Executive Council
Governance of the Guild - development and implementation of policies and any changes to those policies - is vested in the elected Executive Council, (EC) chaired by David Thompson. The EC meets monthly. Dates of meetings are posted in Guide Post and all full members are entitled to attend as observer. Much of the detailed work is carried out in various Committees which report to the EC. The following is a summary of their activities:

UK Committee
Made up of representatives from the regional associations this committee is the main conduit through which major issues of concern from all over the British Isles are brought to the EC's attention. The Chairman, Elizabeth Eastwood, is a member of the EC.

Membership
Responsible for matters affecting members' interests and welfare; scrutinising applications for membership, whether from individuals of from associations, to ensure they meet the Guild's criteria for membership. Also manages the mentoring scheme for newly qualified members.
Chaired by John Renshaw

Education and Training
Responsible for establishing, monitoring and advising on improving standards for training.

Also acts as a training provider and works closely with the Institute of Tourist Guiding (see below). It was fully involved in setting up the Institute of Tourist Guiding. Chaired by Wendy Hammerston. Advisor - Ros Hutchinson.

Continuing Professional Development
Responsible for organising the Guild's Winter Programme of lectures, visits and walks which give you a chance to update/extend your knowledge. Also organises excursions to Europe and further afield. Chaired by Wendy Hammerston.

Marketing and PR
Responsible for drawing up and implementing a strategy that pulls together all aspects of the Guild's promotional and marketing activities. A major task (in conjunction with APTG) is promoting the merits of the Blue Badge to other branches of the Tourist Industry. Chaired by Fiona Attrell. Works very closely with the Website Committee and Editors of the Guild's publications.

Publications
The Guild produces a range of publications. They Include: Guide Post (Editor, Vanessa Collier Watson), Guild Directory, Monthly Diaries.

Ali Bennett organises the monthly mailings. The contact for Publications is Julie Tan.

Website & IT
Responsible for the overall operation and development of the Guild's Website and for improving links with other key sites. Works closely with the Marketing Committee. Also responsible for the office computer equipment. Chaired by Peter Jamieson.

Site Liaison
Individual members are responsible for liaison with the management of key sites London and country wide on guiding related issues. The committee continues to expand its network of contacts. One member is specifically responsible for liaison with the coach industry. The committee is chaired by Vicky Wood.

Professional Services
Deals with everyday problems of our working lives, e.g. negotiations with tour operators, working conditions, complaints, debt collecting. Following annual consultation with the membership, advises on recommended fees. Chaired by Martin Olutniks.

Social
Responsible for the Guild's social programme including such events as the new guides' party and the reception for tour operators. EC representative: Ali Bennett.

Guild Office
Conveniently located near London Bridge Station, it is large enough for lectures, meetings and social events, with an extensive library. The office manager is Mehmet Ahmet and the administrator is Julie Tan. During normal office hours they are there to help with any enquiries and problems you may have.

The Institute of Tourist Guiding (web site)
The Institute, founded in 2002, is the registering authority for Blue Badge Guides in the United Kingdom (except Scotland). It is recognised by government as the standard setting body for the whole tourist guiding sector. It accredits training courses and sets examinations for entry into all levels of the profession and owns the rights to the Blue Badge in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Jersey. Its members are all Blue Badge Guides. Ray Hoerty.

External Affairs
The Guild recognises the importance of having a strong voice internationally. Through membership (jointly with APTG) of the World Federation of Tourist Guides Associations (WFTGA) and the European Federation of Tourist Guides Associations (FEG), the Guild has established strong links with professional tourist guides worldwide and is able to promote the Blue Badge as a standard of excellence internationally. Jenny Oulton is Secretary of WFTGA, and Tom Hooper is on the Executive Council of FEG. WFTGA Guild Rep: Hilary Booth and FEG Rep: Richard Palmer.

Benevolent Fund
To provide financial grants and other welfare assistance to all Blue Badge guides in need (including for example home visits, hospital visits, flowers and get well cards). Any Blue Badge guide of at least one year's standing is entitled to apply in confidence. Chairman: Jan Vincent.

These committees carry a heavy burden on our behalf and we owe much to their dedication and skill. Many members from all over the country give up hours of their time to strengthen the Guild and our profession. Support is always needed. If you would like the chance to become more involved, or have skills you could offer then please contact Office Manager Mehmet Ahmet 020 7403 1115.