Changes to the way annual subscriptions are calculated
From 2027, there will no longer be a subscription fee for volunteers - here's what you need to know about this change
Page last updated 9 June 2026
The current annual subscription process has been running for a while.
In 2022, we set up a subscriptions working group made up of volunteers and staff. This group looked at the subscriptions model and how it can be improved. In September 2023, all members were asked their opinion about subscriptions through a survey.
Feedback from the survey showed that adult member subscriptions can be a barrier to getting volunteers involved, especially those that can't commit to volunteering regularly.
We’ve been working closely with chief commissioners, country and region boards, volunteers and staff around this decision. This is something we know many members have wanted for a while. And we also know that many units are already covering the cost of volunteers from within unit funds, fundraising or the regular subs from parents and carers for their girls.
We know the benefits we offer girls and young women, and we know that Girlguiding is needed now more than ever. But we must attract more volunteers, so we can offer more opportunities to girls in the future.
What’s changing?
- From 2027 there will be no subscription fee for volunteers. Instead, a unit invoice total will be based on the number of young members.
- The levels of income across Girlguiding will aim to stay the same. This means that under the new calculation, annual subscriptions will look higher per young member. However, most invoice totals will only be slightly more or less than they are under the current calculation.
What’s not changing?
- We’re aiming to bring in the same amount of money at HQ and other levels, like country or region and county. This isn’t a way for us to generate more income.
- Nothing will be changing for the 2026 process. However, we’re asking commissioners who set levies to do this earlier than usual for 2027.
Download the current model as a PDF (452 KB)
(This example uses the 2026 HQ annual subscription fee for illustration only. It does not reflect the 2027 figures. Nothing will change for the 2026 subscriptions process - this is to show how the re-modelled calculation will work in 2027).
A Brownie unit has 20 Brownies, 1 young leader and 4 adult volunteers. Currently, all 25 members would be charged the HQ fee of £36. For the HQ charge only, this comes to £900. Levies at all other levels would also be added.
Under the new calculation, there would be no cost for the young leader or adult volunteers. Only the 20 young members will be charged the re-modelled HQ fee of £44 (this is only an example and not the confirmed fee). The overall cost for the HQ charge would now be £880. Levies at all other levels would also be added. It is likely they will include a similar increase to bring in the same amount of income.
Please note: units typically charge the annual subscription cost within weekly or termly subs to spread the cost.
(This example uses the 2026 HQ annual subscription fee and does not show the amounts for 2027. Nothing will change for the 2026 subscriptions process, this figure is being used to illustrate how the re-modelled calculation will work in 2027).
A Ranger unit has 5 Rangers and 1 adult volunteer. Currently, all 6 members would be charged the HQ fee of £36. For the HQ charge only, this comes to £216. Levies at all other levels would also be added.
Under the new calculation, there would be no cost for the adult volunteer. Only the 5 young members will be charged the re-modelled HQ fee of £44 (this is only an example and not the confirmed fee). The overall cost for the HQ charge would now be £220. Levies at all other levels would also be added. It is likely they will include a similar increase to bring in the same amount of income.
Please note: units typically charge the annual subscription cost within weekly or termly subs to spread the cost.
Why we're making this change
Feedback from volunteers tells us subscriptions can be a barrier to getting volunteers involved, especially those who can’t volunteer regularly. Research also shows volunteering across society is changing and we need to create opportunities for people to volunteer in a way that works with their lives.
We’ve worked with volunteers from different levels at all countries and regions to make this decision, including trustee boards.
What does this mean for me?
Download key dates for commissioners (PDF, 554 KB)
If you're a commissioner, in preparation for the 2027 annual subscriptions process, you’ll need to review your 2027 levy amount. This is to ensure that your level brings in enough income when subscriptions are calculated based on number of young members.
To do this, review how much income you will need from the 2027 subs process, divided by the number of young members in your area and base your levy on this. Remember, you will no longer need to pay for volunteers at your level, which could reduce slightly the amount needed for your level.
We're asking levies to be set earlier than usual for 2027, to help people anticipate the impact of the change earlier and budget appropriately. Please add your 2027 levy amount by the end of June 2026.
As a commissioner, you also have access to data on the reports section on GO, showing what the process change could mean for the units in your district or division. Please reach out to units who may need support.
Download key dates for unit leaders (PDF, 605 KB)
If you're a unit leader, you'll need to be looking at your unit budget for annual subscriptions in terms of young members only paying, not adult volunteers.
