Guiding is run by volunteers and we’re always keen to hear from anyone who’d like to help out, in any way!  Whether it’s an hour or two every few months or a regular weekly commitment, there are lots of ways to volunteer and help us put girls in the lead.  Do something extraordinary – volunteer with Girlguiding UK.

Unit leaders & assistant leaders
Every Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Senior Section Unit has at least one leader, who has completed the Girlguiding UK leadership qualification.  Leaders have overall responsibility for the unit, although sometimes this is shared between a team.  Leaders plan activities, organise outings, activities and camps, share crafts and ensure that the finances and paperwork are kept up to date. 

Unit Leaders are all female, aged 18-65.  If you decide to become a leader, you will be assigned a mentor to help you complete your qualification, and an experienced local support network is there to help.

Unit helpers & Occasional Helpers
For those who don’t wish to commit to becoming a Leader, but do want to work in the unit with the girls and young women, the role of a unit helper is perfect!  Helpers are vital to guiding, not least because Girlguiding UK has a recommended adult-to-child ratio.  And an extra pair of hands is always great when working with children! 

Unit helpers can be either male or female 18-65.  Occasional helpers can be any age.  They can wear uniform if they choose.  How often helpers work with units varies, and is up to individuals; you may be part of a helpers’ rota. 

Support Roles
Thinking of joining guiding but not sure that you have the time to commit regularly?  There are plenty of important jobs that can be done in your own time and even from your own home!  You could:
• help with unit accounts or admin
• be the driver for an away day
• help out at a guiding shop or depot
• lend a hand with fundraising
• help out with DIY or decorating
• take a one-off session for your local unit, teaching the girls skills from pilates to gardening to science
• teach or examine one of their badges? 

Have a chat with your local unit leader – you never know where it might lead!

Commissioners
All guiding units are grouped into bigger groups, from Districts up to Divisions up to Counties up to Countries/Regions.  All of these levels have Commissioners who work with a team to support adult volunteers, and organise guiding in their area.

12 hour challenge
Could you spare just 12 hours to do something for girls this year?  If so, you could take part in our 12 hour challenge.  There’s no set task for the challenge – you decide how to do it, and may want to help with some of the tasks suggested as a support role.  Of course, if you find yourself having fun, you’re more than welcome to carry on past your 12 hours…!

If you’re interested in joining…
• Call us on 0800 1 69 59 01
• Fill out an online form
• Email JoinUs@Girlguiding.org.uk
Recruitment Checks

Any new leader or helper who’s role may involve unsupervised access to girls and young women is asked to agree to a criminal record disclosure check and provide two references.  It is an easy procedure and we will provide you with all the help and support you need to complete the recruitment process.  However, there are a number support roles do not require adults to complete recruitment checks, for example volunteers who come into units for one-off sessions do not need to be checked as long as they are not left alone with unit members.