The council

Find out who is on the council and how they contribute to Girlguiding.

The council is a group whose members are appointed and elected from across our countries and regions. The council members bring a diverse range of views and perspectives, informed by good understanding of local and national issues and interests. The council is responsible for some specific decisions, and contributes from time to time on other matters when it is appropriate.

What does the council do?

The council: 

• Meets at least annually.
• Has an annual general meeting (AGM) where it receives the annual report of the Association board of trustees, and the accounts. During this meeting, the council hears and can ask questions about the report and how the board has handled its governance duties .
• Receives the names of people elected or appointed to council .
• Approves ‘regulations’ which set out the recruitment process for the chief guide (including how, when and by whom the selection and appointment will be made).
• Appoints the patron, president and vice presidents when needed on recommendation from the board.
• Agrees on any changes to the Royal Charter and the Bye-laws (the document that sets out how Girlguiding must be governed as a national charity).
• Has an important role as a body that can be engaged both at meetings and between meetings as needed, to contribute to matters relevant to Girlguiding. At times, this may involve contributing to important decisions, such as when a separate Chair of the Board position was established by changing the Bye-laws. At other times, it may involve sharing information, gathering perspectives, and seeking input, such as discussion with members about our environmental strategy.

Who is on the council?

There are between around 50 and 70 members at different times.  These are a mix of ‘ex-officio’ members (which means they are on council because they hold another role within Girlguiding), and members who are elected or appointed to serve. 

There are 4 categories of membership to ensure wide reach across the movement: 

• Ex-officio non-voting members – around 5 people including the president and vice presidents.
• Ex-officio voting members – around 15 people including the chief guide, deputy chief guide, chair of the Association trustee board, and the chief commissioners.
• Elected voting members – up to 4 members are elected within each country and region. Members must be 14 years or older when first elected. Up to half of elected members should be in the 14-25 age range. Elected voting members initially serve for a term of 3 years but may be re-elected for a second term.
• Appointed voting members – up to 9 people may be appointed by the nominations and governance committee (a sub-committee of the Association trustee board) following an open application process. Appointed voting members don’t need to be members of Girlguiding, but they must be aged 18 or above at the start of their term of office. They initially serve for a term of 3 years but can be re-appointed for a second term.

These opportunities are a great step for members who want to become more involved at a UK level in Girlguiding. Look out for opportunities to become an elected member advertised within your country or region, or in other Girlguiding publications.

Opportunities to stand for election or appointment to the council are publicised through guiding magazine, member newsletters and on our website.