What we're working on to improve volunteers' experiences

Originally published 5 January 2024

Girlguiding is powered by volunteers who deliver unforgettable experiences to girls across the UK.  

Here’s an overview of what we’re working on in 2026 to improve volunteers’ experiences of everyday guiding. It doesn't cover everything we're working on. But it’s a look at what’s coming up and the positive change we’re working to deliver.  

1. Improving our digital tools

Launched our volunteer recruitment tool

Earlier this year we launched our volunteer recruitment tool, a new digital tool designed to give volunteers more control over recruiting in their area. There are now over 5,000 volunteer opportunities published on the tool and counting! Anyone can use the tool to register for volunteer opportunities, including parents, carers and current volunteers. Find out more about changes to the way people register to volunteer using the volunteer recruitment tool.

Announced a new CRM

We’ve been listening to your feedback, and we know that tools like GO aren’t as flexible or easy to use as they need to be. In June 2026 we let volunteers know that we’re building a new digital system to support everyday guiding processes. This new system (called a customer relationship management system, or CRM) will eventually replace GO and create a more modern, joined-up experience. Find out more about the new CRM, our timelines for transition, and how this will help with everyday admin and other tasks.

Reviewing the online design centre

We’ve also heard feedback from volunteers about the online design centre and how we can improve the process of creating branded resources. So we’re reviewing this tool and exploring other options, with the hope of having a new tool in place later this year.

2. Removing adult member subs

We’ve changed the way annual subscription fees are calculated, so in 2027 there'll be no subscription fee for volunteers. Subscriptions can be a barrier to getting volunteers involved, especially those who can’t volunteer regularly. This change means people can volunteer in a way that works with their lives.

Later this year we’ll be releasing a new tool for unit leaders to calculate what their invoice will look like under the new process. We'll also be holding support calls on fundraising, budgeting and Gift Aid to help units with financial planning and there will be limited financial support for units whose invoices are significantly affected by the change.

Find out more about how annual subscription fees are changing. 

3. Improving learning and development for volunteers

Leader development programme (LDP) updates

We’re improving our learning and development for volunteers, with a focus on improvements to the leader development programme (LDP) this year. Thank you for your feedback so far. Some of the changes we’ve made from your suggestions are: 

• A simpler registration process – there is now no mandatory pre-learning, goal setting or knowledge quiz. The new sign-up page allows adult volunteers and young leaders to have a smoother onboarding experience.
• A single webinars’ page – sessions from all countries and regions are now hosted together in one place. This allows learners to book on with ease to a webinar hosted by any country or region.
• A refreshed managing unit accounts elearning – don’t worry, not much has changed. But the content has been updated to reflect the new subscriptions process.

We’ll be making more improvements throughout the year and hosting a range of drop-in sessions for commissioners, leader-in-training coordinators, mentors, and trainers. Keep an eye on the learning platform for updates.

New trainer development programme (TDP) launched

Trainers provide important support in local areas to train volunteers and deliver the skills needed to run a unit or give girls adventures. Our new trainer development programme (TDP) launched earlier this year, making it easier and more accessible for volunteers to get qualified as trainers in less time. You can check it out on the learning platform.

Improving resources for mentors

Later this year we’ll be updating resources and learning to support mentors across our qualifications. If you’re a mentor for the going away with scheme, leader development programme, or trainer development programme, and would like to join our working group, please complete this short form by Friday 31 July 2026. The working group will support the project by sharing challenges that mentors face and help us develop a better experience.  

4. Resources to support volunteer recruitment

We’re developing our recruitment marketing resources in response to volunteer feedback, so we can better answer volunteers’ recruitment needs. This should make it easier to attract and onboard new volunteers. So far this year we’ve: 

• Launched refreshed volunteer recruitment resources. You can download new community posters, impact posters and social media designs from our recruitment marketing materials webpage, or order free hard copies of the community poster and impact poster from our online shop.
• Launched a turning 18 conversation checklist (PDF, 108KB) to support leaders to have conversations with young members about volunteering as they approach the big day.
• Centralised all our guidance, tips and resources for commissioners and their teams into a handy guide for onboarding new volunteers. 

Questions

Any questions or concerns about any of the above projects? Perhaps you’re keen to know more about a particular project or how you can get involved? Email your queries to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.