Young leaders volunteer roles in birmingham

Communications Board Member

YAF’s Communications Team underpin all of the organisation's outputs by managing our communication channels and brand identity. They are instrumental in providing a voice for our Board, our members and our industry peers. 

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work as part of a creative and proactive team, with the autonomy to devise innovative content plans and company-wide messaging. It’s a great opportunity to develop a combined fundraising, marketing and digital skill-set, offering tangible and versatile professional experience. 

What you’ll gain:

• Fantastic opportunity to develop new skills and experience outside of your work and boost your CV

• Chance to work with a friendly team and like-minded people that are passionate about transforming the landscape of voluntary professional development in arts fundraising

• Develop your network with leaders in arts fundraising and in the cultural sector

• Attend all YAF’s events and networking opportunities

Join Our Board of Trustees – Help Tackle Educational Inequality

Location: UK-wide (remote meetings with one in-person meeting annually in London)
Time Commitment: Approx. 4 Board meetings and sub-committee involvement per year
Start Date: July 2025
Application Deadline: 9am, Wednesday 21st May 2025

Are you passionate about tackling educational inequality and improving life chances for young people and adults across the UK?

Get Further is an award-winning education charity on a mission to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pass GCSE English and maths – the gateway qualifications needed to unlock future opportunities. Through high-quality tuition and sector-leading resources, we are reshaping the landscape of post-16 education.

We are now recruiting new trustees to join our dynamic and committed Board. As a trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of the charity, supporting our senior leadership team, and ensuring effective governance during a crucial phase of our growth. We are especially keen to hear from individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Further Education (teaching, leadership, or policy)
• The apprenticeship sector
• Fundraising and income generation
• Legal (particularly charity law)
• Impact and evaluation
•  Lived experience of FE or resitting GCSEs post-16

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and strongly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, especially those with first-hand experience of the FE sector or of educational disadvantage.

MAIN TRUSTEE DUTIES:

Governance

• Ensuring that the charity complies with its governing documents and charity law
• Ensuring that the charity’s strategy is fit for purpose to deliver its mission / objectives
• Ensuring the financial stability of the charity, protecting and managing the charity’s assets
• Championing the charity’s mission within your network and the wider community
• Safeguarding the charity’s reputation and values, ensuring that risks are properly recognised and mitigated and promoting the public profile of Get Further
• Supporting and providing guidance to the management team of Get Further

Additionally, trustees will be responsible for:

• Attending and participating fully in Board of Trustees meetings
• Attending and participating fully in strategy workshops, where relevant
• Taking a lead role in fundraising for the charity
• Inspiring effective leadership, monitoring performance and ensuring accountability and resourcefulness
• Utilising skills and contacts for the benefit of the charity
• Championing and demonstrating a commitment to our cause

Check out the Recruitment Pack to get full details of what it means to be a Get Further Trustee, who we are looking for and how to apply. 

·   

Kurapa Moyo

Contextualising wellness to the realities of African women through community, care and intention

At Kurapa Moyo, we address the critical gaps in mental health and wellness advocacy across Africa, focusing on the unique challenges faced by youth, women, and marginalized communities. The social and environmental challenges we tackle include:

• Stigma Around Mental Health: Cultural stigma prevents many individuals from seeking support. We work to normalize conversations around mental health and provide accessible resources to empower individuals to prioritize their well-being.

• Youth Mental Health Disparities: Many young people, especially in underprivileged settings, lack the tools and safe spaces to process mental health challenges. We create programs that educate and equip youth to become advocates for their mental wellness and their communities.

• Workplace Wellness for Women: African women often face intersectional barriers, including gender bias and workplace burnout. We design initiatives that promote holistic wellness, encouraging work-life balance and resilience-building practices.

• Trauma and Collective Healing: The lingering effects of historical and social trauma require intentional spaces for healing. Through programs like creative transcendence journeys, we focus on collective recovery, fostering communities that thrive emotionally and mentally.

Our mission is to cultivate a culture of care and resilience, breaking barriers to wellness and inspiring sustainable change.

