Adult volunteers and adult members policy

Page last updated 2 April 2025.
See change log for recent updates to this webpage.

When you join Girlguiding you become part of an inspirational movement of volunteers who give their time to help all girls know they can do anything.

This policy applies to all adult volunteers and adult members in Girlguiding. It explains what it means to be an adult volunteer and adult member in Girlguiding. It includes what Girlguiding offers and expects of adult volunteers and adult member. 

Not all volunteers are members of Girlguiding and the purpose of this policy is to explain who is, or who can be a member of Girlguiding.

Our glossary lays out a few definitions of key terms that are used across our policies - take a look. 

Girlguiding's commitment to adult volunteers and adult members

Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to join Girlguiding in an adult volunteer role, though some roles are only open to women.

Adult volunteers and adult members in Girlguiding:

• Become part of the Girlguiding community in their local area.
• Volunteer alongside others to create great experiences for girls.
• May wear guiding uniform or volunteer clothing appropriate to their role and the occasion.
• Are provided with training opportunities so they can grow their skills and confidence in guiding and beyond.
• Get access to offers and discounts from our partners. These can be found in the 'Member benefits' section on GO. 

Expectations for adult volunteers and adult members

All adult volunteers and adult members in Girlguiding must:

• Follow the policies and procedures relevant to your role, and stay up to date on any changes. 
• Read, understand and follow the code of conduct.
• Complete and renew mandatory training.
• Comply with all applicable UK laws and guidance. If your unit is based outside the UK or you’re part of an activity outside the UK, you must follow the law of that country.
• Complete the vetting process, and keep relevant disclosure checks up to date.
• Register on the Girlguiding membership system, GO, and keep your details up to date with a working email address that only you can access. 
• Deliver the Girlguiding programme to young members if you’re a unit volunteer. If volunteering with adults, support them to meet the Girlguiding programme requirements, to play your part in giving a consistently great Girlguiding experience.
• Never endorse political parties or candidates in your role with Girlguiding.
• Follow our guidance when working with the media. 

We manage breaches of this policy by adult volunteers and adult members under our managing concerns about adult volunteers policy and procedure.

Change log

• April 2025 – updated version published. The policy has been renamed and reformatted, and we’ve made it clearer what the expectations are for adult volunteers and adult members. We’ve moved 2 expectations from the code of conduct into this policy, and added 2 new expectations on not endorsing political parties or candidates and working with the media. These new expectations link to existing guidance on the website.