Meet our WAGGGS Europe Committee candidate

Hi! I’m Caroline, and I’m proud to be standing as Girlguiding UK’s candidate for the WAGGGS Europe Committee.   

If elected, I’d help shape the strategy and direction of the WAGGGS Europe Region over the next 3 years - supporting member organisations (MOs), building collaboration across the region, and making sure that more young people can access incredible Girlguiding and Girl Scouting experiences.   

Why I’m standing 

Guiding has shaped so much of who I am. From starting out as a Brownie aged 7, it’s helped me grow in confidence, develop my values, find my voice, and become someone who leads by listening.  

I’ve had incredible opportunities to travel, experience new cultures and meet passionate and inspiring girl guides, girl scouts and volunteers from all over the world. Being part of a global movement has shown me what’s possible when people feel safe, supported and part of something bigger and I want more girls and volunteers to experience that same magic of possibility. 

Now I want to give back. Over the next 3 years, the Europe Region will face big opportunities and challenges. My hope is to help us navigate those with purpose, positivity and - most importantly - together. 

What I’d bring to the Europe Committee

I’ve seen the magic that happens when volunteers and MOs feel heard, supported and inspired and that’s the kind of leadership I want to bring. 

My guiding journey as an adult has included being a unit leader, trainer and, most recently, the lead volunteer for GOLD (Guiding Overseas Linked with Development). Through GOLD, I’ve worked in partnership with MOs around the world to co-create impactful skills-sharing projects. That experience taught me how powerful it is when we listen deeply, share our experiences, and work together around a shared purpose. 

In my professional life, I’ve worked in museums, supported people experiencing homelessness to share their stories, and now I run a business providing accessible holidays. I know how to help organisations show what they’ve achieved and why it matters. 

My hopes for the Europe Region and how I’d help deliver them 

I want to support the Europe Region to grow stronger and more sustainable. Within the 3 years' time, I hope that: 

Every MO feels heard and supported 

Every MO is part of the journey we’re on as a region – whatever the size or context.  

My leadership starts with listening, to MOs, teams and individuals. I make space for all voices and keep inclusion and accessibility at the heart of everything I do.  

Through my work with people experiencing homelessness, LGBTQ+ networks, and producing co-curated exhibitions, I know how to create spaces where people feel safe to share. 

We have moved forwards with purpose and positivity and most importantly, together 

There’s brilliant work happening across WAGGGS Europe, but with big changes ahead, we need to navigate them together. 

I would bring a passion for uniting people around shared goals. I’ve led diverse teams – in guiding and professionally. From developing museum exhibitions with external partners to co-creating projects across cultures, I’ve brought together people with different priorities and helped them find shared direction. I know that collaboration isn’t just about being nice - it’s about being clear, intentional, and values-led. 

That we can tell our story as a region better – what we do and why it matters

When we can tell great stories about what we do and show why it matters, it’s easier for people to connect with it – whether that’s members, partners or people who haven’t met us yet.  

Telling stories that show impact is what I do. I’ve worked in communications and know how powerful it is when we can tell clear, human stories about the impact of our work. I’ve led honest, reflective evaluations in GOLD and beyond, and used real examples to help people see not just what we’ve achieved, and what we’ve learned, but the difference we make. 

It's easier for MOs to learn from each other and share what works

We don’t need to start from scratch – we can learn from each other. Let’s share what works, support each other to build our capacity and strengthen our movement together. 

I have experienced how powerful it is when MOs share their skills and knowledge. Through GOLD, I’ve set up partnerships built on mutual skills-sharing, not one way support. I would create spaces to make collaboration easier, so we can all share and grow together. 

We have invested in the volunteers who make Girlguiding and Girl Scouting happen

If we want to reach more girls and young women, we have to value the volunteers who make that possible at every level.  

I care deeply about volunteer wellbeing. As lead volunteer for GOLD, I’ve created spaces where volunteers feel inspired to join and stay involved. This means creating incredible opportunities, supporting wellbeing, and breaking down barriers. 

Ultimately, I want to help build a region where we feel more united, more visible, and more confident in the work we’re doing - for our members today, and for the girls and young women who will join us tomorrow. 

Find out more about WAGGGS.