Updated 25/03/2022

latest COVID-19 update from girlguiding cymru hq

Wales has now moved to Alert Level 0.
While some restrictions have been removed, we’re all still expected to take action to minimise the spread of COVID-19. Read below to find out what Girlguiding activity is allowed and what you'll need to do to run meetings and activities in a Covid responsible manner. 

From Monday 28th March 2022

Face Coverings:
Face coverings will only be required only in health and care settings.

Risk Assessments:
Premises open to the public must continue to do coronavirus risk assessments. Members must continue to undertake a specific coronavirus risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise exposure to, and the spread of, coronavirus.

Self Isolation:
It is no longer a legal requirement to self-isolate, however to reduce the risk of giving the virus to others if you have symptoms you should test and self-isolate if you test positive.

From 18 April 2022
The Welsh assembly government states "if the current public health situation remains stable, all remaining restrictions will be removed".

Returning for the first time since 25/03/2020: Remember, you’ll need a risk assessment for returning to guiding, whether meeting indoors or outdoors. For newly completed risk assessments, please submit to your local Commissioner.

Continuing meetings if alert level increases: If you already have an approved risk assessment please ensure this is kept up to date. Should the alert level increase please take into account the circumstances and safety of your leadership team. Take the quantity of educational settings that your members attend into account. If your risk assessment changes in any way please send these to your local Commissioner to sign off the updates.

Planning Day trips/camps/residential trips: Please send these to your local Commissioner to sign off and action accordingly.

Important information

Outdoor meetings are allowed with social distancing and other Covid secure measures.

Indoor meetings are allowed. You must continue to follow all Covid responsible measures while meeting indoors. This includes ventilation, increased hand hygiene and enhanced cleaning.

Group size: There’s no limit on the number of children and young people who can attend meetings. You should be mindful of the space available. Please ensure that you consider the size of your meeting place in your risk assessment.

Social distancing: Social distancing isn't mandatory but is still advised. Where possible, stay 2 metres (3 steps) away from others, indoors and outdoors.

The Welsh government has further guidance in English and guidance in Welsh on its website.

Residentials & Camps: Are permitted in Alert Level 0.
The Welsh Government have issued the following regulations for Alert Level 0
Can children attend residential activities?

Up to 30 children from organisations, such as the Brownies and Scouts, can undertake residential visits over the summer holidays. Supervisors and group leaders are in addition to the 30 children who can participate.

 Organisers have a duty to take all reasonable measures to ensure that these activities take place in a way that minimises exposure to coronavirus. Therefore, risk assessments should consider the space available to allow social distancing indoors (and outdoors if the risk assessment identifies this as a reasonable measure) as far as is possible with children and limit the number of children that can attend. Additionally, they must ensure that parents or guardians are aware there is an increased risk associated with mixing and staying overnight. This will enable them to make an informed decision when considering allowing children to attend these activities. For further information, refer to the Coronavirus recent and upcoming changes.

At present, there is a limit of up to 30 children allowed per group. There are currently no exceptions.

Day trips: Day trips are permitted but must be planned taking into account Covid responsible measures. 
A risk assessment must be completed and sent your local commissioner.

Risk Assessments for units returning / last met in March 2020

For any face-to-face meetings, whether indoor or outdoor,  your risk assessment needs to be signed off by your local commissioner.

To complete a risk assessment for an in-person unit meeting, make sure to include: 

  • Which volunteers have current DBS and Level 3 A Safe Space training.

  • How first aid will be provided, and, if relevant, the details of which volunteer has an up-to-date 1st Response qualification

  • The date in the “Action by” box is completed

  • The review date is completed

  • The correct ratios

  • Consideration of any volunteers or young members moving between nations

  • Include management actions to mitigate any risks for vulnerable members or volunteers

  • Face covering requirements

  • Cleaning and clarifying responsibilities for cleaning, by who and when

  • Ventilation – how will you safely maximise fresh air in your venue?

  • A review of your unit meeting property risk assessment if required

  • Please also ensure your unit accounts are up to date and have been submitted to your commissioner

Hand washing: Everyone should wash their hands or use hand sanitiser when they arrive and before they leave.

Enhanced cleaning: and ventilation continue to be important parts of ensuring a venue is Covid secure.

Virtual meetings

You can still continue to meet virtually, even once you restart in-person meetings. You might want to alternate your meetings between being online and face to face. It’s up to you to decide what works best for you and your unit. Check out our support for virtual guiding:

Local and official guidance

“Thank you to all our volunteers and girls for your continued support, enthusiasm & understanding during this time. This is an ever-changing situation and we intend to provide you with the most recent and correct information and advice as it becomes available.”
— Girlguiding Cymru HQ

This information was last updated on: 25/03/2022