Volunteer Role Description
ARCHIVIST
Are you passionate about the history of Girlguiding, collecting and preserving artefacts related to the
charity and using them to inspire members? Volunteering as an Archivist with Girlguiding could be for you!
Role title: ...................................................................................................................................
Supported by: ...........................................................................................................................
Suggested time commitment: ..............................................................................................
Length of time in role: ..........................................................................................................
Location: ....................................................................................................................................
If you are interested in this role: .......................................................................................
Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK. Thanks to the dedication and
support of 100,000 amazing volunteers, we are active in every part of the UK, giving girls and young
women a space where they can be themselves, have fun, build brilliant friendships, gain valuable life
skills and make a positive difference to their lives and their communities.
Our incredible volunteers contribute more than ten million hours to guiding every year. Some give
us a couple of hours here and there – helping out with driving for trips and holidays, fundraising and
events planning, or even doing the annual accounts for local groups. Others give their time as Leaders
or Assistant Leaders for units, providing girls and young women with a space where they can be
themselves. Whatever your skills and interests, and no matter how much time you have to spare,
one of our volunteering roles is bound to suit you.
‘As well as giving the girls amazing opportunities, I feel I’ve also
personally benefited from volunteering. It’s really rewarding for me
and I feel I’ve achieved something great.’
Lisa, Girlguiding volunteer
Caring
Challenging
Inspiring Inclusive
Fun
Empowering
© Girlguiding 2016 www.girlguiding.org.uk Volunteer Role Description
Archivist
1
ARCHIVIST
Level: District/Division/County/Country/Region
Who can do this role?
Archivists can be any adult over 18 years old. They should already be, or be willing to become,
a member of Girlguiding.
Do I need a qualification?
You don’t need a specific qualification to undertake this role. However, the role would suit someone
with a passion for guiding and the history of the charity, and a keen interest in archiving.
What is the purpose of this role?
To collect and sort articles and items of interest to the guiding area, to use as part of the guiding
programme or for special events.
What will I do in the role?
The responsibilities below outline the role of an Archivist; however, you will be working within a wider
team at the same level and responsibilities may vary.
General
zz Take overall responsibility for the District/Division/County/Country/Region archive collection,
caring for and preserving the historic papers, publications, photographs, badges and uniforms which
form the archive. Ensure that items are kept in a good condition.
zz Communicate with local Leaders and other volunteers in gathering material for the archive.
zz Promote use of the archive, ensuring that it is accessible and members are aware of how it can
be accessed.
zz Provide opportunities for members to use items from the archives in their programme.
zz Set an annual budget based on planned activities and events.
Being part of your local guiding area
zz Be part of a local Girlguiding community by maintaining a good relationship with other volunteers.
zz Develop and maintain clear communications with the local Commissioner, if required.
zz Promote local, national and international opportunities available within guiding as well as externally,
and encourage young members to take part.
zz Keep up to date with new resources and programme initiatives, and use them as appropriate.
Being part of Girlguiding
zz Be committed to undertaking relevant training.
zz Learn about the structure of Girlguiding and how your responsibilities and position fit within it.
zz Be willing to learn about Girlguiding’s national and local strategic aims and how these are being
delivered locally.
© Girlguiding 2016 www.girlguiding.org.uk Volunteer Role Description
Archivist
2
zz Learn about Girlguiding’s policies and Code of Conduct.
zz Be an ambassador for the values of Girlguiding.
Promoting Girlguiding
zz Promote a positive image of Girlguiding at public events and while taking part in activities outside
the meeting place.
What will Girlguiding do for me?
zz Provide a thorough and appropriate induction to the role and organisation.
zz Help to develop skills and abilities to perform the role by providing relevant training opportunities
(including e-learning where possible).
zz Provide guidance via The Guiding Manual.
zz Provide support and development from fellow volunteers, including a local Commissioner and
Girlguiding Advisers.
zz Host meetings and events to share information at a local level.
zz Reimburse agreed expenses (agreed locally and may differ around the UK).
zz Provide references.
zz Provide a clear complaints procedure and support to resolve problems or disagreements.
Am I right for the role?
Supporting roles in Girlguiding provide essential help to volunteers who work directly with girls and
young women. While we can offer you training and support we would expect you to possess the
personal qualities outlined below.
Personal qualities
zz An open and approachable manner.
zz Reliable and trustworthy.
zz Creative and enthusiastic.
zz A commitment to ongoing personal development.
zz A passion for archiving and historical artefacts.
Skills and abilities
While these skills and abilities are not essential when starting, they should be developed as part of
the role.
zz Excellent communication skills.
zz High level of organisation and ability to work on own initiative.
zz Attention to detail and accuracy.
Girlguiding welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, ages, cultures, faiths and abilities. We are flexible,
and volunteering can be arranged to fit around a busy lifestyle.
Please note this is a volunteer role; this role description does not form part of any contract
of employment.
© Girlguiding 2016 www.girlguiding.org.uk Volunteer Role Description
Archivist
3