Including everyone in guiding

Inclusion, equality and diversity at Girlguiding

It's everyone’s responsibility to make sure all members - no matter what their identity or background - feel supported and involved in guiding.

What’s inclusion? 

In Girlguiding, inclusion is defined as giving all girls the same chance. 

This is achieved by creating a safe environment where all girls feel an equal sense of belonging and receive tailored support to reach their maximum potential. 

What’s equality? 

Equality is very similar to inclusion and is defined as providing 'equality of opportunity'. 

Practically, this means doing what you can to ensure girls have the same chances to both join Girlguiding and participate. Equality also has legal recognition. This legal requirement, from the Equality Act 2010 means we should be giving all girls access to equal opportunities, even if they minoritised identities.  

What’s diversity? 

Diversity means difference. We want our units and members to both recognise and embrace the common differences that may exist among people.  

The Equality Act 2010 

The Equality Act 2010 is a legal requirement for us to make sure we don't discriminate against anyone who joins or wants to join.  

Who is covered by the Equality Act? 

The Equality Act protects people from being discriminated against based on their: 

  • Age 
  • Disability 
  • Gender reassignment 
  • Marriage and civil partnership 
  • Pregnancy and maternity 
  • Race 
  • Religion or belief 
  • Sex 
  • Sexual orientation 

These are known as protected characteristics. 

What does it mean for me and my unit? 

Girlguiding is an inclusive organisation, and all members must follow our code of conduct and policies. 

It’s unlawful to discriminate against any member, or anyone wishing to become a member, who has a protected characteristic. 

This includes preventing them from becoming a member or providing them with a different guiding experience. 

Useful definitions 

Characteristics: parts of someone’s identity. The Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal to discriminate against someone because of some characteristics. These are known as protected characteristics.   

Identity: how people see and think about themselves and others. People often use characteristics to describe identity, like gender race or sexual orientation.   

Diversity: making sure people with lots of different characteristics, backgrounds, identities and circumstances are represented.   

Equality: giving everyone the same resources or opportunities.  

Equity: treating someone fairly by considering what they personally need to have the same opportunities as others. Everyone has different circumstances. This means we sometimes need to treat people differently to give them the same opportunities.   

Inclusion: making sure everyone feels welcomed, accepted and valued.