There are a number of roles that volunteers can undertake within Girlguiding. For a full list of roles and duties within these please see the link to the national Girlguiding website- www.girlguiding.org.uk
One of the most popular roles is that of unit leader. This can be for Rainbows 5-7, Brownies 7-10, Guides10-14 or Rangers 14+ depending on which age range of girls or young women you prefer to work with.
UNIT LEADER/LEADER IN TRAINING
Volunteer Role Description
Who can do this role?
Unit Leaders are women aged 18 or over. They need to be, or must be willing to become, a member of Girlguiding.
Do I need a qualification?
If you decide to become a Unit Leader, you will work towards your Girlguiding Leadership Qualification.
It has four modules that cover: your role in the unit (specific to the section you will be working with: Rainbows, Brownies, Guides or Rangers); your role in Girlguiding; safety and unit administration; and managing the unit. While working towards the qualification you will hold the role of Leader in Training, and will be supported in your training by a Mentor, your local Commissioner and other Leaders in your local area.
What is the purpose of this role?
To give girls opportunities for fun, friendship, challenge and adventure! The Unit Leader is ultimately responsible for the Rainbow, Brownie, Guide or Ranger unit she works with – although of course she doesn’t have to do everything herself! Our Unit Leaders usually work with other volunteers to deliver a high-quality programme to the girls and young women in the unit, ensure the safety of the unit members and oversee the administration of the unit.
All units have at least one Unit Leader, who is generally supported by a Leadership Team that can include other Unit Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Young Leaders and Unit Helpers. Units are grouped together into local areas called Districts or Divisions, and all Leaders in the area are supported by a volunteer manager called a District or Division Commissioner.
Unit Leaders take part in learning and development opportunities both ‘on the job’ and through formal and informal training sessions.
What will I do in the role?
Running the unit
The responsibilities below will be shared among the Unit Leadership Team. As a Unit Leader you may delegate duties to other Leaders and volunteers, working together to make the most of the skills and time you are able to give.
Provide a safe girl-only space where girls and young women can discover their full potential.
Provide ongoing leadership and support to the Unit Leadership Team and members of the unit.
With the Unit Team, create and deliver an accessible and inclusive programme based on the Girlguiding programme for your section.
Encourage and support the members of the unit in making decisions within the unit and the wider Girlguiding community.
Keep up to date with new resources and programme initiatives, and use them as appropriate.
Complete relevant training for the role and encourage other members of the team to develop their skills.
Ensure unit administration and financial tasks are completed.
Ensure all unit volunteers comply with current Girlguiding policies and regulations.
Ensure all activity instructors/visitors to the unit meet the requirements laid out in
The Guiding Manual.
Maintain clear communication with parents and carers and gain all necessary permissions for activities.
Provide an initial response to any concerns or complaints from girls and young women or their parents/carers, following Girlguiding’s Safeguarding Policy.
© Girlguiding 2016 www.girlguiding.org.uk