Shepherd and Wedderburn Senior Associate awarded highest accolade in Girlguiding for volunteering efforts
Emma Guthrie, Senior Associate in our property and infrastructure team, has been awarded the Silver Fish, the highest award in Girlguiding, in recognition of her contribution and commitment to the charity.
Emma volunteers with Girlguiding in the roles of Assistant Chief Guide and International Commissioner, using Shepherd and Wedderburn’s Volunteering Policy, which permits colleagues to take up to five days’ paid leave a year to fulfil volunteering commitments, to help her fulfil her duties.
Her responsibilities include supporting volunteers in delivering projects relating to the Girlguiding programme, events, international activity, advocacy and fundraising, and acting as the charity’s UK representative on the global stage, working with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and building relationships with other Girl Guide and Girl Scout organisations across the globe.
The Silver Fish is awarded to an outstanding adult member of Girlguiding who has shown that they have had a substantial impact through a variety of roles within the organisation. It is the charity’s highest accolade.
On receiving the award, Emma said: “I am honoured to be awarded the Girlguiding Silver Fish. Volunteering with Girlguiding is a huge part of my life and I am grateful to Shepherd and Wedderburn for supporting me with this since I started as a trainee with the firm.
“Through the firm’s Volunteering Policy I have been able to take time away from work to enable me to fulfil my guiding roles, helping to give girls and young women opportunities and allowing me to develop the valuable skills and experiences that volunteering with a charity like Girlguiding can bring.”
Amanda Medler, Chief Guide at Girlguiding, said: “I am truly delighted that Emma’s service to girls and young women through Girlguiding has been recognised by the award of the Girlguiding Silver Fish. Emma has made an outstanding contribution as a volunteer in Girlguiding – both as our Assistant Chief Guide and as our International Commissioner (Lead Volunteer), and Emma is a role model for many members.
“The Silver Fish signifies those who are prepared to swim against the tide and only a small number are awarded. Emma’s commitment, hard work, strategic thinking and tenacity make her a very worthy recipient of the Silver Fish.
“Emma’s contribution to the Chief Guide team over the last four years has been outstanding and it is important that her volunteering is fully recognised in this way.”
Girlguiding is a leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, working with girls from four years old into adulthood.