At Kurapa Moyo, we believe that healing and resilience grow through intentional community, education, and advocacy. Our solution focuses on creating accessible, transformative programs and spaces that empower individuals and communities to address mental health challenges effectively. Here's how we achieve this:

• Wellness Advocacy Training Program: This flagship initiative trains young leaders to become mental health advocates. By equipping youth with the knowledge, tools, and networks to create change, we foster a generation of proactive wellness ambassadors who can impact their communities.

• Workshops and Healing Spaces: We design and facilitate workshops tailored to specific groups, such as women in the workplace and youth navigating mental health stigma. These sessions combine storytelling, evidence-based practices, and culturally relevant approaches to promote self-awareness and collective growth.

• Creative Healing Journeys: Our creative transcendence programs use art, storytelling, and communal dialogue to address trauma and encourage emotional recovery. These journeys are particularly impactful in creating safe spaces for collective healing.

• Digital Outreach and Campaigns: Leveraging social media and online platforms, we amplify mental health education through campaigns like “Mental Health at Work,” targeting stigma reduction and wellness promotion among African audiences.

• Collaboration with Communities: We work alongside community members and organizations to co-create solutions, ensuring our programs address localized needs while promoting ownership and sustainability.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about amplifying wellness and making it as accessible as possible to African women.

Programs Assistant

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

As a Program Assistant for our wellness advocacy training program, you will play a key role in supporting the program's smooth operation. You will assist Mojisola, who leads the program, in recruiting facilitators and participants, coordinating activities, and ensuring effective delivery. Your work will contribute directly to the success of our wellness advocacy initiatives, ensuring they align with the mission and objectives of our organisation

Responsibilities:

• Facilitator & Participant Recruitment: Assist in identifying and recruiting qualified facilitators and participants for the wellness advocacy training program.
• Program Support & Coordination: Provide logistical support for program activities, ensuring smooth execution.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure that program needs are met and that resources are available.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Maintain communication with program participants, facilitators, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment and a smooth workflow.
• Documentation & Reporting: Help manage program documentation, track participant engagement, and assist in compiling data for reporting. Aid in monitoring program outcomes and collecting feedback.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Program Manager to support any program needs, including arranging meetings and ensuring program goals are met on time.

Key Requirements:

• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Experience or interest in wellness advocacy, community outreach, or related fields
• Comfortable with both administrative duties and program coordination
• Proactive and able to work independently while collaborating with a team

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

About us: GT Scholars is a charitable social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve aspirations. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds. 

What makes us different? We run tutoring, mentoring & career insight programmes that help our scholars, aged 11-18, discover their strengths, develop their mindsets and design their own futures.

There are many charitable organisations and social enterprises offering programmes to improve the life chances of young people. 

However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low income homes. 

We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background. 

Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for volunteer tutors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!

If you are an undergraduate or graduate, you could make a difference by joining us as a volunteer tutor. As a volunteer tutor, you’ll need to:

• Have a passion for helping children and young people

• Provide online one-to-one tutoring support for 1 hour week

• Build pupil confidence in Science.

• Have strong subject knowledge (confident enough to tutor up to GCSE)

• Work collaboratively with other tutors and mentors

• Have a minimum of an undergraduate degree or be working towards this

Volunteer tutoring can be extremely rewarding and volunteers with GT Scholars benefit from:

• A flexible schedule - you can choose online tutoring hours to suit your schedule

• The chance to grow your contacts and meet like-minded volunteers 

• The chance to make a real difference in the life of a young person.

Additional information: We’re looking for tutors that can commit to a minimum of 2 academic terms of volunteering.

We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 3 years old.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We Are looking to recruit Youth Helpers to help with our youth groups within the Dudley Community Network at our three youth locations. We are looking for Youth Helpers at Dudley (Monday and Tuesday evening), Sedgley ( Thursday evening) and Brierley Hill ( Friday evening)

Pursuing the role:

• Welcome Event (Induction) -Monday 1st September 2025
• Selection and interview of candidates -Sunday 1st of June 2025
• interviews will take place at St John Ambulance Dudley. Vicar St, Dudley DY2 8RQ

Closing date for these opportunities is Saturday 31st May 2025

Are you passionate about the natural world and inspiring others to engage with it?

