The idea behind the conference was to raise awareness of the benefits of volunteering and to encourage volunteering schemes between City firms and uniformed youth organisations. Other speakers included the Chief Scout, and a senior member of the Army Cadet Force.
Margaret’s presentation was insightful, talking about her own experiences in addition to sharing all the things that we do at Girls’ Brigade to support, develop, encourage and celebrate volunteers. The audience was incredibly impressed to hear that The Girls’ Brigade have incredibly high levels of volunteer retention - almost volunteer leaders have more than 50 years of service, over 500 have more than 40 years, and almost a 1000 have more than 20 years of service. The reason our volunteers have “staying power” is that we can clearly see the profound and lasting impact that we have on the lives of children and young people, and the positive contribution that they make to their communities and to society. Volunteering at The Girls’ Brigade is great fun, and through fellowship we develop friends for life.
We also know that volunteers, whether leaders or helpers, also find that you also build your confidence and develop skills that help you in your own lives. We know from all the correspondence to the GB Support Centre that experience as GB leaders can help people succeed in the world of work and in playing roles in local communities. Margaret shared examples including Lucie's story.
However, particularly since COVID and the cost-of-living pressures in recent years, the recruitment of new volunteers by ALL charities in the UK has slowed down significantly. In response to this, The Girls’ Brigade has put in place role sharing arrangements (the equivalent of job share in the world of work) to spread the load and ensure that no one individual volunteer feels overloaded. We gratefully accept volunteers even if they can only give a small amount of their time (although reliability and pre-planning are essential in getting this to work effectively).
Margaret also shared with the audience that The Girls’ Brigade are part of a national campaign (along with the Scouts and others) campaigning for a right to request up to 35 hours of paid volunteer leave each year, giving more people the chance to make a difference.
Let’s take a moment during this Volunteer Week 2025 to pray for more volunteers...
A Prayer for The Girls’ Brigade – Volunteers Week 2025
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the faithful hearts of our volunteers – for those who have given not just years, but decades of loving service through The Girls’ Brigade. For the joy they bring, the lives they shape, and the communities they help to flourish, we give You all the glory.
Lord, we praise You for the “staying power” of our leaders – women and men who have walked alongside generations of children and young people, sowing seeds of faith, courage, kindness, and purpose. Thank You that through their example, friendships have blossomed, skills have grown, and confidence has been nurtured.
Yet Father, we know the harvest is plentiful, and the workers are few.
So we ask now: stir the hearts of new volunteers. Raise up people of all ages and backgrounds who hear Your quiet whisper to serve – even in small ways – and say, 'Here I am, send me.' Help them to see that their time, however limited, can be multiplied by Your grace to create lasting impact.
We pray especially for those feeling the pressure of modern life – for those balancing work, family, and finances – that You would make a way. We lift up the campaign for paid volunteer leave and ask for favour in the eyes of decision-makers so that more people might be released to serve their communities with joy.
Lord, as we celebrate Volunteers Week, remind us that serving You through The Girls’ Brigade is not a burden, but a blessing. Continue to strengthen our fellowship, deepen our joy, and let every volunteer – old and new – know they are seen, valued, and loved.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
