Girlguiding isn’t just for girls. In fact, the organisation couldn’t survive without thousands of volunteers and supporters of all backgrounds, age groups and abilities who give up their time and their talents to help and encourage the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. 

And it’s not all one way traffic. 

Apart from being hugely worthwhile, as an adult volunteer you can develop your talents, learn useful new skills and make new friends. Guiding is flexible and can be arranged to fit around a busy lifestyle. Whatever your skills and interests and no matter how much or little time you have to spare, one of our volunteering roles is bound to suit you. And your contribution is sure to be appreciated by the girls. For every role in Girlguiding we now need to complete a registration before working with a unit, this includes a disclosure check, online safe space training and depending on the role and 1st response training.

Different ways of volunteering 

Whether it's an hour or two every few months or a regular weekly commitment, there are lots of ways to volunteer and help put Girlguiding girls in the lead. 

Unit Leaders and Assistant Leaders 

Every Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Ranger unit has at least one Leader, who has completed the Girlguiding Leadership Qualification. Leaders have overall responsibility for the unit, often supported by a team of other volunteers. Leaders and Assistant Leaders work with the girls to plan activities and to ensure that finances are kept up to date. Unit Leaders are female, aged 18-65. Assistant Leaders are female aged 18 and over. If you decide to become a Leader or Assistant Leader, you will be assigned a Mentor to help you complete your qualification and an experienced local support network of volunteers is there to help. As a unit leader or assistant leader, levels 1-3 safe space training is now mandatory along with 1st response (first aid) training.

Unit Helpers and Occasional Helpers 

Don’t have the time or don’t feel ready to commit to becoming a Leader? Then perhaps the role of a Unit Helper is perfect for you. Helpers are vital to guiding, because Girlguiding has a recommended adult-to-child ratio. Unit Helpers and Occasional Helpers can be either male or female, aged 18 and over. You can work in or out of uniform. And the hours you work are completely flexible – you could even join with others as part of a helpers' rota. As a unit helper or occasional helper, levels 1-2 safe space training is now mandatory.

Support Roles 

Thinking of joining guiding but not sure you have the time to commit regularly? There are plenty of important jobs that can be done in your own time and from your own home. 

You could: 

• Help with unit accounts or administration 
• Be the driver for an away day 
• Help out at our guiding shop or depot - click here for details 
• Lend a hand with fundraising 
• Help out with DIY Take part in a one-off session with your local unit, teaching the girls skills such as pilates or gardening to help them acquire a badge. 

Disclosure checks and Mandatory training

Being a volunteer within Girlguiding is a position of trust which can lead to some individuals having unsupervised access to girls and young women, to their personal data and to guiding funds. Any adult wishing to volunteer with Girlguiding in such a capacity will be required to complete an enhanced Criminal Record Disclosure check, Levels 1-3 Safe Space (depending on role) and 1st response training (depending on role).

Like to sign up as a volunteer? 

Click on the link below to visit the Guiding UK website and register your interest.