Join us as a Trustee at the Field Studies Council and help shape the future of environmental education.

• You can be based anywhere in the UK
• You’ll need to commit approx. 10 days a year
• It’s a voluntary position but reasonable expenses are reimbursed

About Us

Field Studies Council is an environmental education charity. For over 80 years, we've been inspiring people to understand and care for the natural world. Through our network of centres across the UK, we provide fieldwork and outdoor learning experiences for all ages — from school groups and university students to families and lifelong learners.

We are a leader in biodiversity training, the publisher of best-selling wildlife ID guides, and a champion for accessible outdoor education, particularly for disadvantaged young people. Our mission is simple but vital: to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

Your Opportunity to Make a Difference

We’re currently looking to appoint four new Trustees to bring fresh perspectives and help us grow in diversity, representation and expertise. As a Trustee, you'll help guide and shape our charity’s future.

While the day-to-day running of our charity is handled by our staff and volunteers, the Board of Trustees plays a key role in making sure everything stays on track.

That includes overseeing our work, making big-picture decisions, and ensuring we meet our legal and regulatory responsibilities. It’s an important role, but you won’t be doing it alone. You will:

• Provide strategic oversight and guidance to support our mission and values
• Use your insight and experience to influence decisions that impact tens of thousands of learners annually
• Act as an ambassador for environmental education and social inclusion
• Contribute to Board and committee meetings, and participate in key annual activities including visiting one of our field centres each year to see our work in action
• Use your knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to help us innovate, grow, and reach more people

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be an academic, ecologist or environmentalist to join us or have charity trustee, company director or equivalent experience — we welcome applicants from all walks of life. We are especially interested in candidates with skills in:

• Charity governance
• Finance (qualified professionals – potential Honorary Treasurer role)
• Fundraising & stakeholder engagement
• Marketing & communications

Above all, we want individuals who are:

• Passionate about equal access to outdoor learning
• Ready to speak up and bring a new perspective
• Willing to give their time and energy to support the Field Studies Council

We’re committed to building a Trustee board that is inclusive, representative, and reflective of the diverse communities we serve.

We warmly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in charity governance — including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ communities, young people, and those with lived experience of social or economic disadvantage.

If you're excited by our mission and ready to help others experience the power of nature, we’d love to hear from you.
 

What’s Involved

• Approx. 10 days per year commitment for an initial 3-year term (this includes board and committee meetings, and a centre visit)
• Most meetings are held virtually, with one in-person event annually
• All reasonable expenses are covered
• Appropriate training and support will be provided

Please download the Trustee Candidate Information Pack to learn more and take the next step in helping us connect people with the natural world

About us: GT Scholars is a charitable social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve aspirations. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds. 

What makes us different? We run tutoring, mentoring & career insight programmes that help our scholars, aged 11-18, discover their strengths, develop their mindsets and design their own futures.

There are many charitable organisations and social enterprises offering programmes to improve the life chances of young people. 

However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low income homes. 

We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background. 

Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for volunteer tutors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!

If you are an undergraduate or graduate, you could make a difference by joining us as a volunteer tutor. As a volunteer tutor, you’ll need to:

• Have a passion for helping children and young people

• Provide online one-to-one tutoring support for 1 hour week

• Build pupil confidence in English.

• Have strong subject knowledge (confident enough to tutor up to GCSE)

• Work collaboratively with other tutors and mentors

• Have a minimum of an undergraduate degree or be working towards this

Volunteer tutoring can be extremely rewarding and volunteers with GT Scholars benefit from:

• A flexible schedule - you can choose online tutoring hours to suit your schedule

• The chance to grow your contacts and meet like-minded volunteers 

• The chance to make a real difference in the life of a young person.

Additional information: We’re looking for tutors that can commit to a minimum of 2 academic terms of volunteering.

