COMMISSIONER
Level: County/Division/District
Who can do this role?
Commissioners are women 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 become a Commissioner, but training will be given to you as
part of this role.
What is the purpose of this role?
Becoming a Commissioner offers a fantastic opportunity to influence guiding in your area and create
real change that improves the opportunities for girls and young women to experience guiding. It is also
an opportunity to engage with teams across your area, meet new people, work together and have fun!
The County, Division or District Commissioner is responsible for and accountable to the whole
membership of her guiding area. By leading a team of dedicated and skilled volunteers you will ensure
that quality guiding is delivered.
As Commissioner you are both an internal and an external ‘figurehead’ for guiding. You should be a
visionary leader who can formulate and follow a strategic plan, communicate effectively at all levels
and network with local communities. You will need to give time to building up relationships and
managing people; a County Commissioner directly supports Division Commissioners who in turn support
District Commissioners, where this structure exists.
A Commissioner role can be shared between two or more people if required, as Joint Commissioners,
and you may also appoint Assistant Commissioners. The Commissioner role sits within a team of area-
level volunteers and many of the tasks can be delegated to others, making the role flexible
and collaborative.
What will I do in the role?
The responsibilities listed below will be shared among the County, Division or District Team. As a
Commissioner you may delegate parts of the role to other volunteers, working together to make the
most of the skills and time you are able to give.
Leadership and team management
zz Lead and support a dedicated team of volunteers to ensure high quality guiding is happening in your
area, focusing on providing more opportunities for girls to get the most out of guiding.
zz Ensure local guiding business is conducted efficiently and effectively via team meetings; establish
appropriate methods of communication and build effective relationships throughout the team.
zz Recognise the commitment of all adults within the area, giving informal thanks and, where
appropriate, nominating individuals for awards.
zz Help members of the team to identify and fulfil training needs.
zz Recognise when support is needed by members of the team and respond appropriately.
zz Manage enquiries, complaints and disputes in a timely fashion.
Administration
zz Ensure that all administrative resources for the area run effectively and online databases are kept
up to date.
zz Submit and update training and events dates on the area calendar, or equivalent.
zz Devise an area action plan to be reviewed and updated regularly.
zz Ensure ongoing good practice in all health and safety matters and legal compliance, as outlined in
The Guiding Manual, including approving REN (Residential Event Notification) forms.
zz Ensure financial matters are monitored and policies adhered to.
© Girlguiding 2016 www.girlguiding.org.uk Volunteer Role Description
Commissioner
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