Girlguiding in British Overseas Territories - practical questions

What have UK board of trustees decided about Girlguiding in UK/ British Overseas Territories?

Following our announcement in March 2024, we are pleased to share the news that Girlguiding activities in British Overseas Territories will stay as part of Girlguiding. Guiding in these areas will be integrated into the structure of the Girlguiding North West England region and be governed by senior volunteers and staff in the region. There will be a transition period which will be completed by 1 September 2024. 

Is BGO still operating? 

British Girlguiding Overseas (BGO) closed on 1 September 2023 along with Girlguiding's units in the Middle East and Africa, Asia and Europe. We are grateful to everyone who was involved in BGO over the years and for everything that has been done through BGO to help girls living overseas be part of Girlguiding. 

Girlguiding in British Overseas Territories (Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Saint Helena and Ascension Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands) continued as we worked with commissioners in these areas to explore potential future options for girls. The way forward was different for British Overseas Territories because of the way guiding associations in these territories are governed, and their ties to the UK.

What countries/territories is Girlguiding still operating in?     

Within the UK, Girlguiding operates in Cymru (Wales), Scotland, Ulster and 6 English regions (Anglia, London & South East England, Midlands, North East England, North West England, South West England).

British Girlguiding Overseas (BGO) closed on 1 September 2023, this was Girlguiding's units in the Middle East and Africa, Asia, Benelux and France and Europe.

Girlguiding activities in British Overseas Territories (Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Saint Helena and Ascension and Turks and Caicos Islands) will be integrated into the structure of the Girlguiding North West England region and be governed by senior volunteers and staff in the region. There'll be a transition period which will be completed by 1 September 2024. 

If I'm in an Overseas Territory, do I still need to pay subscriptions for 2024?

​Yes. Girlguiding is collecting 2024 subscriptions in the usual way as guiding activities will continue in the British Overseas Territories. Subscriptions are now due and should be paid by the end of April 2024. Please speak to your commissioner for guidance on local payment arrangements.

I am a leader in a British Overseas Territory - can my unit still meet?      

Yes, your unit can continue to meet. 

I am a leader in a British Overseas Territory. Should I continue to onboard new girls and volunteers? 

Yes. You should carry on running your unit as usual, including welcoming new girls and volunteers to join your unit.

I’m based in a British Overseas Territory. Should I complete my Girlguiding compliance training? 

Yes, you should keep up to date with any essential compliance training required by Girlguiding. You may also be required to complete additional compliance training depending on local requirements where you live. 

Where do I report safeguarding concerns?

If you have a safeguarding concern, please report this to the HQ safeguarding team. Full contact details can be found in our safeguarding policy.

What about trips that we have planned? Can they go ahead?

Yes. Girlguiding activities including unit meetings and trips in Overseas Territories can continue as planned.

What about girls who are already working on their Queen’s Guide Award? Can they still complete this? 

Yes. Young women in British Overseas Territories can continue to work towards their Queen's Guide Award. Please speak with your local commissioner for further information.

Why has this announcement been made?           

In 2023, Girlguiding's UK board of trustees decided to make changes based on the organisation's future ability to run an overseas operation in 36 countries and territories, each with their own separate laws and regulations. BGO ended operations on 1 September 2023 in the Middle East and Africa, Asia, Benelux and France and Europe and units closed. The way forward was different for British Overseas Territories because of the way guiding associations in these territories are governed, and their ties to the UK.

Over the past year, we've been working with senior volunteers in the 9 overseas territories on a way forward for Girlguiding activities to continue. As a result, we have agreed that Girlguiding North West England’s board of trustees and management structure will provide support to, and oversight and assurance of, guiding organisations in British Overseas Territories, as with their other areas of responsibility.

We're delighted that members in British Overseas Territories can continue as part of Girlguiding so girls can be themselves, feel at home, have fun and try new things – enjoying time with friends and encouraged by amazing volunteers. 

What does this mean for Girlguiding units across the UK (and in Crown Dependencies ie Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man)?           

This announcement does not affect the way we deliver guiding across the UK and in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Our structure, policies and procedures remain in place across the UK, and unit meetings, trips and online meetings can continue as normal

Will Girlguiding still continue in overseas military bases?          

Members of Girlguiding have been progressing the discussion about military bases. Conversations are underway with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to understand what support may be possible for girls to continue guiding on overseas military bases in the future under new arrangements. Girlguiding on military bases in the Middle East and Africa, Asia, Benelux and France and European countries closed on 31 August 2023. If more information becomes available, we will keep members updated.