We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 3 years old.

Do you have professional experience in coding and computing? Could you support young people in learning how to code? 

Are you passionate about equipping the next generation with the skills and strategies needed to succeed?

About us: GT Scholars is a social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve their aspirations. 

We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.

What makes us different? There are many organisations that offer programmes to improve the life chances of young people. However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low-income homes. 

Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for workshop facilitators that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!

Responsibilities: Facilitators are responsible for designing creative and interactive workshops for our young people, and delivering these workshops with our young people. We run some of our workshops online and other workshops are held in London. All workshops are held during the school holidays, in the evening and on weekends.

The workshop facilitator role is flexible and as part of your role, you may be involved in:

• Delivering and leading short workshops or courses, on behalf of GT Scholars (Online or offline)

• Designing engaging, interactive and educational workshops and short courses for young people and ensuring that the content is targeted to suit different abilities and capabilities

• Running your own bespoke workshops, eg. workshops in coding and technology

• Managing short activities and Q&A sessions during our workshops

• Working collaboratively with other event coordinators, volunteers, ambassadors, workshop facilitators and speakers at our events

• Following the agreed timings and content for workshops and courses

Person specification: 

As workshop facilitator, you will need to:

• Have passion, knowledge and experience in coding, computing and technology

• Have strong presentation skills

• Have strong communication skills

• Be personable and able to confidently communicate with people from a range of backgrounds and professions.

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Be punctual and organised

Availability: Workshops will run during the day on school holiday dates, on Saturdays or in the evening (5pm-8pm).

Additional information: We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 2 years old.

Rate of pay: This is a self-employed role. You must be aged 18 or above. Facilitator sessions range from 2 to 6 hours. The rate of pay will vary based on the budget of the funder.

About us: GT Scholars is a charitable social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve aspirations. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds. 

What makes us different? We run tutoring, mentoring & career insight programmes that help our scholars, aged 11-18, discover their strengths, develop their mindsets and design their own futures.

There are many charitable organisations and social enterprises offering programmes to improve the life chances of young people. 

However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low income homes. 

We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background. 

Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for volunteer tutors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!

If you are an undergraduate or graduate, you could make a difference by joining us as a volunteer tutor. As a volunteer tutor, you’ll need to:

• Have a passion for helping children and young people

• Provide online one-to-one tutoring support for 1 hour week

• Build pupil confidence in Maths.

• Have strong subject knowledge (confident enough to tutor up to GCSE)

• Work collaboratively with other tutors and mentors

• Have a minimum of an undergraduate degree or be working towards this

Volunteer tutoring can be extremely rewarding and volunteers with GT Scholars benefit from:

• A flexible schedule - you can choose online tutoring hours to suit your schedule

• The chance to grow your contacts and meet like-minded volunteers 

• The chance to make a real difference in the life of a young person.

Additional information: We’re looking for tutors that can commit to a minimum of 2 academic terms of volunteering.

We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 3 years old.

Trustee

The Education and Skills Development Group (ESDEG) was established by local refugee leaders and social care professionals who identified critical gaps in services for people from refugee and marginalised communities. Through extensive community consultations across local estates, community centres, and schools, we have been able to provide responsive and preventative services for children, young people, families, older people, and others from socially excluded communities. We engage in and [lead] various policy networks. We have proven track record in working with schools, children and families at local level. We have been trusted by many funders to deliver projects that benefit local marginalised communities. We provide educational and community projects including supplementary schools, mentoring, ESOL classes, short breaks for children who special educational and disability (SEND), project to help local elders escape isolation and engage into physical and social activities, youth work, information and advice and support for families who have children with Send.

ESDEG is currently seeking individuals who are eager to make a meaningful contribution by volunteering their skills, experience, ideas, and passion to the organisation’s development and future direction.

· Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

· A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

· Skills in finance, governance, fundraising, communication and networking is desirable.

· Our current board lacks young members so we would like young trustees to apply and join us.