To support you with this, in summer 2026 we will be releasing a tool which will help you calculate what your unit invoice will look like under the new process.
There’s nothing parents and carers need to do at this stage. If this change means there will be a difference in the cost for girls in your unit, your unit leader will let you know.
What support and resources are available?
Financial support
Under the new calculation, some units will pay less than they do currently while some will see a slight increase. The majority of unit invoices won’t see a significant increase, however limited financial support will be available for those units whose invoices increase significantly.
Data for commissioners
Commissioners have access to data based on 2025 that can help show which units may need support when the change comes in.
Tool for unit leaders
In summer 2026, we’ll also be releasing a tool for unit leaders to calculate how their invoice may look under the new process.
Support calls
In June 2026, we’re holding a series of support calls on topics to help with budgeting, fundraising and Gift Aid.
- Better budgets: 11 June, 7-8.30pm: register to attend.
- Fundraising ideas: 16 June or 24 June, 7pm: register to attend.
- Gift Aid: 23 June, 7-8.30pm: register to attend.
We're giving you as much notice as possible to help you digest this change and understand what it will look like for your unit. Together, we’ll spend the next year preparing for this change.
Questions you may have
In October 2025 we shared the HQ 2027 subs amount, which is £46.50 per young member. Please note that this figure looks higher than the usual annual increase, as it reflects the shift to the new 2027 model, which is based on paying for young members only. The actual increase at unit invoice level isn't as significant, as you no longer need to pay for volunteers. It has still increased slightly as it does every year, due to inflation.
Nothing will be changing for the 2026 subscriptions process. However, the way subscriptions are calculated and invoiced is changing from the 2027 annual subscriptions process. We’re bringing forward the date by which 2027 levies need to be submitted by, to better support leaders to be able to budget for the year.
The majority of units won’t see their total unit invoice rise significantly as a result of this change. However, some will see an increase in their invoice, and some may see their invoice reduce, due to not having to pay for adult volunteers. This will vary, depending on the unit and the proportion of girls to adults.
For example, large units with a higher proportion of girls compared to adults may see an increase. This is because the cost of volunteers is being spread across all units equally, while currently most units just cover the cost of volunteers in that unit. But if that unit currently pays for more volunteers than the average unit in Girlguiding (approximately 4-5 girls to 1 volunteer) then the overall invoice amount may reduce or stay the same. We’re communicating this change in advance so that units and counties can prepare for this.
If a member is a Ranger, they’ll pay subscription fees. This is even if they’re a young leader or peer educator as well, as they’re benefitting from the Girlguiding programme. There will be no charge for young leaders or young external volunteers.
No. As the transition takes place in 2027, subscription costs currently paid for by volunteers will be spread equally across all young members in Girlguiding. Once we've moved to the new subscriptions model, there will no longer be a fee attached to any volunteers and so bringing on more volunteers won't increase unit costs.
We hope that by removing the subscription fee for adults, we can attract new volunteers to take part in guiding. The more volunteers and girls we're able to bring on board, the less likely we'll need to significantly increase subscription fees in the future.
Without subscriptions, we couldn’t support Girlguiding volunteers to inspire girls to be their best. So, thank you for continuing to support and believe in our work. The final amount you pay for subs goes towards running costs at every level of guiding. We have a breakdown on our website that shows exactly where your Girlguiding HQ subscription money goes.
When live invoices are published in February 2027, units that are eligible for financial support will be able to see the specific amount they will receive. This will automatically be discounted from the invoice.
Girlguiding HQ will use membership data to determine which units will be significantly impacted by this change, and eligible for financial support. This list of units with be shared with all commissioners for information.
No, this is an automatic process so units will not need to apply. Once 2027 levies have been set, we will use membership data to determine which units will be significanctly impacted by this change, and eligible for limited financial support. A certain amount will then be discounted from the invoices.
We won't know exactly how much each unit will receive until all the levy and membership data is in for 2027. However, this funding is limited, so all units should continue to plan and budget early, and explore other income sources if needed.
If your unit isn’t eligible for financial support but you still need help, please reach out. Start by speaking to your commissioner, who can work with you to explore support with subscriptions or local grants. Please also use the resources and guidance on budgeting and fundraising on our website, as well as joining our support calls. These can help you plan and find other ways to bring in funds.
You can find information about joining our support calls on this webpage. And here's where you can find:
If you have questions on this process, please contact your commissioner or email [email protected].
