Become a trading board non-executive director

We’re looking for a member aged 18-27 to make a real impact on the future of Girlguiding by joining the trading board.

As we progress our trading board strategy, we have an exciting opportunity for a young member to take their passion for guiding to the next level by becoming a trading board non-executive director. You’ll develop key leadership skills, gain valuable hands-on experience of how boards work, and make a real impact on the future and strategy of Girlguiding with your ideas and influence.

About the role

Girlguiding Trading is a limited company owned by Girlguiding, covering retail, procurement, operations, warehousing and customer service. The trading company supplies clothing, gifts and other equipment to Girlguiding members, generating the essential profit we need to deliver on our mission: enabling girls and young women to develop their full potential and make a difference to the world. You can read more about this on the Girlguiding shop website.

As a non-executive director and member of the trading board, you’ll give leadership and support to senior executive staff by bringing a fresh perspective and providing strategic direction for the trading company. You’ll be helping to make sure we’re doing everything we can to maximise income in a sustainable way, so we can continue bringing the joy of guiding to girls both now and in the future.

Read the role description (Word, 5MB) for further details about the trading board and the role.

What will I be doing?

As part of this role, you’ll:

• Attend trading board and committee meetings 4 times a year (virtual or face to face), with occasional extra meetings. Face to face meetings are held in Altrincham, Cheshire or Central London.
• Take part in additional activities, such as sitting on a recruitment panel or attending events.
• Contribute actively to the trading board’s work and decision-making.
• Decide policies affecting Girlguiding’s staff, volunteers and members.
• Oversee Girlguiding’s trading activities, including assessing and managing risks and management of the company’s resources.
• Contribute to setting the trading company’s strategic direction and priorities.
• Make sure that trading company meets its legal obligations.
• You may also be asked to support internal working groups and represent the organisation externally.

Who can apply?

This role is for a current member of the Guide Association, aged 18-27. You don’t need to have prior experience of being a non-executive director. As long as you have curiosity, enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and an interest in how the trading board operates, we’d love to hear from you.

We know diverse boards make better decisions, so it’s really important to us that we have a variety of perspectives and lived experiences on the board. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds including disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people of colour and those of all religions or philosophical beliefs and none.

Read the role description (Word, 5MB) to learn more about the skills and experience we’re looking for.

How long does the role last?

This is a voluntary role which requires a time commitment of around 8 to 10 days a year.

You’ll serve up to 3 years in this role. There is a possibility to renew for another 3 years after this, depending on performance and which particular skills are needed on the board at that time.

How do I apply?

To apply, send an email to [email protected], containing:

• Your completed application form (Word, 5MB). In this form, you’ll also need to give details of 2 referees who we can contact to tell us about your skills, experience and suitability for this role.
• Your completed diversity monitoring form (Word, 154KB). This is not treated as part of your application and will only be used for diversity monitoring.
• Your CV (no more than 3 sides).
• A covering letter telling us your motivation for applying for this role, and why you think your skills and experience make you suitable.

Applications will close at 9am on Friday 4 July 2025.

Why should I apply?

We spoke to trading board non-executive director (NED) Lauren Mayo to find out her thoughts about her time in the role.

Why would you recommend someone apply for this role?

'While being a NED with Girlguiding Trading, I’ve been an active part in an organisation I'm really passionate about.

I’ve been involved in advising on a range of decisions that will impact Trading and the wider membership in varying ways. This has not only given me huge personal satisfaction and growth, but also expanded my skills in a board environment which has been transferrable to my day job. This was my first NED role and I have learnt such a lot from other board members. They’ve all been so welcoming and encouraging!'

What have you personally achieved through this role?

'I’ve not only sat on the trading board as a NED, but also been involved in a digital project which has made an impact on various departments within trading. I've also used my passion and experience from my degree to sit on the environmental sustainability committee.

In my time as a NED, I’ve relished seeing the impact of the guidance I’ve provided, driving real change. I’ve honed my skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and document review, all of which have contributed to my regular volunteering commitments and day job.

I’ve really loved getting to know other board members and working closely with the people who drive change in an organisation I have been a part of for over 20 years. I’ve grown in confidence thanks to the support and advice I’ve received, and for that I’m really grateful!'