Girlguiding UK’s policies and related statements provide a structure in which guiding can take place safely, consistently and in accordance with legislation. Policies must be followed by Girlguiding UK’s members and by recognised volunteers involved in delivering or supporting guiding. These policy statements are supported by further information and resources to ensure that our members put the policies into practice

Policy statement

Girlguiding UK believes in being fair, open and inclusive. Members and supporters are welcomed irrespective of faith, race, culture, nationality or any other circumstance.

Girlguiding UK actively seeks and welcomes women between their 18th and 65th birthdays to take a leadership role as members. It also welcomes women and men between their 18th and 65th birthdays to become Unit Helpers, and women and men aged 18 and over to become instructors, Advisers/Coordinators, administrators etc, and encourages them to become members.

Potential Leaders and helpers do not need to have previous experience of guiding but must support the aim and Method of Girlguiding UK. Any member or recognised volunteer who will be working directly and potentially unsupervised with girls and young women must comply with the Association’s recruitment procedures.  

The Association recognises that special support may need to be given to certain groups in its membership (for example, members with disabilities) in order to enable them to participate more widely and on a more equal basis. It takes all reasonable steps to meet the needs of members and ensure that they can take part in guiding as fully as possible.

As part of its programme of recruitment and outreach, Girlguiding UK strives to reflect the diversity of the female population in the United Kingdom and provides resources and support to Leaders to enable them to welcome all girls and young women regardless of faith, race, culture, nationality or any other circumstance.

Spirituality

Guiding does not subscribe to any particular faith or religion and believes that every member should be encouraged to take an active part in the religion or faith of her family and community.

Leaders and Commissioners should take account of the special requirements of the faiths of unit members – such as dress, diet or holiday days – when planning unit programmes and other events.

Attendance at any act of worship must always be voluntary and be seen as part of the spiritual development of the individual member.

Attendance at church parade or any religious gathering is not part of the guiding programme.

No young member under 16 may attend a service of a faith or denomination other than her own, as a guiding event, without the consent of an adult with parental responsibility for her.