Girlguiding impact report

Girlguiding volunteers support girls’ social and emotional development

Girlguiding girls really trust and value volunteers. 86% of Girlguiding girls agreed ‘My unit leaders and helpers make me feel like I matter.’

‘The leader and helpers were very welcoming to a sensitive child.’

Parent/carer of a Rainbow

The impact we have on the lives of girls is only possible thanks to 80,000 volunteers sharing their time, enthusiasm and support. Girlguiding volunteers are amazing, and the girls they support agree.

When we asked Girlguiding girls to what extent they agreed with the following statements, the results were clear:

89%

agreed ‘I can talk to my unit leaders and helpers if I need help’

86%

agreed ‘My unit leaders and helpers make me feel like I matter’

87%

agreed ‘My unit leaders and helpers listen to me’

‘The leaders and my friends know me. I feel comfortable with them. I can relax and be myself.’

Brownie

‘The unit leader has had such a positive impact on my daughter. I’ve noticed such a change in her she’s more confident and concerned about the wellbeing of others around her.’

Parent/carer of a Rainbow

And the feeling is mutual. Volunteers also feel valued and welcomed at Girlguiding.

How volunteers feel about their Girlguiding experience

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Girlguiding girls have higher social strengths than UK girls

Working with the University of Bristol we've strived to better understand Girlguiding’s impact on younger girls, where the confidence gap between boys and girls is less evident. We found that Girlguiding girls are more likely to have higher social strengths than UK girls. Social strengths include:

  • Consideration of other people’s feelings
  • Volunteering to help others
  • Sharing readily with other children
  • Kindness to younger children
  • Being helpful if someone is hurt, upset or feeling ill11

The research also helped us to determine what aspects of Girlguiding support good outcomes for girls. And we’ve found that there’s a strong relationship between Girlguiding volunteers and girls’ social and emotional development.

Girlguiding girls aged 4-10 are, on average, are 7% more likely to have higher social strengths than UK girls

Girlguiding volunteers support girls' social and emotional development

Our study with the University of Bristol found the stronger the relationship with their volunteers the more positive girls’ outcomes were. For young girls aged 4-10, positive relationships were associated with higher social strengths, but also dealing with emotional difficulties and building their resilience. For older girls they were more satisfied with all aspects of their lives.

Girlguiding volunteers make a positive difference to girls

Girlguiding girls aged 4-10 that trust their leaders are 31% less likely to have emotional difficulties.

Girlguiding girls aged 4-10 that are empowered to lead in their unit were 8% more likely to have higher social strengths.

‘I have learnt so much from my leaders, Girlguiding has made a positive difference in my life.’

Brownie

Girlguiding volunteers are vital to achieving the mission of Girlguiding

Volunteers at Girlguiding develop girls’ confidence, acting as trusted adults and inspirational role models for girls. Our leaders and volunteers give their time so girls have their voices heard and do great activities. In 2025 the experience of volunteering at Girlguiding was most commonly described as rewarding, fun and enjoyable. Volunteers also benefit from supporting girls and being part of the Girlguiding movement.

90%

of volunteers feel like they’re making a difference by volunteering with Girlguiding

87%

of volunteers agreed that it gives them a sense of personal achievement

80%

of volunteers agreed volunteering with Girlguiding ‘gives me confidence’

71%

of 18-29 year-old-volunteers agreed volunteering with Girlguiding ‘improves my employment options’

Tracy Foster OBE

Chief Guide

A message from our Chief Guide

Volunteers are at the heart of helping girls discover their potential and grow in confidence. Through their encouragement, kindness and enthusiasm, they create opportunities for girls to try new experiences, take on challenges and have adventures. A supportive volunteer can make a lasting difference, helping a girl find her voice, build friendships and develop skills that will stay with her for life.

But volunteering is a two-way journey. Alongside making a real difference, volunteers gain so much themselves. Many find lasting friendships, have unforgettable experiences and have many adventures. There is something truly special about watching girls grow in confidence, achieve things they never thought possible and become empowered to shape their own futures.

Volunteering is fun, rewarding and inspiring. It brings people together, creates lifelong memories and helps empower the next generation. Most of all, it gives volunteers the chance to make a meaningful difference while sharing friendship and laughter along the way.

Continually improving our volunteers’ experience

Without our volunteers our impact wouldn’t be possible, which is why we’re working to create a volunteering experience fit for the future. We know volunteers have a positive experience when volunteering fits easily into their lives and we know there’s still work to be done on this. We'll continue to find ways to enable more people to give time in a way that works for them.

11 The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire: A Research Note, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, Goodman, Robert, 1997

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