Constructively dismissed by Girlguiding

[iloveholidays1]

Hi all,

I have been constructively dismissed by Girlguiding for raising concerns. And no, not their trans policy ones. My daughters have also been excluded as result. They never investigated or dealt with my concerns.

I'm putting this here because:

1. I want people to know that volunteering with them is dangerous and you could find yourself in the very difficult situation I find myself in with my girls
2. If anyone else experiences this in the future, please get in touch. I spoke to a few journalists at length about this. A handful were interested in the story, but ultimately their editor said it couldn't fly without multiple people saying the same things.

I appreciate this is a very brief post and I'm happy to give more details, but I'm aware that short posts are easier to process. If I was reading this a few years ago I'd think "there's more to this than meets the eye", and there definitely is, but I'm keen to keep this short and sweet.

OP, come over to the other side. Scouting is run very well!

I’m involved with GG and, although the OP’s allegations are shocking, I don’t see these things happening around me In my unit or my district. It does sound to me as though the initial concerns the OP raised may have been local one (still not good enough and worrying, but not necessarily an accurate reflection of the whole organisation). In terms of the lack of action from HQ, I have never had cause to raise concerns with them so I cannot comment. Also, I agree with Pp that there are two sides to every story.

... and where is the Daily Mail when you actually need them for once ?

Hey OP, I believe you and I’m sorry you and your daughters were treated this way.

I do wonder though of it is a good idea to advertise so publicly that volunteer leaders at girl guides may be able to avoid safeguarding / DBS checks. While most Mumsnetters are lovely, there are also a lot of weirdos and creeps who hang around this site for kicks.

Might be an idea to reread your posts and check if there is anything you’d rather Mumsnet delete.

Not in my experience, admittedly, it's only one scout group that I have experience of but I was less than impressed.

When GG are willing to hide the fact that they have male leaders and male members from parents it can't be surprising that there are other safeguarding issues.

I started volunteering in sept, over the summer I had my DBS check, personal references checked, various courses were needed and I met with one of the area leaders in person. I've now got a mentor to take me through the leadership training. I found my checks very thorough.

The Scout Association is a completely separate organisation to Girl Guides.

By all means volunteer for them. They are always wanting new volunteers but they have nothing to do with the issues OP is alleging about the Guides.

That's good. That's how it should be done.

Wasn't here though, and instead of just addressing the issues, which would be quite easy to address if isolated incidents and not widespread, but instead they just made me and my children shut up and go away.

I don't think it is universal problem. Not at all. Which is why I'm putting this here for people to see and add to if and when similar happens to them - which might take some time if it isn't common. But even the number of people saying "yer, same here" in the last 12h is in my view significant. When it happened to me, I'd have been interested to hear if this was viewed as SOP for volunteers with concerns in Girlguiding.

If you believe there are safeguarding issues in this guide group, you should report them. Either report to the LADO or to the charity commission.

If checks aren't being completed as required (not every volunteer needs a check), this is a safeguarding issue.

@iloveholidays1 thats really unfair that they have been excluded due to an issue you have raised. Disappointed, regardless of who is in the right or wrong here your DDs shouldn’t be missed out. They must be very upset.

The fairly recent fuss over the transgender volunteer's inappropriate behaviour suggests that there is still a problem with guides headquarters that goes beyond one local unit.

I dont think this should put people off guides completely. Any time your child is with other adults they could be with someone dubious and at least with guides there are normally 2 or 3 volunteers. So when someone acts in a way that causes concern there will be someone else to see. What is worrying is the HQ approach to anyone raising such concerns.

Seriously? Over some random uncorroborated story.

Oh and the minute my dds were over 16 they were dbs checked as volunteers and had Safeguarding training.

Would you like to see the evidence @RedHelenB ?

Maybe you could raise with your local MP?

its odd you have posted this on employment issues as going through your updates it sounds like you are focussed on the safeguarding aspect.

Maybe move the thread to a wider audience although you have included names above so might be identifying.

Where are names mentioned?

Have raised with local representative who wrote to them and got approximately as far as I did - nowhere.

I am concerned about keeping members safe. That is my principle concern. The thing is, on their own, I think these concerns could be remedied very easily - or so it seems on the surface as my initial thoughts were that they were isolated incidents and a small amount of action could remedy them and prevent recurrence. Unfortunately the way they dealt with it seemed to be telling my daughters and I to shut up and go away, effectively. Which isn't an appropriate way to deal with safeguarding issues. I do wonder if this is how they deal with all leaders who raise concerns, which is possibly more concerning than the concerns themselves. Does that make more sense? I'm sorry if not, and if not, I'll try to explain again.

How do I move it to a wider audience? I'm rather new to MN.

Hi, I think a post at 1.27 day before yesterday - maybe I misread.

I completely understand about safeguarding issue, I think if you feel you are being listened to etc the local MP might be a good shout though.

good luck!