Girl Guiding in Australia is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all Guides, Volunteers and Employees.

It is important to consider the supervision ratios of adults to Youth Members when planning any Girl Guiding activity.

Adult to Youth Member ratios vary according to the ages of the girls, the activity being undertaken, and the results of any risk assessment undertaken for the activity.  There are some specific rules applicable for some activities including for members with additional needs, international travel, swimming and boating activities.

The Guidance Note – Supervision Ratios has full details of the applicable ratios and what to consider when determining the number of adults that should be present for any Girl Guiding activity. Ratios at a Glance  provides easy reference to the supervision ratios.

There are special provisions for International Travel – see 7. International Events and Travel.

GGA has a risk management framework which must be referenced for all Girl Guiding activities. All volunteers and staff are empowered to manage risks within their sphere of influence and are responsible for:

• actively undertaking risk assessments and managing risks, in consultation with colleagues;
• communicating risks identified to supervisors, colleagues and other stakeholders
• supporting and contributing to Risk Management initiatives;
• obeying reasonable directions given by Managers in relation to Risk Management;
• advising their Managers of any Risk issues that require attention; and
• acting at all times in accordance with the mission of GGA.

When assessing risk, consideration must be given to the requirements of the GGA CSCF Policy and Procedures.

The Risk Management Framework can be accessed on Guide Lines.

If a Member, Volunteer or Employee identifies an area of risk with any aspect of Guiding that they consider is not covered by a policy or procedure they should immediately raise this issue with their supervisor. The supervisor will provide assistance as to the correct process to be adopted for any immediate issue and, if a policy or procedure vacuum exists, the supervisor will escalate this to the relevant State Commissioner and/or CEO.

Adults in Guiding are to avoid placing themselves in a situation where Youth Members feel uncomfortable or compromised or where adults’ actions could be misinterpreted. Boundaries must be maintained with Youth Members at all times, both during and outside of Girl Guide activities. Adults in Guiding have agreed to the GGA Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct, the Girl Guide Promise, the Guide Law and the policies and procedures of GGA and SGGO provide guidance on the expected standards of conduct when interacting with Youth Members. For more information see Guidance Note – Boundaries When Interacting With Others in Guiding.

Enjoying the outdoors is an important part of the Australian Guide Program. There are specific guidelines and procedures which must be followed for some activities. When choosing any outdoor activity, Leaders should take into consideration the age, experience and needs of the participants so that everyone has an opportunity for enjoyment and to challenge themselves.

Camping is enjoyed by many. Camping rules and requirements must be adhered to and can be accessed on Guide Lines.

The Activities Manual has been developed to support Leaders’ understanding of the additional responsibilities for camping or exploring other adventure-based activities.  These can be found on Guide Lines.

The procedures for all camping and other adventure-based activities are minimum requirements of GGA. Safety rules apply to all members, at all times, and are to be strictly observed. More stringent conditions may be enforced if considered necessary.  When planning and engaging in any activities, apart from addressing the risks of the specific activity, it is important to also remember GGiA has no tolerance for any activity that puts children at increased risk of any form of abuse.

There are some activities that are specifically not approved for GGiA. Refer to Guide Lines.

Please also see Guidance Note – Boundaries When Interacting With Others in Guiding and Guidance Note – Unit and Camp Rules.

A Guide Unit may hold an indoor overnight stay or sleepover. These must be held in a Guide approved venue and meet specific requirements pursuant to each SGGO including supervision ratio requirements.

A qualified Leader must be in attendance at all times and prior notification of the activity must be given to the District Manager.  Refer to Guide Lines.

Any Volunteer that attends a camp or an overnight stay must meet the requirements for an Ongoing Volunteer.

WWCCs are only valid in the state or territory where they are issued. Any Adult in Guiding who attends a Girl Guide Youth Member event in another state or territory must meet the WWCC requirements in that state or territory.  Checking these requirements must be part of the planning for any State Girl Guide event. There may be exemptions for events organised by Girl Guides.

The legislation in most states and territories allows for reliance on the relevant WWCC issued by the jurisdiction in which the person lives if they are attending an authorised Girl Guide event.  There is limited validity of WWCC (or the equivalent) in other states and territories (e.g., they are usually only valid for a certain number of days).

* Note in some states and territories a Working With Children Check is required for anyone 14 years or over.

GGA is a foundation member of WAGGGS and it is important for GGiA to promote friendship among the girls and women of all nations as a contribution to peace and understanding.

Guides have the opportunity for travel to international Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting events to explore cultures, share experiences and gain an understanding of Guiding in other countries.

The policies and procedures in Guide Lines must be adhered to when planning and undertaking any international Guiding travel.  Risk assessments must be completed and supervision ratios for international Guide travel must be adhered to.  The Guidance Note -International Travel Ratios provides the ratios that must be adhered to when Youth Members are travelling internationally.

