Commissioners

What do I need to become a commissioner?

The main thing you need is enthusiasm for working with a team of adults to support them in delivering good guiding through good practice.

You may have skills and qualities gained and developed in the workplace or in other volunteering roles which are transferable. Communication, leading and building a team, tact, diplomacy and flexibility are all important. A commissioner develops her skills over time though and is not expected have them all at the outset.

I haven’t been a leader very long, so can I be a commissioner?

There is no minimum length of service as a leader before taking on a commissioner role. You do not have to have been a district commissioner to become a division commissioner, neither do you have to have held other commissioner roles to become county commissioner. The person is more important than their history.

Can I job share?

Yes of course. Many of our district, division and even county commissioner roles are shared; it’s practically the norm! There are great benefits to sharing the role with someone you can work well with. Striking the work/life/guiding balance right is very important.

What support is there?

You start as a commissioner designate for up to six months; this allows you time to settle in to the role. You then have a discussion with one of the county commissioners to check that you are happy to continue.

You will be allocated a mentor, usually a leader who has experience as a commissioner, to help you through the initial period. She will be able to answer any questions you may have and provide advice, for as long as you feel it is useful to you.

Networking with other commissioners is very valuable. You will meet other commissioners at division or county meetings. We also hold commissioner forums or trainings within county and there are occasional region commissioner conferences which you may be invited to attend.