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.
zz Provide a safe girl-only space where girls and young women can discover their full potential.
zz Provide ongoing leadership and support to the Unit Leadership Team and members of the unit.
zz With the Unit Team, create and deliver 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 Keep up to date with new resources and programme initiatives, and use them as appropriate.
zz Complete relevant training for the role and encourage other members of the team to develop
their skills.
zz Ensure unit administration and financial tasks are completed.
zz Ensure all unit volunteers comply with current Girlguiding policies and regulations.
zz Ensure all activity instructors/visitors to the unit meet the requirements laid out in
The Guiding Manual.
zz Maintain clear communication with parents and carers and gain all necessary permissions for activities.
zz Provide an initial response to any concerns or complaints from girls and young women or their
parents/carers, following Girlguiding’s Safeguarding Policy.
© Girlguiding 2019 www.girlguiding.org.uk
Volunteer Role Description
Unit Leader/Leader in Training
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