Any adult that is a member of an international contingent which includes Youth Members must meet the requirements for an Ongoing Volunteer.

Contingent Leaders for events must comply with the Contingent Leaders Handbook.

Digital communication has become an important tool for everyone and GGiA acknowledge and encourage use of digital platforms for the benefits it can bring. Digital platforms support connections being made, and facilitate conversations so that collaborations can take place.

GGiA require the safe use of all digital platforms, including the internet and social media, by all Adults in Guiding. The GGA Code of Conduct provides the foundation for how Adults in Guiding, and all who interact with Girl Guiding, communicate with others, including online, in an open and respectful way,

Adults in Guiding must not engage with Youth Members through social media personal profiles or personal email addresses. When Youth Members are engaged on digital platforms another Adult in Guiding and/or the parent/guardian of the Youth Member must be copied into all communications.

When communicating with a Youth Member in any way, Adults in Guiding must always engage with the Youth Member in an appropriate and safe manner. Please refer to the Guidance Note: Being Safe in the Digital Space for more information on how to safely engage with all Youth Members.

To comply with the GGA Code of Conduct, any reference to Girl Guiding in Australia or any aspect of Girl Guiding must represent and promote the beliefs and values of Girl Guiding.

Youth Members are expected to uphold their Girl Guide Promise at all times, including when they are in the digital space. Units must include in their Unit Rules how Unit members engage in the digital space. When at camp, follow the Camp Rules.

Guidance Notes to support this procedure are:

• Guidance Note: Being Safe in the Digital Space
• Guidance Note: Digital Platforms FAQs
• Guidance Note: Girl Guide Websites and Social Media Accounts
• Guidance Note: Inappropriate Behaviours on Digital Platforms
• Guidance Note: Breaches and Consequences

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides valuable resources to share with Youth Members to support digital safety. Please refer to esafety.gov.au.

Under Australian law, both parents of a Youth Member will usually have equal ‘parental responsibility’ for that Youth Member unless:

• There is a ‘Child Protection Order’ in place which has taken away all, or some, of the parental responsibility
• There is a ‘Family Court Order’ in place which has taken away all, or some, of the parental responsibility
• There is another legal restriction on ‘parental responsibility’.

If both parents have parental responsibility of a Youth Member, then both parents have an equal say in what happens in the life of the Youth Member and are entitled to equal information about the Youth Member.

If anyone makes an allegation or complaint involving a parent of a Youth Member, GGiA must not ‘take sides’ with one particular parent and must abide by all Court Orders e.g., Child Protection, Family Court Orders and Domestic Violence Orders.

If a Court Order makes reference to how relationships between Unit Leaders, Managers and parents are to be conducted, these must be followed.

Note that a ‘Domestic/Family Violence Order’, or ‘Protection Order’, does not necessarily take away a parent’s parental responsibility, it usually just says who can and cannot have contact with a person. Such orders often extend to children (Youth Members).

If you are uncertain as to how to respond to any of these court orders, then consult with your District or Region Manager.

Girl Guides often share activities with Scouts at all levels – national, state or territory and at regional/local levels. GGA and Scouts Australia share a common background, with Lord and Lady Baden Powell playing an important role in the establishment of our organisations.

It is important to remember that GGiA and Scouts are separate organisations. This means that all GGiA policy and procedures must be followed at all times. This will mean there must always be a Girl Guide Leader in Charge for every activity, a Risk Assessment undertaken, the supervision ratio adhered to and child safe checks completed as required by GGiA. A check on the insurance cover for the Activity must also be done with the relevant State Girl Guide office.

All activities with Scouts should adhere to the guidelines for shared activities. Read more information about activities the Scouts Australia.

Youth members contribute to the administration and self-governance of a Unit and are consulted by the Unit Leaders about decisions that affect them. A Guide Support Group is a vital body of non-uniformed volunteers within a District or local area who wish to support Guiding.

More information regarding Support Groups can be found here. As Support Groups Members are likely to come into contact with Youth Members on more than four occasions in any twelve month period the members of a Support Group are considered Ongoing Volunteers and are required to meet the requirements set out in Element 3 – Recruiting and Screening Volunteers.

GGiA provides opportunities for girls and young women with as wide a range of additional needs as it can accommodate in a safe manner (see GGA Diversity and Inclusion Policy). If after taking all reasonable steps GGiA cannot provide adequate supervision or support required to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the applicant for membership and/or other Members, Volunteers, or Employees, membership will be declined (see Element 2 – Becoming a Girl Guide).

The Australian Leadership & Qualification Program (ALQP) provides the training requirements for all Leaders, Managers and Trainers. The ALQP is focused on facilitating Adult Members to empower girls and young women to discover their potential as leaders of their world by providing them with opportunities to grow, learn and have fun in relevant and meaningful ways.

