5 ways we support volunteers with costs and expenses

Thinking about joining the fun at Girlguiding? We’d love to have you! 

We know that when you give your time, you shouldn't have to give your money too. That’s why we work hard to cover your costs. We want you to enjoy your time with us without ever worrying about your wallet.

Here’s how we look after the costs: 

1. No fees, just fun

We want to make sure volunteering is for everyone. That’s why there’s no cost for you to volunteer with us. We handle the behind-the-scenes costs like insurance and administration, so you can focus on what matters most - helping girls know they can do anything.

2. We pay for supplies

Your local group will pay for the things the girls use, like:

• Craft supplies.
• Games and equipment.
• Badges and certificates.

3. We cover your travel and training

If you need to spend money while volunteering, you can claim it back. It’s important to remember that expenses must be agreed with your local group (we call them units) in advance. While specific budgets can vary between different local units, generally they cover:

• Travel: bus fares, train tickets, or fuel for your car for trips and events.
• Training: any courses you need to do, like 1st response.
• Learning: resources for your leadership training are usually covered by your local area.

How to get your money back

If you do buy something for a meeting (after checking with your unit leader!), just keep your receipt. Fill in a quick form, and your group will pay you back. We try to make this very fast so you aren't waiting. Many groups even have their own debit cards to pay for things directly. Find out more about expenses.

4. We take care of the "must-dos” 

Volunteering with us is a team effort. You bring yourself and we take care of the rest. We want to make sure you feel supported from your very first day.

To keep everyone safe we manage all background checks like DBS, PVG or access NI. We cover the costs and guide you through the process, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Your training is on us, too. You’ll get free access to all kinds of great learning, from first aid to leadership skills. We want you to feel confident and ready for anything, so we provide all the tools you need to get started. 

5. We have extra help if you need it 

Sometimes, a group might need a bit of extra help for a big trip or a special project. We have grants and funding available to help. Your local volunteer team can help you find out more about these.

Ready to start your journey? Volunteering should be fun and stress-free. If you have any questions about costs, just ask your local volunteer team. They’re there to help!