Join us in welcoming Georgia and find out more about her work to help our members recruit more volunteers across Scotland.

What is the Volunteer Recruitment Project, it’s goal and what is your role within it?

My name is Georgia, and I’ve recently joined the Girlguiding Scotland staff team as a volunteer recruitment officer as part of our Volunteer Recruitment Project. This project aims to support districts and divisions at a local level with volunteer recruitment. It also aims empower our current volunteers through resources and support. My role is to support our current volunteers to recruit new volunteers, understand local needs, make connections and build relationships with businesses, volunteer centres, colleges and universities. I’ll also work in collaboration with volunteers to keep them at the heart of everything we do.

What made you apply for the volunteer recruitment officer role?

I have worked closely with volunteers in my previous employment. I am continuously in awe of their selflessness, connection to community and admirable efforts to make a difference to people’s lives. Volunteer recruitment is a nationwide issue with daily life becoming harder and more expensive. I wanted to focus my efforts in supporting to grow the network for an organisation as brilliant as Girlguiding.

Did you have any ties to guiding before you became a staff member?

I was a volunteer for Girlguiding while at university for about 2 years! I helped run a Guide unit and followed them up to Rangers.

What have you been getting up to since you started?

Lots of inductions! It’s been fantastic to meet the wonderful team at Girlguiding, hear all about the work they do and how the Volunteer Recruitment Project will fit into this.

What’s your favourite thing about your new role so far?

I’ve enjoyed meeting the wonderful volunteers at Girlguiding Scotland. It’s truly so admirable what they do.

What are you most excited about getting to do?

I am really keen to get stuck in and start meeting with volunteers in different areas to see what support I can offer them with volunteer recruitment.

Do you have any top tips for recruitment or want to share specific ways you can help?

I think my top tip would be to ensure you have clear communication with volunteers and provide them a warm and welcoming induction process! I would also encourage micro-volunteering and flexible volunteering opportunities.

Where can people follow what you are getting up to and find updates on the project?

You can find out more information about the volunteer recruitment project here and follow us on Instagram @ggsrecruitmentproject. Get in touch with our team on growth@girlguiding-scot.org.uk.