To contribute to GGiA being a Child Safe Child Friendly there is a requirement that members wear a uniform for Guiding activities (see here for more information).

Youth Members are often involved in activities that will take them out and about in public spaces.  The wearing of uniform by Youth Members facilitates supervision of Youth Members.  The Guidance Note – Supervision Ratios must always be complied with.

Any adult wearing a uniform must have complied with the requirements for membership or of an Ongoing Volunteer.

Door knocking is not supported by Girl Guides Australia. 

Girl Guides Australia will only support Guides assisting in street collections on behalf of other organisations if the following conditions are met: 

1. All Guides and Leaders must wear their uniform
2. The activity is supervised by at least two qualified Leaders and in accordance with the GGA Supervision Ratio for ‘Camps and Sleepovers’ 
3. Guides must stay in groups of at least two at all times (‘buddy system’ or Patrol system) 
4. Guides must be in direct line of sight of two supervising adults at all times (one of whom must be female) 
5. Guides must be informed that under no circumstances are they to leave the sight of the supervising adults, enter any house, building or other premises nor go into a secluded area of any kind (unless using toilet facilities and then they will need permission from the supervising adults and be accompanied by their buddy and only be out of line of sight of the supervising adults while using the facilities). 
6. A Risk Assessment has been undertaken and the activity has been approved in accordance with the requirements of the relevant SGGO.  
7. All requirements of the organisation the Guides are assisting are complied with e.g., the Leaders may be required to carry an authorisation document issued by the organisation the Guides are assisting.
8. It is conducted in a manner that complies with state/territory legislation. 
9. Adherence with state/territory laws includes adherence in relation to the age of the Guides allowed to participate in fundraising activities. Some SGGOs may not permit street collections or other fundraising activities under any circumstances.  

Any other activity taking place in a space which is open and accessible to the general public at the time (Public Space -e.g., shopping centres, parks) must be conducted in accordance with conditions 1 to 5 above. A Risk Assessment may be required depending on the activity – refer to your SGGOs requirements.  

Where the intent of the activity is to engage with members of the public (Public Activity – e.g., Bunnings BBQs, Clean Up Australia), the activity must be conducted in accordance with conditions 1 to 6 above.  

Girl Guiding in Australia welcomes visiting Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and when appropriate will organise hospitality in accordance with any relevant state or territory legislation and the policy and procedures of GGA.  

Where all Girl Guides or Girl Scouts are 18 years of age or over 

Where visiting Girl Guides or Girl Scouts are 18 years of age or over and travelling for Girl Guide purposes, they are permitted to stay in private homes where the main occupant of the home is a member of Girl Guiding in Australia. These arrangements may be made directly by the Member or by the Member Organisation. Girl Guiding in Australia takes no responsibility for these arrangements.  

Where there are Girl Guides or Girl Scouts under 18 years of age 

Girls under 18 years of age, whether members of Girl Guiding in Australia or visiting Girl Guides or Girl Scouts from overseas, are not permitted to stay in private homes at any time. They may be accommodated in a property approved for overnight stays or camps by the relevant SGGO. All usual ‘permission to camp’ procedures must be adhered to. This includes the Leader in Charge being a member of Girl Guiding in Australia and holding the appropriate qualification. At least one other Adult Member of the relevant SGGO must be in attendance. All Australian adults staying overnight must be screened in accordance with the Child Safe Child Friendly Framework.   

Where the under 18-year-old visiting Girl Guides and Girl Scouts are from interstate or overseas, permission from the relevant State Commissioner is also required. When visiting from overseas, the Chief Commissioner and National Volunteer Coordinator – International must also be informed. 

Girl Guides participate in activities with community groups and at community events. Examples include assisting with the Red Shield Appeal, participating in Clean Up Australia Day or Graffiti Removal Day, and providing service at Anzac Day services. 

Program activities may also be shared with youth organisations such as Scouts. Refer also to Element 10.10. 

Girl Guiding in Australia (GGiA) also engages third parties to provide goods or services. Contracts with third parties may only be entered into by the Board of GGA, an SGGO Board, or a person acting under an appropriate delegation in writing from the relevant Board. Contact the relevant State office for advice before entering into any commitment. 

Whenever Girl Guides engages a third party, such as another organisation, a company or an individual, all applicable legislation and GGA and SGGO policies, procedures and child-safe requirements must be followed. The Adult in Guiding responsible for the engagement must informed the third party (or parties) of and take steps to check their compliance with all the requirements that apply to the activity or service. 

 Additional consideration is required where: 

• third-party personnel may interact with Guides;
• third-party personnel may access, collect, use or disclose personal information relating to Guides or other children and young people; or 
• a service is delivered in a physical or digital environment where Guides are present.

These circumstances must be considered as part of the risk assessment and risk management process for the engagement or activity. 