Our board meets quarterly unless there are specific issues that warrants the board to be called into a meeting, the minimum requirement is 4 meetings a year which usually takes place in the evening. If trustees can offer more time and support particular projects will be appreciated.

Thanks

Mohamed Ahmed

CEO

As we look to further strengthen the depth and diversity of thought, experience and skills on the Corporation board, we are seeking to appoint new governors to support and steer the college on its journey to become exceptional.

No qualifications or previous governance experience are required – the most important thing is that you believe in the college’s values of inclusion, care, ambition and respect and are passionate about making a positive impact. All new governors are supported by our Director of Governance with a comprehensive induction programme and an ongoing development programme thereafter.

Supported by our Director of Governance, governors:

• Set the strategic direction of the college and review progress in delivering the strategic plan
• Review and monitor the implementation key college strategies and policies
• Hold senior leaders to account for the use of college resources and outcomes for learners
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and the Corporation’s own governing documents
• Consider and approve strategic developments and projects work collaboratively across the Corporation, contributing and applying their skills and expertise accordingly

We ask our governors to commit to a 12-month term of office in the first instance, followed by a further three years if approved by the Corporation. 

Join REMIX as a Volunteer Trustee and Transform the Future of London's Youth!

Do you envision a London where every young person can unlock their full potential?

REMIX is a dynamic, brand new youth charity dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals aged 16 to 26 years old. Our core mission is rooted in four pillars—employability, healthy living, personal development, and essential life skills. We're building something truly transformational, and we need a passionate, innovative Volunteer Trustee to help lay our foundations, navigate charity registration, and launch our vision to empower young lives across London and beyond.

As a Trustee with REMIX, you will be a cornerstone of our start-up. Your strategic leadership and guidance will:

• Shape Our Foundations: Be at the helm in crafting the governance and legal framework that will support REMIX’s ambitious goals.

• Drive Change: Help us register as an official charity and develop robust systems that ensure we can deliver impactful programmes to every young person in our community.

• Inspire Growth: Use your experience and insight to cultivate a culture of positivity, resilience, and creativity that motivates young people to dream and achieve.

• Lead by Example: Offer mentorship and share your expertise in employability, healthy living, and personal development, inspiring our team and the young people we serve.

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for making a tangible difference, REMIX offers you a unique and transformative opportunity to drive social impact from the ground up. Your commitment and innovative ideas will help us empower young Londoners to build brighter futures, turning aspirations into reality.

Join us and be the change that sparks new beginnings! Explore the opportunity to leave a legacy of empowerment and transformation within our vibrant community. We can’t wait to see the extraordinary impact you’ll make.

Step forward. Lead the change. Transform lives at REMIX.

REMIX

INSPIRE. EMPOWER. TRANSFORM.

Application Summary:
Do you enjoy building meaningful relationships and creating win-win partnerships? Join SheCanDo as a Donor & Sponsorship Relations Officer and help us grow our network of donors and corporate sponsors. Your work will directly support our programs that empower young girls to lead and innovate.

Role Description:
As the Donor & Sponsorship Relations Officer, you will:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with corporate donors and sponsors.

• Create, customize, and send out sponsorship packages and partnership proposals.

• Follow up with donors and sponsors and keep them engaged through updates.

• Celebrate and acknowledge donor contributions through reports, shout-outs, and impact stories.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Experience in corporate sponsorships, fundraising, or donor relations is a plus.

• Enthusiastic and professional demeanor.

Weekly Commitment:
4–6 hours per week (flexible schedule, remote role)

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees at Music For Youth (MFY); a national youth music charity that provides life-changing musical experiences for young people aged 25 and under. 

Music for Youth brings together over 40,000 young people a year to perform in live music festivals and concerts across the UK. The charity uniquely provides open access to young people, from whatever background or ability, to perform live to audiences: from grass-roots community halls to the Royal Albert Hall. We develop their musicianship, showcasing the richness and diversity of their music through our impactful live performance and development programmes. The wider social and life skills developed by participating in our events benefits all who take part and propels some of the UK's most promising young musicians onto career-changing platforms.

