Girlguiding has apologised and set out a new strategy after an audit found discrimination within the organisation. The audit, involving over 200 people within Girlguiding, including volunteers, girls, parents, carers and staff, revealed instances of racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and discrimination against disabled people and people experiencing economic disadvantage.
Whilst the audit reports that some young members mentioned good practice and how they felt supported by their leaders, a recurring theme both in the workplace and within membership was the lack of diversity in leadership positions.
A statement made at the time of the publication of the report said “Girlguiding is not yet as diverse and inclusive as we want it to be”, and the charity needs to do more to support inclusion. There is a commitment to achieve better diversity and inclusion in the future.
Girlguiding has now launched a plan to promote diversity and inclusion, that will include taking a zero-tolerance approach to discriminatory behaviour, updating its policies and improving how people can report concerns and get support. The charity will also improve how it collects and checks information about the demographics of members and staff. Girlguiding also plans to review its own history to make sure that “how we tell our story reflects who we are today”.
