Tall Ships Youth Trust

Who we are

Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT) is a national youth development and outdoor learning charity. Since 1956 we’ve been supporting young people aged 12–25, particularly those facing disadvantage, through residential outdoor learning experiences at sea that build confidence, resilience, teamwork and employability skills.

At the heart of our work is our three-voyage programme of Exploration, Empowerment, and Leadership. Launched in 2023, this innovative approach builds on our highly effective single-voyage intervention. It empowers young people to gain confidence, resilience, teamwork, and practical life skills, supporting them on their transition to adulthood and sustaining them throughout their lives.  

Benefits of our work are evident at every stage, but those young people who complete the programme emerge as young leaders, mentors, and advocates of our work. Many also pursue volunteering opportunities or careers within the maritime and blue economy sectors, including with us at TSYT.

Our culture and values

NURTURING and INCLUSIVE

We care for and encourage the development of all young people and adults who voyage with us; we include and integrate all people and groups in our work, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds

POSITIVE and CHALLENGING

We are optimistic in all that we do, finding a way forward and making life happier; we challenge ourselves to seek the best in all of us and our voyagers, simulating growth and learning.

STRIVING for SOCIAL CHANGE

We retlentlessly pursue cultural, behavioural and institutional change for and through young people in society, and for the maritime environment. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Tall Ships Youth Trust is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the
young people and communities we serve. 

The charity is committed to the principle that no employee or job applicant shall receive unfavourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status or civil partnership, race, religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation or for any other reason that can be objectively justified.

Tall Ships Youth Trusts’ objects focus on giving young people of all backgrounds the opportunity to thrive. Our own behaviours towards equality, diversity and inclusion must therefore be beyond reproach. In addition, the charity wishes to employ the most suitable and appropriately qualified people for the work to be undertaken. Consequently, sound business reasons support the promotion of equal opportunities in employment in TSYT.