Leader development programme

The leader development programme (LDP) is full of helpful courses for anyone that volunteers in a unit. To become a leader, you must complete the LDP in full.

Below is information on how the LDP process works within Gloucestershire. 
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Find out more about the LDP by watching the video. If you have any questions about the LDP then please contact our leader in training (LiT) coordinators on [email protected].

​For volunteers wishing to become leaders

Getting started
To get started with the LDP, you will need to do the following:
  • Talk to your commissioner - She plays a key supporting role in your LDP journey and it's important that she is aware you are carrying out this training so that she can help you along the way. Your commissioner will also need to update your role on GO to leader in training once you complete the next step.
  • Access the LDP on the learning platform - You'll need to complete one of the following pathways:
  1. Option 1 - This is aimed at volunteers who are new to guiding. You will be guided through the 'Getting started with Girlguiding' and 'Growing in Girlguiding' sections which are designed to introduce you to volunteering within Girlguiding and help develop your knowledge and understanding of our organisation.
  2. Option 2 - This is aimed at those who have been volunteering a while and already have an understanding of Girlguiding. You can sign up right away. After registering, your commissioner will be notified to change your role to leader in training and then 'Becoming a leader' will be unlocked.
  • Whichever option you take, you will also need to complete the 'Becoming a leader' section, which will only be unlocked once you have carried out option 1 or 2, and have a leader in training role on GO.
  • Talk to your unit team - The other volunteers within your unit team will also play a vital role in supporting you through the LDP by offering you the opportunities to lead, grow and develop. Make sure they know about the path you are on so they can support you too.​​
Working through the programme
The LDP is split into three sections:
  1. Building foundations - This includes managing safety and risk, following our policies and keeping information safe.
  2. Engaging guiding - This includes planning for good guiding, celebrating every member and involving girls in decisions and planning.
  3. You and your team - This includes developing as a team, managing the unit's money and organising your unit.
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You can work on elements across all three modules at the same time. Your commissioner and/or unit leaders will help you understand what you need to do to complete each element and will support you in creating and working towards an action plan. You may choose to work on one section at a time, but watch out for those opportunities that arise that might help you work on another part too. This is where your unit team can help support you by suggesting elements that the work you are carrying out may cover.

When you have completed all the parts of a section, you can request a mentor visit by completing this form. Our mentor coordinator will then find a mentor available to visit you to see you in action leading your unit. They will have a discussion with you, and you'll complete a 'check-in' document together. You will need to upload this to the learning platform. Our LiT coordinators will then review your document, make sure everything is in order and mark that element as complete.

​Each check-in needs to be on a separate mentor visit as the programme is designed to allow you to develop over time.
Mentors
The county has a team of mentors who will be available to support you on your LDP journey. Your primary support will come from your leadership team in the unit and your commissioner. However if you need support from someone else you can request mentor support at any point in your LDP journey. Our mentor coordinator will put you in touch with someone who can help. This support may include a unit visit, a phone call or virtual call; whatever works for you both and depending on the support needs.

Mentors will also support you at the check-in stages (as mentioned above). You may have a different mentor for each visit, which allows you to gain experience from more than one person, or you might build a rapport with your first mentor and request them again for further visits. Each time they will chat to you about how the activities went, and support you in making improvements for the future. It's important that we are always learning and adapting based on past experiences.
Completing the LDP
When you have completed all three sections above, there will be one final 'check-in' to complete with a mentor. This will then complete your LDP journey.

At this stage you will be qualified to be a unit helper on GO. If you wish to be a leader you will also need to complete safer guiding training. It is also strongly recommended that you also complete a first aid course.

For commissioners

Key aspects for the commissioner
  • You will receive a notification when someone starts their LDP journey. You will need to update their role on GO to leader in training before they can progress. If they've not already been in touch to let you know they wish to start the LDP, then now is a good time to reach out to them and make sure they have everything they need to get started.
  • Young leaders can also start this training programme from the age of 16, but please do not update their role on GO. They remain young leaders until they turn 18. Please email the LiT coordinators to let them know when a young leader starts the LDP.
  • You are a key supporter for leaders in training and young leaders completing the LDP. Please check in with them regularly and offer them any help or advise they may need, or signpost them to someone who can help.

There is a document entitled LDP guidance for commissioners which can be found in the FAQs section of the LDP. 
Mentor recruitment
The mentor role sits at a county level and we have a dedicated mentor coordinator who assigns the check-in and support requests to mentors. However we need your help to identify people who would make great mentors. If you think someone is suited to the mentor role, please email the mentor coordinator.

For mentors

Key aspects for the mentor
  • We run our mentoring via a WhatsApp group. The mentor coordinator will put in a request when a support or check-in request is made by an LiT. Mentors can pick up those that they are available for and within their local geography.
  • There is no minimum or maximum commitment for this role.

There is a mentors area on the learning platform and a webinar for mentors, which we ask all new mentors to undertake. Access these areas/resources via the FAQ section of the LDP. ​