Chief guide, Tracy Foster awarded OBE in King’s New Year honours

Chief Guide Tracy Foster OBE has been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours for her services to Girlguiding as a volunteer supporting girls and young women over the past 40 years.

Appointed as Chief Guide in February 2023 - Girlguiding’s most senior volunteer role, Tracy passionately supports 80,000 volunteers, giving them the encouragement and confidence to provide exceptional experiences for girls and young women in guiding.

Tracy has been part of Girlguiding since joining Brownies aged seven. She later went on to become a Brownie leader for 17 years, and then a Guide leader in Peterborough. Tracy is a qualified Girlguiding trainer and has held commissioner roles at all levels, including her previous role as chief commissioner for Anglia, where she led the region through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, championing new virtual guiding opportunities and celebrating the region’s 50th anniversary.

In her professional life, Tracy is a registered social worker and for the past 20 years has supported those impacted by domestic abuse. She has worked in both the public and charity sectors and is currently the National Domestic Abuse Lead at Spurgeons children’s charity.

Tracy Foster OBE, Chief Guide said:

“I am deeply honoured to receive an OBE for my service to Girlguiding, and humbled by the recognition, its fills me with immense joy and pride. Supporting girls and young women has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and their energy, resilience, and spirit have inspired me every step of the way both, at Girlguiding and in my professional career.

“This recognition shines on the entire Girlguiding community, who make the movement extraordinary. I’m thrilled to accept this award and excited to continue championing the next generation.”

Sally Kettle, Deputy Chief Guide said: “Tracy Foster’s OBE is richly deserved. For over 40 years she has given her time, energy and heart to Girlguiding, living its values every single day. From her own journey as a Brownie to Chief Guide, Tracy understands the power of guiding from the inside out. As our most senior volunteer, she leads and inspires 80,000 volunteers with humility, warmth and unwavering commitment. Alongside this, her work as a social worker and National Domestic Abuse Lead reflects a lifelong dedication to supporting the most vulnerable. Tracy’s leadership empowers others to make a difference and that impact is profound.”