Appropriate risk management measures must be identified and implemented having regard to the nature of the activity, the role of the third party, and the level of contact with Guides or access to their information. Physical and digital environments must both be considered.  

Where the identified risks cannot be appropriately managed, the engagement or activity must not proceed. 

For every activity involving Guides, the GGA Child Safe Child Friendly Framework requires: 

• a Girl Guide Leader in Charge;
• a risk assessment;
• compliance with GGA Supervision Ratio requirements;
• completion of the required screening and child-safety checks for GGiA participants; and 
• confirmation of appropriate insurance cover with the relevant State Girl Guide office. 

GGA Supervision Ratio requirements must be maintained at all times. 

Additional steps when engaging External Providers 

When engaging a third party as an External Provider: 

• advise them that Gir Guiding in Australia is a Child Safe Child Friendly community and require compliance with all child-safe requirements relevant to the engagement; 
• determine whether a Working with Children Check or equivalent screening clearance is required, with reference to the Guidance Note – Child Safe Child Friendly Screening for Visitors and External Providers, and verify the clearance where required before the engagement begins; 
• require compliance with the GGA Privacy Policy, applicable privacy legislation and any confidentiality requirements relevant to the engagement; 
• require them to follow the GGA Code of Conduct and all behavioural and child-safe requirements relevant to the activity;
• monitor compliance with the supervision arrangements established for the engagement, including supervision by an Adult in Guiding. Virtual supervision may only be used where it is appropriate to the activity, permitted by applicable requirements and adequately manages the identified risks; and 
• require compliance with all other risk management measures identified for the activity, service or interaction. 

Commercial providers 

The following circumstances will not ordinarily require a separate contract or the additional controls listed above solely because Guides use the goods or services. The usual risk assessment, supervision, privacy, insurance and other applicable requirements continue to apply: 

• the goods or services are offered to members of the public at the same time, for example, a Unit attending a commercial indoor rock-climbing centre, travelling on public transport, or visiting a zoo or tourist attraction; or
• goods are purchased from an ordinary retail or wholesale outlet and delivery does not occur at a site where Guides are present. 

Activities undertaken independently by a Guide 

A Guide may engage with a third party to provide service or complete a badge or achievement award. Where the activity is not supervised by an Adult in Guiding, it may only be undertaken with the written permission of the Guide’s parent or guardian. 

For example, permission is required where a Guide: 

• undertakes music lessons to complete an achievement badge or award;
• is assessed by a person who is not an Adult in Guiding for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award; or
• provides service outside an event supervised by an Adult in Guiding.

Where an activity with a third party is not supervised by an Adult in Guiding, the Guide remains under the care, custody and supervision of their parent or guardian. Parents and guardians are encouraged to make their own enquiries about appropriate child-safety checks. Guidance is available from the relevant state or territory child-safety regulator. 

The Guidance Note – CSCF Contractual and Other Arrangements to support Risk Management for Engagement with Third Parties provides further guidance for the Boards of GGA and SGGOs. 

Preferred External Provider registers 

Districts, Regions and SGGOs should maintain a preferred External Provider or Supplier register where providers are routinely engaged. The register should record that: 

• providers routinely engaged to support or deliver activities have verified screening clearances, where required; and 

• contracts or booking templates include relevant child-safety expectations, such as supervision, no one-to-one contact and photography requirements. 

Girl Guiding in Australia (GGiA) is committed to providing a Child Safe Child Friendly Community for all Youth Members while they are in the care of Adult Members of Girl Guides. The Girl Guide Promise, Guide Law, Code of Conduct and Child Safe Child Friendly Framework all support a Child Safe Child Friendly Community.

GGiA can only provide a Child Safe Child Friendly Community when there is an Adult Member of Girl Guiding in Australia providing supervision.

The Guidance Note – Supervision of Youth Members – for Parents/Guardians provides details of when GGiA is providing a Child Safe Child Friendly Community for Youth Members.

The Guidance Note – Supervision of Youth Members – for Adult Members provides details of when GGiA is providing a Child Safe Child Friendly Community for Youth Members.

Activities Manual

GGA Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Guidance Note – Being Safe in the Digital Space

Guidance Note – Boundaries When Interacting with Others in Guiding

Guidance Note – Breaches and Consequences

Guidance Note – Child Safe Child Friendly Screening for Visitors and External Providers

Guidance Note – Developing Unit and Camp Rules

Guidance Note – Digital Platforms FAQs

Guidance Note – Girl Guide Websites and Social Media Accounts

Guidance Note – Inappropriate Behaviours on Digital Platforms

Guidance Note – International Travel Ratios

Guidance Note – Supervision Ratios

Guidance Note – Supervision of Youth Members – for Adult Members

Guidance Note – Supervision of Youth Members – for Parents/Guardians