Inclusion

What is Inclusion?

In Girlguiding, inclusion is defined as giving all girls and adults the same chance.

Inclusion covers, but is not limited to, supporting members with additional needs, LGBT members, members facing social and economic barriers, e.g. poverty prevents accessing online meetings, members from minority backgrounds, religious and cultural differences as well as combating barriers such as racism.

Unit Leaders are encouraged to seek help from their Commissioner and the County Adviser for Inclusion if they need further support or guidance.  The Inclusion Adviser has knowledge and experience of the needs of people with additional needs and disabilities and is available to provide practical help.

Contact details: inclusion_adviser@gghw.org.uk

Girlguiding's new Diversity and inclusion plan is coming later this month (May 2021). This will support the delivery of Girlguiding's 2020 strategy, by laying out how we will become a more inclusive and impactful organisation. The plan was developed after consultation with volunteers, parents and girls. It is centred around the voices of marginalised and underrepresented groups, reflecting what they told us. Our ambition for diversity and inclusion is for Girlguiding to become a place where everyone is welcome, is free to be themselves, and has an equal sense of belonging. To achieve this, we’ll need to work together and build on the work we’ve already started. 

There is more information about equality, diversity and inclusion on the Girlguiding website here.

Forms you may find useful are listed below.  These health care plans should only be used if a medical condition limits a member’s ability to join in normal unit activities or if she has a medical condition which makes an emergency likely.  If the member has a pre-existing health care plan, it is not necessary to complete a Girlguiding plan.  A risk assessment form can also be found under 'forms and resources'.

Accessible Programme Resources

There are accessible programme resources available, however these are currently in HQ and all staff/volunteers are working from home and are unable to access them. Please contact HQ and let them know you need the resources so they are aware of the need.

Accessible Programme Resources

Girlguiding produce badge books, handbooks, UMAs and Skills Builders in different formats including e-Reader, large print, and braille. 

Visual Timetable Resource

A new national resource has been created to support members to access meetings through the use of visual timetables. It is a selection of cards that can be used to help members understand and process activities and events within and outside of the unit meeting place. It has been developed with advice from the National Autistic Society and is primarily aimed at members with Autism Spectrum Condition; however, it may be of benefit to other members too. We currently have one copy within the county. Please contact the County Inclusion Adviser if you would like to borrow it to try it out.