Since the Volunteer Recruitment Project launched in 2025, we’ve had an incredible response, and we’ve spoken with volunteers across Scotland to explore how we can support volunteer recruitment within Girlguiding at a local level.

The first local area that joined the project was Airdrie division in North Lanarkshire county. Ali and Susan have been working with Heather, the division commissioner, and Karen, growth coordinator for North Lanarkshire, for the last few months.

We first met on Zoom to discuss what barriers they were facing, and what opportunities in the area we wanted to explore. We then had our first in-person meeting of the project in a local cafe. Together we created a recruitment and action plan and got to work!

Since then, we’ve had regular Zoom meetings. Each time we agree between us what each person will do and check in to see how things are going. It’s a really nice way to share updates and discuss what we might try next.

We decided to focus on awareness-raising and connection-making. We want to shout about the amazing work already happening in Airdrie and link in with other organisations for events, support and advertising.

We started by putting up posters and leaflets in the local area. Airdrie division’s social media is already great, and we want to reach those in the community who’d rather see a physical advert. Local supermarkets, the library, theatre, and youth groups were all happy to display these for us.

We attended a careers fair at North Lanarkshire College to discuss the skills that volunteering can grow and develop, and held recruitment events in different locations across Airdrie early this year. Karen and Heather created localised recruitment flyers, and their amazing volunteers have been busy putting them through doors.

Since starting to work together, Airdrie division has opened a new Ranger unit and has received more volunteer enquiries. Karen feels that the project has given her a chance to focus on growth and make it a priority.

“Definitely would promote the Volunteer Recruitment Project if you get the chance, it is so worthwhile. Not only do you get to work with great people, but you bounce ideas, you learn ideas from other divisions, other counties, different people. It’s just the knowledge and the sharing and I have gained so much in the short space of time that I have been working with Ali and Susan” – Karen, Airdrie division.

It’s been so exciting to work with such enthusiastic volunteers, especially for our first area. Karen and Heather have been so open to ideas and have brought so much knowledge and passion for their area and their girls. A massive thank you to them both for trusting us and working with us to support Airdrie division’s volunteers.

Hear more about Karen’s experience working with the project here.

If your area would like some support in recruiting volunteers, or even just a chat about what that might look like, please get in touch. Find your local recruitment officer here or email growth@girlguiding-scot.org.uk.