Leadership Qualification

This qualification supports you to lead Rainbows, Brownies, Guides or Senior Section units. You need to be over 16 to start work on the qualification, although you can't hold a warrant until you are 18.

As a Unit Leader you learn and develop skills on the job and through formal and informal training sessions. You are also supported by a Mentor, who will be an experienced Leader

What does it involve?

There are four modules, completed practically rather than through tests or examinations. They can be completed, and in any order:

• Module 1 - Your role in the programme
• Module 2. Your role in Girlguiding UK
• Module 3. Your role in safety and unit administration
  Safety is covered by showing you can effectively communicate with parents and the local community, and that the units programme is carried out in a safe environment. Unit administration refers to your responsibility for unit funds.
• Module 4. Your role in managing the unit
  This is optional for Assistant Leaders but mandatory for Unit Leaders. Good unit management is measured here by maintaining effective record-keeping systems and ensuring that effective communication takes place locally.

Achieving the Leadership Qualification

• You need to Gather evidence to gain the qualification e.g programme schedules, letters to parents, discussions had with your Mentor etc. This could include details of what worked and what didn't, and what you might change in the future.
• Your Mentor will sign off the completed modules. Any member, from a Young Leader or Unit helper to the girls in your unit, can sign off the different parts of a module if they seek you perform the requirement.
• It should take around six months. Throughout the qualification any relevant prior knowledge, skill or experience will be accredited, including any work on the Young Leader Qualification.

Finished?

When your Mentor has signed off all the modules required, your workbook and any evidence will be sent to the person appointed by the County to ensure the Mentor has met a common standard. This is not a check on you, its to ensure your Mentor has helped you in the most appropriate way.

At your final meeting with your Mentor, your Commissioner may also be present. Together you will complete a Warrant/Appointment Card application (W/W & A) form to apply for your Leaders Warrant Card, your Leadership Qualification Certificate and, if appropriate, your Unit Appointment Card.

For further information get the Leadership Qualification pack, which is available through County channels.

FAQs

• Can things I did for my Young Leader Qualification count towards my Leadership Qualification if I take a break?

  It will depend on how long a gap there is been since you stopped and expect to start again. If it is a long time, say over several years, you may need to repeat some training. Talk to your Mentor about what you can remember doing. Remember, guiding is constantly developing and it is important to stay up to date.

• Do I need to start the Leadership Qualification straight after the Young Leader Qualification?

  No, you can carry on helping as a Young Leader until you're 18.

• How do I get a Mentor?

  You'll be allocated a suitable Mentor when you tell your Commissioner you want to complete the Leadership Qualification.