Girlguiding UK overseas
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Branch Associations
The Branch Associations of Girlguiding UK are in UK overseas
territories (Commonwealth countries that are political dependencies
of the United Kingdom).
Each Branch Association has a constitution:
- approved by the Council of that Association
- granted by the Executive Committee of Girlguiding UK.
Adviser for Branch Associations
The Chief Guide appoints an Adviser for Branch Associations to
coordinate the work and liaise with these Associations on her
behalf. The Adviser for Branch Associations:
- is invited to undertake the role for a period of five
years
- may continue for a further period of up to two years if invited
to do so.
Commissioner for a Branch Association
The Commissioner for a Branch Association is invited to
undertake the role by the Chief Guide on the advice of, and in
consultation with, the Adviser for Branch Associations and the
Branch Association itself.
The term of office for an individual Commissioner for a Branch
Association is specified by her Association's constitution.
Programme
A Branch Association may follow either the Girlguiding UK
programme or a suitably adapted programme based on the Girlguiding
UK programme. The programme should be appropriate to the needs of
the girls and the culture of the country concerned.
All adaptations or alterations to the Girlguiding UK programme
are recommended by the Council of the Branch concerned and
forwarded to the Adviser for Branch Associations at CHQ for
approval by the Executive Committee of Girlguiding UK.
Guidewear
A Branch Association may choose to adopt guidewear worn by
members of Girlguiding UK or may adapt or design suitable guidewear
for its members. The clothing should be appropriate to the climate
and customs of the country concerned.
Any adaptation to Girlguiding UK guidewear designs, or new
designs, must first be approved by the Executive Committee of
Girlguiding UK.
Finance
A Branch Association:
- is responsible for its own finances; an audited copy of its
balance sheet or accounts must be sent annually to the Adviser for
Branch Associations at CHQ
- pays a proportion of Girlguiding UK's World Association
(WAGGGS) quota
- does not contribute to the cost of the administration of
Girlguiding UK.
Insurance
Girlguiding UK operates a legal liability policy to indemnify
the Branch Associations in respect of their legal liability for
accidental injury to persons and damage to property.
The Branch Associations contribute to the cost of this
policy.
Property
Land and buildings in Branch Associations must be held through
local trustees in accordance with the law of the country where the
property is situated. It may be possible to create a Trust
Corporation in that country to act as trustee based on Girlguiding
UK model. Suitable insurance should be purchased to protect
the property.
The trustees are responsible for the management and safeguarding
of the property and, where necessary, a local sub-committee should
be formed to assist them.
Awards
A Branch Association may recommend members for any of the
Association's awards. It may also, with the approval of Girlguiding
UK's Executive Committee, introduce a Good Service Award to be
conferred by the Council of the Branch Association for service in
that country.
British Guides in Foreign Countries (BGIFC)
Where a British community exists in another country, Girlguiding
UK units may be formed with the permission of the local
Association. British Guides in Foreign Countries (BGIFC) is an
integral part of Girlguiding UK with its own Commissioner and
support structure. It is administered in a similar way to the other
Countries and Regions in the United Kingdom.
For more information, see the BGIFC website.
Commissioner for British Guides in Foreign Countries
The Commissioner for BGIFC:
- is invited to undertake the role by the Chief Guide, after
appropriate consultation, for a term of five years
- completes the Commissioner induction programme
- may continue for a further period of up to two years if invited
to do so.
This role may be held by a Deputy Chief Guide.
The Commonwealth
There are Girl Guide Associations in all 53 countries of the
Commonwealth. Most are independent and a small number are Branch
Associations of Girlguiding UK.
Commonwealth Chief Commissioners' Conference
This conference is held every three years, usually immediately
prior to the WAGGGS' World Conference. The
Commonwealth Chief Commissioner is elected at the conference.
Commonwealth Chief Commissioner
The Commonwealth Chief Commissioner maintains a close
relationship with and among all the recognised Girl Guide
Associations in Commonwealth countries. She, or someone appointed
by her, chairs the Commonwealth Chief Commissioners'
Conference.
Associations in the Commonwealth
The independent Girl Guide Associations in the Commonwealth:
- are responsible for their own administration, programme and
management
- have direct membership of WAGGGS as Full or Associate
members.
For more information about Branch Associations, please
see the Girlguiding UK website.
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