Using role descriptions in your team

Role descriptions are tools to help you find and keep the right volunteer for the role

Role descriptions outline the purpose of a Girlguiding volunteer role, the tasks involved and the skills and attributes needed. If you are responsible for the recruitment and retention of volunteers in your area, these descriptions will help you show how roles are relevant to individuals.

Benefits of volunteer role descriptions

• They help volunteers understand their role within the organisation, what is expected of them and what they can expect from Girlguiding.
• They ensure volunteers - and staff supporting them - get the right people in the right roles, and make the most of their time and skills.
• They are flexible for local volunteer management while setting a consistent standard across Girlguiding.

Use the role descriptions throughout the volunteer journey, including for volunteer induction and support.

How to use the role descriptions

Support recruitment of new volunteers

Use the role descriptions to match potential volunteers’ skills and interests with suitable roles, and to ensure they have a good understanding of what is involved when they apply.

Retain members and strengthen teams

Use the descriptions to recognise the great work being done by our members and make them feel valued. Your team can also use them to demonstrate the skills and experience they have gained through guiding, either when explaining to others what their role involves or when updating their CV.