About us

Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK. We build girls' confidence and raise their aspirations. We give them the chance to discover their full potential and encourage them to be a powerful force for good. We give them a space to have fun.

About Us

Girlguiding Newcastle upon Tyne county is led by a county commissioner who is responsible for and accountable to the whole membership in the county. The county commissioner is usually in post for five years in which they lead, contribute and grow guiding in the local area.

The current county commissioner is Helen Thompson. Her term started on 1 September 2021 and will end 31 August 2026.

Girlguiding Newcastle upon Tyne county is made up of 3 divisions; East, Central and West. The divisions are made up of local Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers units, run by leaders and supported by unit helpers.

Each division has a division commissioner, who is responsible for ensuring the units are compliant with Girlguiding policies, running local events and growing guiding in their division.

The current division commissioners are:

  • East – Lauren Howells
  • Central – Alison Gordon (temporary)
  • West – Jean Edusei MBE and Linda Harbottle

The county commissioner and division commissioners make up the county executive and together are responsible and accountable for decisions in the county, such as finance and growth.

Alongside the county executive, there are a number of advisors and co-ordinators. The advisors and co-ordinators have individual specialisms or interests within Girlguiding and are there to support all members of Girlguiding Newcastle upon Tyne. The advisors and co-ordinators, together with the county and division commissioners make up the county team.

The current advisors/co-ordinators are:

  • International – Lauren Burnett
  • Growth and Retention – Catherine Marsh
  • Diversity and Inclusion – Rachel Jiggins
  • Going Away With– Wendy Snell

The county also has other supporting roles:

  • President – Cath Dixon
  • Vice President and Volunteer Shop Manager – Pat Fox
  • Vice President – Lorna Robinson
  • Vice President – Phyllis Thompson
  • Archivist – Anne Lloyd

The county is supported by paid county administrator who is responsible for the day to day running of the county, general accounting and other administrative tasks. The current county administrator is Susan Craven, who has been in post since 2013.

Girls take what they do in guiding with them as they grow up. Everything from working in a team, to taking the lead, to speaking out on issues they care about. It helps them develop the skills and confidence to become the young women they want to be. ’