Have a look at the questions and answers below. If the question you want to ask isn't there, please contact us and we'll be happy to respond to your query.

• Can anyone become a volunteer with Girlguiding UK?
• How do I start a new unit in my area?
• I would like to volunteer but I can’t get the time off work, what can I do?
• Will volunteering with Girlguiding UK affect my benefits?
• I don’t want to volunteer every week, is this OK?
• As a volunteer will I be required to wear a uniform?
• Will I be trained for the role?
• How do I register my interest in volunteering for Girlguiding UK?
• How do I find out where and when my local Rainbow/Brownie/Guide/Senior Section unit meets?
• Will my expenses be paid?
• Will I have to have a Criminal Records Disclosure (CRB) check?
• Is there an age limit for volunteers?
• Can I volunteer if I have a disability?

Can anyone become a volunteer with Girlguiding UK?

Yes. guiding is for everyone, regardless of race, faith, background or ability. If you are between the ages of 18 and 65 and can provide two referees and undertake a Criminal Record Disclosure check, you can volunteer with us. Our Leaders are women between the ages of 18 and 65. There are also thousands of male volunteers supporting guiding. They do this in a variety of ways but are not able to become Leaders. The most important thing is that you bring energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to try new things to your role.

How do I start a new unit in my area?

Starting a new unit is a big job to take on but can make an enormous difference to a community. The ‘Starting a new unit’ resource, available from Membership Support Services, provides you with checklists and useful information such as how to fund-raise for your new unit and recruit girls.

There is also a grant that you can apply for to help with the cost of setting up a unit. The grants vary in value from £300 to £1,000 depending on the circumstances. The proposed unit will have to meet a certain number of criteria in order to qualify. So far we have had over 300 successful applications for the grant scheme. To request a grant application form, please contact our Membership Support Services on 0161 941 2237 or email the team.

I would like to volunteer but I can’t get the time off work, what can I do?

Balancing your work and volunteer commitments can be a difficult task. Some employers have policies covering volunteering, however, many still don’t and it can be a hard subject to bring up. The best way to approach your employer would be to explain to them what guiding is all about and the experiences it enables girls and young women to have. You should also mention that many skills can be gained through volunteering and in the long run it could benefit the company as well as yourself.

We have produced a leaflet which you can give to your employer explaining the benefits that employees who choose to volunteer can gain. To request a leaflet please contact Membership Support Services on 0161 941 2237 or email the team.

Will volunteering with Girlguiding UK affect my benefits?

Volunteering should not affect your benefits. If you are receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance there are certain conditions which must be met (for example, being available for interviews within 48 hours’ notice), but otherwise there should be no barrier to volunteering. However, you should always inform your Social Security Office before you begin volunteering as some individual cases may differ from the general rule.

For more information click on the relevant link below:

• Volunteering England
• Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS)
• Volunteering Wales
• Social Security Agency Northern Ireland

I don’t want to volunteer every week, is this OK?

Not all units meet weekly on an evening – some now meet every two weeks, every month or at weekends. Most units also have rotas for Unit Helpers so that they can help out once a term, once a month or however often is suitable. Some units will have occasional helpers who choose only to help out at camp holidays or at special events. If you are more interested in a support role, these often involve work that can be done in your own time and in your own home – for example, doing the accounts or administration.

To find out more about the roles available, click here.

As a volunteer will I be required to wear a uniform?

No. Many volunteer roles within Girlguiding UK don’t require a uniform. Only Adult members aged between 18-65 in roles such as Unit Leaders, Commissioners, Advisors and Coordinators, have to wear guiding clothing at meetings, although there is a range of casual guiding clothing for all volunteers if they choose. See our online shop for more details.

Will I be trained for the role?

Whatever role you decide to take up in guiding, you will be given the help and support you need to do the job. Some areas run buddy systems to give new volunteers someone to talk to and some informal training.

How do I register my interest in volunteering for Girlguiding UK?

Either:

• Call us on 0800 1 69 59 01
• Fill out an online form
• Email us
• Speak to us at an event in your area.

The next step is for you to meet with your local Commissionerto have an informal chat about what you want to do and how much time you want to commit. You will not have to attend a formal interview.

How do I find out where and when my local Rainbow/Brownie/Guide/Senior Section unit meets?

We are unable to give out information about where and when units meet for safety and security reasons. However, if you are interested in volunteering with your local unit we can help put you in touch with them. Please call our information team on 0800 1 69 59 01 who will be able to give you the contact details of your nearest unit.

Will my expenses be paid?

Yes. Any equipment, food or other supplies bought for a unit can be reimbursed, as can administration costs and guiding-related travel. When you volunteer your local Commissioner will be able to tell you more. Many units will also pay for Leader’s uniform.

Will I have to have a Criminal Records Disclosure?

We take the safety of young people very seriously and therefore require all volunteers who work directly with young people to complete a Criminal Records Disclosure. It is an easy procedure and we will provide you with all the help and support you need to complete it.

Is there an age limit for volunteers?

If you are aged 18-65 you are eligible to become a volunteer for Girlguiding UK as a Leader or Commissioner. While Girlguiding UK recognises that many women are perfectly able to volunteer for these roles beyond the age of 65, there are others who are less capable of doing so. This is not to say that there are not valuable ways of staying involved - you may wish to join a skills group, help with a unit’s accounts or become an occasional helper.

Can I volunteer if I have a disability?

Yes, 4.3 per cent of our adult volunteers consider themselves to have a disability. Girlguiding UK has appointed a number of national and Country and Region Disability Advisers who help us to make guiding accessible to everyone. When you contact us to register your interest, please make your needs known to us so that we can be as accommodating as possible. We also run disability awareness training workshops in partnership with a number of leading charities which are open to all of our adult volunteers.