls in the UK, use the same publications and often wear guiding clothing. Branch Associations receive UK support with programme materials and training but are encouraged to develop their own activities too.

Why were the Branch Associations formed?

When guiding started in the Overseas Territories, most Leaders relied on Commonwealth Headquarters in London to provide information and instructions. This did not always work because of differences in climate, geography, number of members and so on.

Branch Associations were formed to take these differences into account. In the late 1940s there were more than 50 Branch Associations all over the world but this has now reduced to nine.

How are the Branch Associations run?

The UK Chief Guide is also Chief Guide for the Branch Associations. Each Association has its own President and Council, and an Executive that deals with day-to-day issues. A Commissioner organises guiding in the country and is linked to Commonwealth Headquarters.

The Chief Commissioners of the independent Commonwealth Guide Associations meet for a conference every three years, and the Branch Association Commissioners can join this event. A training event for Branch Commissioners is usually held immediately before the Commonwealth Conference.

Branch Associations in the Caribbean area are members of the Caribbean Link of Guiding. These Associations share resources and expertise, and have a residential event for Trainers every three years.