Commissioners in Girlguiding lead, support and inspire the volunteers in their area. Day to day, they might be running local volunteer meetings, approving residential paperwork, dealing with safeguarding cases, sharing best practice, or developing local growth strategies – it all adds up and is vitally important in making guiding happen. Amanda has been a county commissioner for 18 months and the skills she has gained have helped her get a promotion at work!

When I was younger, I enjoyed being in Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. Memorable moments include getting ‘flown’ up to Guides, having campfires on the beach, and going on a week’s camp to Arran. After I graduated from university and had started my career, I wanted to give something back to my community and guiding was a natural choice for volunteering.

After moving to a new town, guiding helped me meet new people and I opened a new Guide unit after the county commissioner at the time persuaded me! A few years later, I became district commissioner for 5 years and got experience of being on the county executive. When the previous county commissioners role was coming to an end, I nominated several, more experienced, members of the executive as I assumed they would be better for the role. Little did I know that these same members had nominated me! When the Scottish chief commissioner called me to discuss the role, I initially turned it down as I didn’t feel experienced enough and was worried about the time commitments. After discussions with some ‘wise owls’ in my county, I realised that I did have some good skills to offer, such as being organised and bringing my ‘younger’ energy and enthusiasm, and said yes!

I am now 18 months into the role and my organisation has helped me keep on track of the various jobs that need done. Highlights of the role are organising county-wide events, attending local events to give out awards, and I also got to meet the King at the recent Holyrood Garden Party and discuss guiding with him! Since taking on the role, I have also gained experience in managing a team, delegation, and having difficult conversations. In fact, it was these experiences that helped me gain a promotion at work!

In similar circumstances, a colleague was retiring and encouraged me apply for her team leader position; I felt like I wasn’t ‘good enough’ but she suggested that as well as my work CV, I submit a ‘guiding CV’ outlining some of my transferable skills. During the interview, I drew on some specific guiding examples of how I have coped with managing a team with different personalities and priorities, and tackling difficult conversations with leaders/parents. They must have liked what they heard as I got offered the job! Since taking on my new responsibilities, I’ve had stakeholder engagement training, which in turn has helped me in my guiding role, so my work and commissioner roles complement each other.

When I started volunteering, I would never have thought I’d end up as county commissioner. So, to anyone who is looking to get involved at a county level, I’d say go for it! You’ll have a team to help you, and I’ve found some ‘wise owls’ who I can lean on for advice and support, including a fantastic assistant county commissioner who supports me.

Make the most of your transferable skills and volunteering experience with our guiding and employability resources.