Articles / Leadership Development Programme Girlguiding: Complete Training Guide
Development, Training & CoachingExplore the Girlguiding Leader Development Programme. Discover LDP training, young leader modules, and how to become a Girlguiding volunteer leader.
Written by Laura Bouttell • Sun 4th January 2026
The Girlguiding Leader Development Programme (LDP) offers a self-led, flexible learning journey for anyone who wants to become a Girlguiding leader, replacing the previous leadership qualification which volunteers found outdated and time-consuming. Training is split into three learning areas—Building Foundations, Engaging Guiding, and You and Your Team—with most volunteers completing the programme in less than a year. For younger members aged 14-17, the completely optional Young Leader Development Programme comprises 12 modules created by young leaders, for young leaders.
For those seeking to make a difference in girls' lives whilst developing genuine leadership capabilities, Girlguiding provides structured pathways from teenage volunteering through adult leadership.
The Leader Development Programme (LDP) represents Girlguiding's pathway to becoming a unit leader:
Programme overview:
The Leader Development Programme is a self-led, flexible learning journey for anyone who wants to become a Girlguiding leader. The LDP replaced the leadership qualification (LQ) which volunteers said was outdated and took too long to complete.
Programme characteristics:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Self-led learning |
| Delivery | Primarily online |
| Duration | Most complete in under a year |
| Support | Assigned mentor |
| Flexibility | Bitesize content, personal pace |
Key improvements over previous system:
The becoming a leader training is split into three learning areas:
1. Building Foundations
Learning to deliver guiding in a fun and safe way whilst following policies.
| Focus | Content |
|---|---|
| Safety | Risk management, safeguarding |
| Policies | Understanding Girlguiding requirements |
| Programme delivery | Running activities |
| Fun experiences | Creating engaging sessions |
2. Engaging Guiding
Learning to involve young members in creating the best experiences for all.
| Focus | Content |
|---|---|
| Youth involvement | Girl-led approach |
| Programme design | Creating activities |
| Inclusion | Welcoming all girls |
| Experience creation | Memorable guiding |
3. You and Your Team
Learning to work as a team and manage the unit.
| Focus | Content |
|---|---|
| Teamwork | Working with other volunteers |
| Unit management | Running the unit |
| Leadership | Guiding your team |
| Communication | Stakeholder engagement |
"The becoming a leader training is split into three learning areas to help explore, develop and apply the skills needed to run a Girlguiding unit."
Registration and support:
When you register to start the programme, you'll be assigned a mentor to help you plan your time. This mentoring relationship provides personalised support throughout your learning journey.
Delivery format:
You'll be able to do all the training online, but you might also go to local training courses to support this and build your network.
Training options:
| Method | Purpose | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Online modules | Core learning | Flexibility |
| Local courses | Skill practice | Network building |
| Mentor meetings | Guidance | Personal support |
| Unit experience | Application | Practical learning |
Eligibility requirements:
| Age | Status | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 16+ | Can start LDP | Begin learning journey |
| 18+ | Can become leader | Complete qualification |
| Under 16 | Not eligible for LDP | Consider Young Leader programme |
Important notes:
Safety foundation:
There's also safer guiding training that makes sure volunteers offer girls a safe space where they can have fun, learn and grow.
Safer guiding elements:
For members aged 14-17, Girlguiding offers a dedicated development pathway:
Programme overview:
A completely optional, flexible young leader development programme made up of 12 modules with tasks and discovery resources. Any member aged 14-17 who volunteers with a unit can participate.
Programme characteristics:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Age range | 14-17 years |
| Modules | 12 total |
| Format | Tasks and discovery resources |
| Requirement | Optional |
| Eligibility | Unit volunteers |
Programme creation:
The young leader development programme has been created by young leaders, for young leaders. This peer-designed approach ensures content resonates with teenage volunteers.
Progression pathway:
Girlguiding has created a leader development programme which volunteers can start working on from their 16th birthday on the learning platform.
Module connections:
Some modules from the young leader development programme link directly to courses in the leader development programme.
Transition benefits:
| Young Leader Learning | LDP Connection |
|---|---|
| Foundation modules | Credit towards LDP |
| Skills development | Building on experience |
| Unit experience | Practical preparation |
| Leadership basics | Advanced learning |
Leadership pathway:
| Stage | Age | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Member participation | 5+ | Experience guiding |
| Young leader | 14-17 | Volunteer with units |
| LDP start | 16+ | Begin formal training |
| Leader qualification | 18+ | Complete LDP |
| Ongoing development | Any | Continuous learning |
Role types:
Key qualities:
| Quality | Application |
|---|---|
| Enthusiasm | Inspiring girls |
| Reliability | Consistent presence |
| Creativity | Engaging programmes |
| Patience | Supporting development |
| Organisation | Managing units |
Skills developed:
Leadership competencies:
| Skill Area | Development |
|---|---|
| Programme delivery | Planning and running activities |
| Team leadership | Working with other volunteers |
| Communication | Engaging with girls, parents, others |
| Organisation | Managing units and resources |
| Problem-solving | Handling challenges |
| Safeguarding | Ensuring safety |
Transferable skills:
Girlguiding leadership develops capabilities applicable beyond guiding:
Leader contribution:
Girlguiding leaders enable girls to:
The Leader Development Programme (LDP) is a self-led, flexible learning journey for becoming a Girlguiding leader. Training is split into three areas: Building Foundations, Engaging Guiding, and You and Your Team. Most volunteers complete it in under a year with mentor support and primarily online delivery.
Most volunteers complete the Leader Development Programme in less than a year. The flexible, self-led approach means completion time varies based on individual pace, but the bitesize content and online delivery enable efficient progress.
Yes, you can start the Leader Development Programme from age 16, though you can only become a full leader at 18. Starting earlier allows you to complete more training before taking on leadership responsibility.
The Young Leader Development Programme is a completely optional, flexible programme for members aged 14-17 who volunteer with units. It comprises 12 modules with tasks and discovery resources, created by young leaders for young leaders. Some modules link directly to the LDP.
The role of leader is a woman-only position, and the full leader development programme is also woman-only. This reflects Girlguiding's focus on creating spaces where girls and women develop together.
The Leader Development Programme replaced the leadership qualification (LQ), which volunteers said was outdated and took too long to complete. The LDP offers self-led learning with bitesize content and flexible approach.
Yes, when you register to start the programme, you'll be assigned a mentor to help you plan your time. Mentors provide personalised support throughout your learning journey.
Girlguiding's Leader Development Programme creates pathways from teenage volunteering through adult leadership, building capability at each stage. The self-led, flexible approach respects volunteers' time whilst ensuring thorough preparation for the responsibility of leading units.
What distinguishes Girlguiding leadership development is its dual purpose: volunteers develop genuine leadership skills whilst creating experiences that shape girls' lives. The training isn't merely procedural—it builds capability in programme delivery, team leadership, safeguarding, and communication that transfers across life and career contexts.
For those aged 14-17, the Young Leader Development Programme provides early introduction to leadership concepts, with modules connecting directly to the full LDP. This progression pathway means young leaders build continuously rather than starting fresh at each stage.
Whether you're a teenager exploring volunteering or an adult ready to lead, Girlguiding provides structured development that builds genuine capability whilst contributing to something larger than yourself.