Heather Hamilton has been involved in guiding since she was a child. The 30-year-old started out as a young member and is now following in her mum’s footsteps and entering her 5th and final year as a division commissioner for Airdrie in North Lanarkshire. 

We sat down with Heather to find out more about her role. 

Tell me a bit about your role as a division commissioner? 

I feel like I’ve maybe had an easier ride than most because I do have a very supportive division. I took over just as we were coming out of the pandemic so there was that stress of getting everyone back into units and trying to find spaces for girls whose units we’d had to close. I also don’t live in Scotland, I actually live in Newcastle, but I did my entire guiding journey up here, my family are still here and when everyone’s lives were getting thrown into the air because of Covid, my job went to working from home so I had more time. My mum was the commissioner before me, doing a joint role with someone else. They were looking to step down because they’d done more than their term and they’d had a conversation with the county commissioner at the time before coming to ask me if I’d be willing to do it. They were more than happy to move with the times and have a remote commissioner if it meant that a commissioner could be in post. As we’ve come out of Covid, we’ve managed to hold an all-section division camp, go on a trip on World Thinking Day and we’re booked to go to Roar and Explore in September. We’re starting to find our feet again and I think we are getting back into the rhythm of having regular events for girls and adults. It’s going well – I have really enjoyed my last 5 years. 

Can you tell me a little bit more about a challenge that you have faced as a division commissioner? 

I had 3 units all in the same cluster – Rainbows, Brownies and Guides – have leaders looking to step down at the same time. For a solid summer, I was posting in every local Facebook group I could find, I had letters going out to parents and I had posters up. It took a huge chunk of my time and eventually I managed to find new volunteers for all three units. It was a really good feeling when those units were able to be saved and they’re continuing to thrive. It was a proud moment but it wasn’t easy. 

Thinking back to the beginning of your role, what prompted you to take it on and has it been what you expected? 

I knew the division needed a commissioner and at a time when everyone was trying to adapt to the new normal, no one local was able to take on the role so I agreed to step up. People see the word ‘commissioner’ and think it is too much or too negative. They don’t know that there’s a support network out there, or that there’s training out there, and it’s not just nagging and nit-picking. A lot of what they do as unit leaders can be transferred up the way – it’s just doing it on a bigger scale and there are chances to do lots of fun things too. I think I got a bit of an unfair exposure with my mum being a division commissioner in the past so I knew what I was getting myself into and wasn’t too worried about the role. There was a lot of having to learn on the job and I did have to rely on the previous commissioners and the county commissioner for a lot of that learning. There’s lots of good training now but when I was coming up through it all there wasn’t so you were just relying on people who had been through it in the past to give you their experience. Being able to plan and run fun events for our young members is a highlight and it is the best side of the commissioner role. 

How do you manage and balance your personal life alongside the role? 

There are times that guiding has to take a back seat. Not only am I a commissioner, I’m also the adventure lead for the county now and I do Rainbows, Brownies and Guides when I’m back in Newcastle. It does take a while to find that balance but I dedicate 1-2 evenings or a weekend to solely do guide work. I also have a very understanding and supportive employer who knows that Wednesday is my guide night. It’s easy as long as you have that discussion but it can take over if you let it. I’ve always said, even to new volunteers coming in, it’s only as easy as you make it. You have to find what works for you and for me it’s setting dedicated time aside. 

What advice do you have for a prospective commissioner? 

Jump in with two feet. Don’t expect everyone to agree with your way of doing things straight away – you might get some pushback from leaders in your area. Be confident, know what it is you want to do, know what it is you want to achieve and communicate that really well. 

What do you feel is the most important part about your role as a commissioner? 

For me it’s about making sure everyone is involved. It’s making sure that anyone who wants to be involved can be involved and that no girl misses out. It’s also about making sure the volunteers get what they need and ensuring nobody gets left behind. It’s about making sure that everyone feels part not just of the division and county but that they know they’re part of this wider organisation and family. It’s about giving everyone their space to develop and making sure that they know they belong. 

Are you a commissioner, or thinking about taking on a leadership role? Why not join us at Lead 2025! At our conference in Glasgow you’ll have the chance to meet with lots of other members, hear from a fantastic key note speaker and attend a wide variety of sessions, all tailored to be perfect for wherever you are on your leadership journey.

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