OCCASIONAL HELPER (UNIT)
Volunteer Role Description
Who can do this role?
Any adult aged 18 or over can be an Occasional Helper.
Do I need a qualication?
Occasional Helpers do not require a specic Girlguiding qualication. They do not need to become
Girlguiding members, but are recorded on GO (our online database) and are attached to a unit.
What is the purpose of this role?
To help give girls opportunities for fun, friendship, challenge and adventure! Occasional Helpers usually
work with other volunteers to assist in delivering a high-quality programme to the girls and young
women in the unit, while ensuring the safety of the unit members.
Occasional Helpers assist in running units (groups) of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and The Senior
Section, on an ad-hoc basis. Occasional Helpers can take part in guiding up to three times a month
(more frequent involvement would require a Unit Helper role). You will be supported by at least one
Unit Leader, Assistant Leaders, Young Leaders and other Unit Helpers and Occasional Helpers.
Occasional Helpers will have opportunities for ‘on-the-job’ learning and development.
What will I do in the role?
Running the unit
By the nature of the role, Occasional Helpers will join the Leadership Team on an infrequent basis,
no more than three times in a month. You will be supported by the regular Unit Leader, Assistant Leader
and Unit Helpers.
The responsibilities below will be shared among the Unit Leadership Team. As an Occasional Helper you
will work with others in the team to make the most of the skills and time you are able to give.
zz Provide a safe girl-only space where girls and young women can discover their full potential.
zz Provide support to members of the unit and the Unit Leadership Team.
zz Take an active role in creating and delivering an accessible and inclusive programme, based on the
Girlguiding programme for your section.
zz Encourage and support the members of the unit in making decisions within the unit and the wider
Girlguiding community.
zz Develop and maintain clear communications with the Unit Leader and other members of the
Leadership Team.
zz Maintain clear communication with parents and carers.
zz Be willing to participate in any relevant ‘on-the-job’ training for the role.
zz Comply with current Girlguiding policies and regulations.
Being part of your local guiding area
zz Be part of a local Girlguiding community, maintaining a good relationship with other volunteers.
zz Encourage more girls to join Girlguiding and support girls as they move on to the next section.
zz Promote local, national and international opportunities available within guiding as well as
externally, and encourage young members to take part.
Being part of Girlguiding
zz Learn about the structure of Girlguiding and how your responsibilities and position t within it.
zz Be willing to learn about Girlguiding’s national and local strategic aims and how both are
delivered locally.
zz Learn about Girlguiding’s policies and Code of Conduct.
zz Be an ambassador for the values of Girlguiding.
© Girlguiding 2017 www.girlguiding.org.uk Volunteer Role Description
Occasional Helper
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