Would you work for Girlguiding?

[Leakygutter]

I have an interview for a fairly senior finance job.

If I was asked about my position on the gender debate, I'd answer honestly, along the lines of JKR. Dress and identify as you choose, but men can't be in women's spaces or in their sport. Which as I understand it is contrary to GG (still current?) policy.

I was a Queen's Guide and firmly believe that built me and I wouldn't have achieved what I did, especially early in my career, without it. I was especially pleased to have a female only space, long before I realised how controversial that would become! So in many ways I fully support the work of GG, but I think they've got it badly wrong on this issue. They stayed female only when Scouts took girls and the boys and girl's brigades merged and they they've done this!

Does that matter for a job in finance, when the core work they do is still valuable?

Unless it's integral to the role why did they ask this? Personally I'd never be drawn into discussing this at work. Like politics, I would refuse to engage as I'm not a politician. It's not a need to know thing surely?

Well, if it's an interview for a finance job there, you've probably made yourself identifiable right now, so your chances of getting the job have diminished somewhat already.

I wouldn't apply for a job with them, so whether to comment on this at interview is a moot point.

Why apply to work for a company who are so entrenched in the twaw movement?

'My position on the gender debate is I don't think girls should be restricted by their gender and that's why I value the GG.'

That's what they mean, right?

No I would never work for them.

No I wouldn’t work for them - their stance is wrong in my opinion.
Plus the way they have treated leaders who have spoken out about it has been appalling.
I’d be inclined to interview get the job and then turn it down telling them why!

Because it is better to be part of the solution when the shit hits the fans and once you are in, you can point out huge safeguarding issues.

They haven't asked. I've said how I'd answer if they did. As you say, I don't really expect to be asked for a finance job.

They know full well what the safeguarding issues are, they are just too woke to see them as actual issues

Yes, this was my thought, although not sure what influence I could bring in finance.

I'm also fully expecting their stance to change as more progress is made and I do very much support their work as a youth movement for girls. They just need to change their definition.

Their position on this issue is quite dangerous so no I wouldn't work for them. It's also part of the reason I no longer volunteer for them. I couldn't be part of an organisation that has policies preventing effective safeguarding.

That's a risk I'll take hoping for a discussion.

I'd quite like the opportunity to discuss it with "someone" in the organisation.

I suppose there's power in being offered the job and making it quite clear why you would subsequently decline "having familiarised myself on the GGs view on women and girls....etc"

But is that really worth it?

Are you actually considering becoming a GG employee?