Girlguiding announces new chief guide

Girlguiding, the UK’s leading charity for girls and young women, today announces Tracy Foster as its new chief guide, responsible for championing the experiences of its 70,000 strong network of volunteers and giving over 300,000 girls the best guiding experiences.  

Tracy, whose term as chief guide will run for 5 years, has been part of Girlguiding since joining Brownies aged 7. Tracy later went on to become a Brownie leader for 17 years, and then a Guide leader in Peterborough. Tracy is also a qualified Girlguiding trainer and has held commissioner roles at all levels, including her current 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. 

Tracy said: “I am very proud and honoured to have been appointed as chief guide and look forward to the next five years as we continue to empower our adult volunteers and engage with our young members, ensuring their voice is at the heart of all we do. 

“I am constantly inspired by both our amazing volunteers, who give their time and care to providing a welcoming space for girls to experience the fun and adventure guiding offers, and our young members that I see each week laughing with friends, stepping out of their comfort zones to try new things and their confidence growing. I want all girls to have access to what we offer, and I’m excited to work with the wider team to help make this ambition a reality.”  

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 takes over the role from chief guide Amanda Medler MBE, after her 5-year term comes to an end. Amanda, who was awarded an MBE for her long-standing services to girls and young women during her role as chief guide, led the team through a challenging time for the charity sector, including the Covid pandemic and the passing of Girlguiding’s royal patron, Queen Elizabeth II.  

Angela Salt OBE, Girlguiding CEO said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Tracy into her new role as chief guide. Tracy’s appointment comes at an exciting, yet pivotal time for Girlguiding and we’re confident her wealth of experience along with her passion and commitment will see her succeed in helping to ensure Girlguiding continues to offer more opportunities to more girls long into the future.”