IYVS logo

Supporting Guide Volunteers

Supporting Guide volunteers who dedicate their time to helping young people thrive.

Welcome to the Guide Volunteers section of Independent Youth Volunteer Support (IYVS).

This space is dedicated to supporting the thousands of volunteers across the UK who give their time and energy to Guiding. Whether you're a Unit Leader, Assistant Leader, District Commissioner, or any other volunteer role, IYVS is here to support you.

We believe Guide volunteers deserve to feel valued, supported, and equipped — not just to continue their work, but to grow in confidence, capability, and wellbeing.

Our work aims to listen to your experiences, surface the challenges you face, and advocate for better systems of care and support for volunteers within Guiding organisations and communities.


Dispute Resolution & Mediation

Conflicts and disputes can arise in any volunteering environment. We provide independent, confidential mediation services and support for Guide volunteers navigating interpersonal conflicts, formal complaints, or suspension processes. You don't have to face these challenges alone.

Volunteer Wellbeing

Guide volunteers often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities. We're committed to helping you maintain your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing while supporting young people. Our resources focus on recognising burnout, building resilience, and creating sustainable volunteering practices.

Skills Development & Training

Becoming a confident, effective volunteer takes time and the right support. Whether you're brand new to Guiding or have years of experience, we share practical guidance on leadership skills, unit-specific training, and continuous professional development to help you thrive in your role.

Community & Connection

Volunteering can sometimes feel isolating, especially in smaller units. We're building opportunities for Guide volunteers to connect with peers, share experiences, and celebrate their achievements together. These connections are vital to feeling part of a supportive community.

Advocacy & Systems Change

We listen to your challenges and work to create systemic improvements. By understanding the barriers you face, we advocate for better structures, policies, and support systems that enable Guide volunteers to flourish. Your voice matters.


Get Involved

To stay updated on our work supporting Guide volunteers, please subscribe to our newsletter Field Notes using the box below.

Want to learn more about IYVS?

Explore our mission and discover ways to support youth volunteers across the UK.

Follow IYVS Field Notes

We will never share your email, or use it for evil purposes. We're nice like that.

Visit Our Mission