Tracy Foster on an exciting few months at Girlguiding

I hope you’re all well as we enter the summer months. 

Lots of us have experienced the heatwave recently! The extreme heat is something we’re going to have to adapt to where we’re not used to it - and add this to our risk assessments. Of course, this doesn’t stop us enjoying what we do, but helps us to enjoy our adventures safely.

Much has taken place since my last blog. Last week we said thank you and goodbye to Angela Salt who’s been with us as CEO at Girlguiding for 6 and a half years. We’ve announced Angela’s successor, and I can’t wait to welcome Felicity in the autumn. We’ve also said thank you and goodbye to our treasurer and chair of the finance committee Elizabeth Dymond, and welcome our new treasurer and finance committee chair Richard Lawrence.

I’ve really enjoyed seeing the photos of our new 90s retro range for adults - they’ve been fabulous. We know this range has been really popular. And although I didn’t wear this uniform as a Brownie or Guide, I’ve bought the Brownie T-shirt – it's bright and fun and really is a talking point.

Next year in June 2026, it’ll be the launch of our new uniform range! I know many of you are awaiting this, to see what we’ve produced. Incorporating what you, our members, want, and your thousands of excellent ideas, has been an exciting challenge. Last week, some very lucky girls and volunteers local to our online shop offices got to try on the new uniform to test the fit and sizing. Their feedback is so important to make sure every member will have something they feel confident and proud in.

Look out for a deep dive on how the uniform fit test went and how we’re working to make sure the uniform is inclusive and affordable in the next Girlguiding magazine. Launching our new uniform next year is going to be a really exciting time, giving us a promotional boost and a great opportunity to attract new girls and volunteers. You can find all the latest design news and updates on our website.  

Last month, I attended and spoke at the Trefoil Guild annual meeting which took place in Belfast. Just under 1000 of their members got together, and it was great to share our new ambition to reach more girls by 2030.

Lots of work now needs to happen to plan how we will achieve that ambition the next stages are scoping, talking, reflecting and of course involving members in further workshops. I’m looking forward to how we make this a reality together! You can read more about our ambition and strategy on our website.

Take care and keep smiling,

Tracy