Questions about volunteering
If you can't find the answer to your question below, contact us and we will be happy to help.
Can anyone become a volunteer with Girlguiding UK?
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, cultures, faiths, and
abilities.
If you are over 18 and willing to undergo recruitment
checks, you can become one of our volunteers working directly
with girls. Our Leaders and Assistant
Leaders must be female, but there are also thousands of male
volunteers supporting guiding. The most important things are
energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to try new activities.
People of any age can make a valuable contribution as occasional helpers or in other admin or support roles.
Why is there an age limit for some volunteer roles?
Unit Leaders, in overall charge of a unit,
must be aged between 18 and 65. However, women aged over 65 can
continue to volunteer within a unit as an Assistant Leader or Unit
Helper. Girlguiding UK recognises that many women are perfectly
able to deliver a girl-led programme that is relevant to today's
girls and young women beyond the age of 65. However, there are
others who are less capable of doing so, which is why we ask those
over 65 to step down from being the Leader in overall charge of a
unit.
Can I volunteer if I have a disability?
Yes - 4.3 per cent of our adult volunteers consider themselves
to have a disability. Girlguiding UK has appointed a number of
Disability Advisers who help us to make guiding accessible to
everyone. When you contact us to register your interest, please
make your needs known to us so that we can be as accommodating as
possible. We also run disability awareness training workshops in
partnership with a number of leading charities, which are open to
all of our adult volunteers.
I don't want to volunteer every week. Is this OK?
Yes – guiding is flexible. Not all units meet weekly – some meet
every two weeks, every month or at weekends. Most units also have
rotas for Unit Helpers so that you can
assist at a time that suits you.
You may also be interested in being an occasional helper, or taking an admin or support role - these often involve
work that can be done in your own time and in your own
home.
As a volunteer, do I have to become an adult member of
Girlguiding UK?
If you are a Leader or Assistant Leader, you should also become
a member. For other volunteer roles, you are not required to become
a member but can do so if you wish.
Will I have to make the Promise if I become a volunteer?
Unit Leaders and Assistant Leaders make the same version of the
Promise as the Senior Section. Other volunteers are not required to
do so.
I would like to volunteer but it's difficult to fit it in with
work. What can I do?
Find out if your employer already has a policy covering
volunteering. Many organisations are now recognising the benefits
of Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV), where they support
employees in existing volunteer roles or run structured
volunteering programmes. Volunteering broadens the experience and
skills of employees, and supporting it can enhance the
organisation's public image. Eighty per cent of employers who have
volunteer-friendly policies feel that ESV benefits their
company.
We have produced a leaflet which you can give to your
employer explaining the benefits of supporting your volunteering
role. Copies are available from Membership Support Services on
0161 941 2237 or email the
team.
For more information on ESV, take a look at the
Volunteering England website.
Will volunteering with Girlguiding
UK affect my benefits?
Volunteering should not affect your benefits. If you are
receiving Jobseeker's Allowance there are certain conditions which
must be met (for example, being available for interviews within 48
hours' notice), but otherwise there should be no barrier to
volunteering. However, it is compulsory that you tell your Social
Security Office before you begin volunteering.
To find out more, see
Volunteering England's advice here.
Will I be trained for the role?
Whatever role you decide to take up in guiding, you will be
given the help and support you need to do the job. Some areas
run buddy systems to give new volunteers someone to talk to and
some informal training. Those taking on a Leader role will take our
Leadership Qualification.
Will I have to wear a uniform?
Only female adult members actively delivering
guiding to girls and young women in a Leadership role have to
wear guide wear. They can choose from the current
adult Leader wear range for meetings or events as appropriate
to the activity or situation.
However, there is a range of casual guiding
clothing for all volunteers if they choose. See our
online shop for
more details.
Will my expenses be paid?
Yes. You will be reimbursed for any equipment, food or other
supplies bought for a unit, and for administration costs and
guiding-related travel. Many units will also pay for Leaders'
uniform.
Will I have to complete a Criminal Records Disclosure?
We require all volunteers who work directly with young people or
act as Treasurers to complete a Criminal Records Disclosure.
It is an easy procedure and we will provide you with all the help
and support you need to complete it.
There is no guiding unit in my area. Can I start one?
Yes - it's a big job but it can make an enormous difference to a
community. The Starting a new unit resource, available
from Membership Support Services, provides you with checklists and
useful information such as how to fundraise and recruit girls.
There is also a grant that you can apply for to help with the
cost of setting up a unit. This varies from £300 to £1,000
depending on the circumstances. To find out more about starting a
new unit, contact our Membership Support Services on 0161
941 2237 or email the team.
How do I register my interest in volunteering for
Girlguiding UK?
Either:
The next step is for you to meet with your local Commissioner to
have an informal chat about what you want to do and how much time
you want to commit.
How do I find out where and when
my local Rainbow/Brownie/Guide/Senior Section unit meets?
We are unable to give out information about where and when units
meet for safety and security reasons. However, if you are
interested in volunteering with your local unit we can help put you
in touch with them. Please call our information team on
0800 1 69 59 01 who will be able to give you the
contact details of your nearest unit, or fill
in the form here.