Being a commissioner

Do it your way

Everyone brings something different to the role. Commissioners come from all sorts of backgrounds and everyone does the role in their own way.

Commissioners work as part of a team of volunteers. They can build a team around them to complement their own skills. For example:

• A commissioner who is less confident with managing finances can work with a treasurer.
• A commissioner who doesn’t enjoy organising events could recruit an assistant commissioner to support them with planning social events.

Develop your skills

Being a commissioner is a great way to develop leadership and management skills. Commissioners also develop communication skills, problem solving skills and decision-making skills. New commissioners can attend induction trainings and there are also trainings for all commissioners on topics that are important to the role.

“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!“ Amanda, county commissioner.

Read more from Amanda about how her commissioner role has helped her develop her skills.

Get the support you need

We want commissioners to enjoy their role and be able to work effectively. We know it’s not always easy, so Girlguiding Scotland have a range of support on offer:

• Join our Facebook group for local commissioners to connect with others in the same role across Scotland.
• Take a look at our commissioner resource bank for help with your role.
• Attend an online commissioner training.
• Join us in person at Lead 2025 to develop your skills and meet with other commissioners. Anyone interested in developing their leadership skills can attend this event, not just commissioners.