Our vision is to ensure that every young person in the UK can achieve their musical potential by performing the music they love. We believe that music, and the chance to participate in high-quality musical activities, should be open to every young person.

As Chair, you will guide a committed and experienced Board of Trustees, working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to drive strategic growth, strengthen partnerships, and champion our cause at the highest levels. 

This is a crucial time for Music For Youth, as we navigate a changing funding landscape and continue to innovate to reach even more young people.

If you are an experienced leader with a passion for the vision, mission, impact and potential of this unique organisation, we would love to hear from you.

About Us

Who We Are

Music For Youth is a national youth music charity that works with schools, youth groups, music hubs, and community organisations to break down barriers to music-making and showcase the incredible talent of young musicians.

Our Programmes and Impact

Each year, Music For Youth reaches over 40,000 young people across the UK, offering them platforms to develop their musical talents across all music genres, and gain confidence. Many of our alumni have gone on to successful careers in the music industry and beyond.

National Music Festivals and Concerts:

We produce and stage high-quality professional standard live music events (including gigs, concerts, and festivals) for young musicians, both regionally at grass roots level, and at the UK’s most prestigious live music venues.

Young Artist Development:

We nurture and develop young musicians so they can realise their musical potential, by initiating adventurous collaborations, commissioning new music, and providing a robust music mentoring programme.

Creative Skills Development:

We provide skills and training development for young people looking for a career in the creative industries in non-performance and stagecraft roles such as stage management, sound engineering, lighting and digital production skills. 

Advocacy for Young Musicians:

We campaign to highlight the brilliance of young musicians.

Our work takes place across the whole of the UK with events in all nine regions of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This coverage enables us to support and tour the work of other partner organisations so they can reach young people further afield.

For over 50 years, Music for Youth’s annual cycle of regional festivals, local events, a national festival and showcase concerts has made a significant contribution to the music education calendar, bringing together regional providers and young performers, and putting young people’s own achievements into a wider national context:

The Music for Youth Regional Festival is a collection of festivals across the UK aimed to inspire musicians at every level of experience and across every genre of music. This collection of regional festivals forms the UK’s largest festival for young musicians. 30,000 musicians take part every year and many go on to perform again at the Music for Youth National Festival and Music for Youth Proms.

The National Festival is a coming together of musicians, bands and ensembles from across the regions to perform on world-class stages including Symphony Hall, and the CBSO Centre. It is a key date in the Music for Youth calendar, hosted by the city of Birmingham in July. Over 12,000 young musicians aged 4-21 from across the UK take part, featuring all styles, instruments and genres of music. 

The Music for Youth Proms takes place at the renowned Royal Albert Hall in London. This two-day showcase celebrates the incredible diversity, talent and creativity of young musicians from all corners of the UK. From orchestral ensembles to choirs, bands, soloists, and more, these talented young performers get the unique opportunity to showcase their skills and share their music with a wider audience.

Staff and Head Office

Given the charity’s national reach, the head office recently relocated from London to Birmingham, now based in CBSO Centre (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) close to the city centre. The staff team of seven permanent staff are based across the UK, with hybrid home / office working arrangements.

Board and Governance

There are nine Trustees, each co-opted on to one (or more) subcommittees: the Audit & Risk Committee, Programmes Committee, and Fundraising Committee.

How Music For Youth is Funded

Music For Youth is one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations, receiving 42% of its funds from the annual grant of £279,980 in 2023/24. In addition, the charity raises income from fundraising (sponsorship, institutions, individuals) totalling 33% of annual turnover £672,938 in 23/24, with 10.6% from earned income including event ticket sales of £71,785 in 2023/24. 

The charity’s turnover in 2023/24 was £672,938, ending the year with reserves of £101,224.

For further information, please see our latest Annual Account and Report here.

The Opportunity

We are excited to be seeking our next Chair of Trustees to lead the organisation, as our current Chair, John Dixon, comes to the end of his term of service. 

