This evening I have sent the following letter to Girlguiding:

For attention of: Chief Guide, Girlguiding Trustees, Complaints Team and Data Protection Officer

Dear All,

Over the course of the last three months I have tried to engage Girlguiding in a conversation, through a request for a meeting, in order to take forward the concerns raised in this petition https://www.change.org/p/end-british-army-sponsorship-of-girlguiding-leadership-activities-for-girls – concerns that over 2,300 others share about a core part of the programme having ties to funding from a military organisation. I have been as constructive as possible, and at its heart this is a complaint about reforming Girlguiding practice to ensure we do not end up in this situation again. I am not trying to undermine the organisation and I fully believe in the work that we do. I am a former trustee and council member myself, and have always committed to supporting youth participation in this organisation.

I am very disappointed because it has now been nearly three months since I first got in touch regarding a meeting with representatives of Girlguiding about the funding accepted from the British Army and the over 2,300 voices collected together in this petition who have raised objections to it.

During this time, Girlguiding has not abided by it’s own complaints procedure which states that: “The expectation is that unless agreed otherwise, the Investigator/reviewer and the relevant parties are in touch at least once every two weeks (14 days) until the complaint is closed.” I was advised that my enquiry was issued the complaints reference 1813375 on the 19th September. Since then I have regularly had to chase for any communication which has only been received on the 19th October and the 9th November.

As such I would like to issue a subject access request to understand how my complaint has been handled by Girlguiding. Please supply the data about me that I am entitled to under data protection law relating to:

-       Emails and any documents created by Girlguiding staff which include my name “Pippa Gardner” or reference to my complaint “Ref 1813375” since the 24th August 2018. 

- [Details of individuals whom have sent and received emails has been removed]

You have one month to respond to this request, though I would appreciate if you could acknowledge receipt and advise when you will be able to fulfil the request by return.

I am well aware that I do not have neither the knowledge of contract law nor the resources to undo whatever funding contract has already been signed with the British Army. They have a lot more legal and financial resources at their disposal than individual members or even 2,300 collectively, but they should not have more influence over the organisation that its members.

I have been in touch with many who, like me, find this acceptance of funds runs counter to personal faith or pacifist beliefs. I know several Quaker volunteers in particular have resigned from the organisation as a result. This runs counter to the organisation’s Equality and Diversity policy which states: “No person volunteering with Girlguiding should suffer disadvantage or receive less favourable treatment on the basis of…religion or belief”. As a trans member of Girlguiding, I am so very appreciative of how steadfastly the organisation has stood behind its commitment to this policy over the last few months. But this policy must be applied to decisions made by staff, in relation to funding and the central programme as well as to the actions of individuals.

I still want to meet with relevant staff or volunteers so that we can take this forward and progress two things:

-       A consultation and re-examination of the policy and procedures that lead to the acceptance of funding for a core part of the programme from an organisation that is objected to by over 2,300 people and that runs counter to the faith and beliefs of many.

-       A development of programme resources and criteria that mean that those who object to military influence do not need to participate in activities that have been developed under banner of military sponsorship. I would suggest this could be achieved by the introduction of a alternate series of Leadership Skills Builder activities that explicitly focus on leadership for peace and which promote internationalism which could be created as digital resources to be download (and therefore not incur manufacturing costs or need sponsorship).

Through the course of my petition I have made personal contacts with individuals and organisations which, along with myself, would happily contribute to the development of the latter.

I understand that at this stage, giving back the money might not be an option on the table, and therefore that may have contributed to your reluctance to meet with me. However, I think we should all be able to agree that if Girlguiding is going to adhere to its own Equality and Diversity policy there needs to be a visible means by which young members and volunteers can participate in the new programme without participating in activities which have been explicitly sponsored by the British Army. We also need to take learning from this about future funding decisions so that Girlguiding truly remains for all girls.

Yours sincerely,

Pippa Gardner