Keeping in touch as a commissioner

As a commissioner you’ll keep in touch with volunteers. Here’s some hints and tips on what to do.

The role of the commissioner is varied and busy, so how do you make sure your volunteers are supported and feel valued? We spoke to some commissioners to find out what they do.

County, division and district meetings

There are several ways you can meet as a county, division or district. You can meet face-to-face, online or do a mixture of both. There’s no hard or fast rule how often you meet but ideally these should be termly. Some areas now hold regular online meetings so volunteers can fit them into their personal lives. However, some commissioners have found it exciting meeting face-to-face again. It’s entirely up to you, your team and your volunteers what you do.

There are loads of resources on the website for you to use. These include running successful meetings and guiding conversations to help you kick start discussions that your area is interested in.

Newsletters

Some areas have a newsletter they send out. One county produces a newsletter which includes:

• A summary of the last eight weeks
• Pointers and tips
• Awards presented
• News from district commissioners
• Events and training.

Remember if you’re going to do this, make sure you check photo permissions carefully on any photos you use.

Social media

Social media is a very popular form of communication and a way of getting information quickly. Some areas used a leaders’ closed Facebook group so they can share ideas, information and reminders. WhatsApp is also popular and is an easy way to share information. Remember to get people’s permissions to join these groups.

Drop in sessions

One division commissioner runs a Saturday morning session for volunteers to chat to her and her team about any concerns they had. These are sometimes held in person or online.

Coffee mornings

Another area has a volunteer whose role is to support others. Before Covid-19, she organised coffee mornings at local coffee shops so volunteers could drop in and have a chat, complete their DBS, or sign off things. During Covid-19 this moved online which has been useful too.

Unit meetings

Popping into a unit meeting can be really useful. Not only will you meet the girls and volunteers at their meeting place, you’ll have a chance to catch up with helping them to feel valued.

Commissioners' calls

Did you know that Girlguiding holds commissioners' calls? This an opportunity for you to find out what’s going on. Find out more about them and when the next ones are.

Thanking your volunteers

It goes without saying that the best way to support your volunteers is by thanking them. Not only will they feel appreciated, but it’ll make you feel good too! This webpage has lots of ideas on what to do. 

Using your team

Don’t forget you’re not alone – remember as a commissioner you’re encouraged to set up a team. By doing so will mean you can share some of the tasks with them.