With an energetic, skilled and focused Executive Team led by Phil Castang MBE - and a highly experienced supportive Board of Trustees bringing their wealth of collective experience spanning leadership in music, education, arts, fundraising and industry - now is an exciting time to join this unique national music charity, as we prepare for the next phase of development.

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and governance to Music For Youth, ensuring the organisation is well-managed, financially sustainable, and delivering on its charitable objectives: 

Leadership 

• Chairing meetings of the Board and ensuring that it runs effectively, fulfils its duties and carries out resolutions. 
• Creating an environment in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately. 
• Provide clear strategic direction for the charity, working with the CEO and Board to set long-term goals.
• Act as an ambassador for MFY as required, promoting our work and advocating for youth music at national and local levels.
• Support MFY in maintaining strong partnerships with funders, arts organisations, schools, and the wider music sector.

Governance & Compliance

• Lead an engaged and effective Board of Trustees, ensuring good governance and compliance with charity law.
• Manage, support and appraise the performance of the CEO, ensuring they and their senior leadership team have the resources and guidance to deliver MFY’s mission.
• Oversee financial sustainability, risk management, and organisational policies.

Fundraising & Advocacy

• Work with the Board and executive team to develop fundraising strategies, securing income from grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donors.
• Represent MFY at high-profile events, engaging with stakeholders and championing the value of youth music.

What we are looking for

As our new Chair, you will share a commitment to the mission of Music For Youth. While it is not essential to be from a Music or Music Education background, we are looking for someone who has passion for the impact - and potential - of the charity and can demonstrate how their experience can help us navigate the pivotal years ahead.

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking.
• Financial literacy
• High level networking and advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of charity and corporate governance.
• Experience and confidence in managing risk, change and innovation.
• Understanding and awareness of broader social, political and economic issues.

In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the following beneficial areas.

• Board membership in the not-for-profit sector
• Working in or with organisations and with individuals in the cultural sector
• Working in or with public bodies or national policy makers

The organisation recently undertook a Skills Audit of the Board and identified the following areas where we are looking to continue strengthening the experience. While not essential for the role of Chair, alongside the core skills and experience outlined, we would certainly welcome individuals who may also be able demonstrate experience around:

Digital: to take advantage of the potential for digital transformation

Finance: to provide additional oversight and financial rigor 

Fundraising: with income from individuals a future opportunity to explore further

Time Commitment

The Chair can expect to commit the equivalent of 12-15 days per year at - and in prep for - key Trustee meetings, including full Board Meetings held four times a year (at least one in person in Birmingham, where the charity is headquartered). This time also includes regular meetings with the CEO (the majority online), and regular comms with the CEO as required, which may ebb and flow, depending on the time of year. In person meetings are kept to a minimum.

In addition, the Chair would be expected to attend a minimum of two of our: Regional Festivals (March – April), National Festival (Birmingham or elsewhere, early-mid July) and the Youth Proms (London, end of November), to represent the Board and host key stakeholders, including funders. ,

Term 

We are looking for someone who can commit to an initial three-year term, which could then be renewed for a second term.

Learn more and apply

If you would like to have an exploratory conversation with the current Chair or Vice Chair about the charity or the role, please contact John Dixon (current Chair).

Application Process

To apply for the role of Chair at Music For Youth, please submit:

• 1. A CV.
• 2. A cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing:
• Why you are interested in this role.
• How your skills and experience align with MFY’s mission.
• What you would bring to the organisation.

Please send your CV and Cover Letter to Phil Castang (CEO) with the subject line: Application for Chair of Music For Youth.

Deadline for Applications: Friday 27th of June at 12pm.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Music for Youth National Festival taking place between Thursday 10th to Saturday 12th July in Birmingham. (Please note - this is not a requirement of the application process but a chance for you to see the work of the charity in person).

Interviews: will take place on Wednesday 10th September in Birmingham.

The week before the interview (week commencing 1st September), you will have the opportunity to have an informal conversation with the CEO and other Trustees online. Date to be confirmed.

If you have any access needs or other practical questions - or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the role with the Vice Chairs before applying - please get in contact.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.