Equality and Diversity Policy
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Girlguiding’s policies and related statements provide a
structure in which guiding can take place safely, consistently and
in accordance with legislation. Policies must be
followed by Girlguiding’s members and by recognised volunteers
involved in delivering or supporting guiding. These policy
statements are supported by further information and resources to
ensure that our members put the policies into practice.
Policy
statement
Girlguiding believes in being fair, open and
inclusive. Members and supporters are welcomed irrespective of
faith, race, culture, nationality or sexual
orientation.
Adult membership of Girlguiding is voluntary and is open to
application from women and men aged 18 years and over, regardless
of faith, race, culture, nationality or sexual
orientation, provided they complete Girlguiding’s
recruitment process if appropriate to the role.
Girlguiding recognises that special support may need to be given
to certain groups in its membership (for example, members with
disabilities) in order to enable them to participate more widely
and on a more equal basis. It takes all reasonable steps to meet
the needs of members and ensure that they can take part in guiding
as fully as possible.
As part of its programme of recruitment and outreach,
Girlguiding strives to reflect the diversity of the female
population in the United Kingdom and provides resources and support
to Leaders to enable them to welcome all girls and young women
regardless of faith, race, culture, nationality, sexual
orientation or any other circumstance.
Spirituality
Girlguiding does not subscribe to any particular faith or
religion and believes that every member should be encouraged to
take an active part in the religion or faith of her family and
community.
Leaders and Commissioners should take account of the special
requirements of the faiths of unit members – such as dress, diet or
holiday days – when planning unit programmes and other events.
Attendance at any act of worship must always be voluntary and be
seen as part of the spiritual development of the individual member.
Attendance at church parade or any religious gathering is not part
of the guiding programme.
No young member under 16 may attend a service of a faith or
denomination other than her own, as a guiding event, without the
consent of an adult with parental responsibility for her.
Page last updated: 5/15/2013