Transitioning to the leader development programme
Everything you need to know about changes being made
Moving to the leader development programme
The leader development programme, sometimes referred to as the LDP, is a self-led, flexible learning journey for anyone who wants to become a Girlguiding leader.
The LDP replaced the leadership qualification, often called the LQ. You can find more information on being a Girlguiding leader on the become a leader webpage.
Moving sections and top-up learning
We offer two courses for volunteers who have qualified through the leadership qualification (LQ). The ‘top-up’ learning is for assistant leaders who've done module 1-3 of the LQ who want to move to a leader role and for existing leaders who want to refresh their Girlguiding knowledge. If you have qualified via the LQ and want to move sections, complete the ‘moving sections’ course.
If you've completed the leader development programme to become a leader, there isn't a section specific area of learning. Both courses can be found in the leader development programme area on the learning platform.
Assistant leader transition
How assistant leaders can move into a leader role
Assistant leaders who have done modules 1-3 of the LQ and would like to move into a leader role can complete the top up course on the learning platform, under the leader development programme.
Responsibilities in units
The LDP equips every leader with the same level of skills, so everyone can feel empowered to successfully run a unit. While everybody completing the LDP will have the same level of leader knowledge it is up to each unit how responsibilities are divided. 1 person per unit is recorded as the main contact in GO. But, as with everything in Girlguiding, teamwork is key and part of this is supporting each other and identifying every person’s strength.
Being away from guiding for more than 3 years
If a qualified leader has been away from guiding for 3+ years, their qualification will have expired. This applies to both LDP and LQ.
They should speak to an LDP mentor who can help identify any learning needs to complete. We’d recommend the top-up course on the learning platform. Once the mentor and commissioner are happy, then the leader role can be reinstated. For their commissioner to add the leader role, they will just need to add the new ‘Returning leader after 3+ years’ course on GO.
Young leader development programme
How does the young leader development programme link with the leader development programme?
The young leader development programme has been designed to help young leaders build up their skills and help with the transition to be an adult leader. 5 of the modules in the young leader development programme link directly with 4 of the becoming a leader courses.
| YLDP module | LDP module |
| Delivering activities | Involving girls in decisions and planning |
| Giving girls a voice | |
| Planning your activities | Planning for good guiding |
| Running activities safely | Managing safety and risk |
| Supporting inclusive spaces | Celebrating every member |
If a young leader completes these modules, they will have covered the learning elements for the corresponding courses in the LDP. Mentors will still do the check-ins as part of the becoming a leader training to check people's knowledge and help them progress to be adult leaders. If leader in training would like to do the learning elements again, or mentors feel that this would be beneficial – they can still access the courses on the LDP.
This crossover is automatic and happens after the relevant young leader module is added on GO. There is no need to do any additional admin. Once a young leader who has completed these modules becomes a leader in training, they should see the corresponding courses marked in green on the LDP to show they are completed.
