Youth Advisory Panel Applications

Apply to join our Youth Advisory Panel

Thank you for your interest in joining Buttle’s Youth Panel! You can find all the info you need in our online leaflet. Or you can read all the info here if that’s easier!

To apply, you need to fill in this short form. You can use this document to plan your answers. 

The closing date for applications is 10pm on Monday 29th July. 

If you have any questions or want more information about the Youth Advisory Panel, you can contact Charlotte, our Youth Engagement Manager. Email her at coproduction@buttleuk.org or call or message her on 07873 705 568.

Who are Buttle UK?

Buttle UK is a national charity that helps children and young people. We give grants to families and young people who are experiencing poverty and going through tough times, so they can focus on their education rather than money. With Buttle’s support, families and young people can get the help they need to improve their lives.

Buttle UK has provided over tens of thousands of grants since 1953! Why wouldn’t you want to join in and make a positive impact with Buttle and also improve your skills?

What is the Youth Advisory Panel?

Buttle UK has created a Youth Advisory Panel which is for young adults aged 16-25 to have their voices heard! 

During their time on the panel, a young person will be involved in discussions, research and projects. It allows young people to have their say and become more involved in Buttle UK’s future.

What will I need to do?

Young people can be on the panel for up to two years. This allows other young people a chance to experience the panel.  However, we do want young people to commit to joining for at least a year.

The panel shouldn’t take up a lot of your time or energy, but you will be expected to join monthly online meetings. We’ll also be meeting in-person four times a year. If you feel as though it’s too much, you can always take a break and come back when you’re ready to participate again. Remember, Buttle are here to support YOU.

You might also get involved in:

  • Group and one-to-one activities
  • Online and in-person meetings with Buttle staff and trustees
  • Working together as a team with other panel members
  • Helping Buttle UK raise awareness of its work
  • Interviewing new staff
  • Attending meetings with policy makers

And much more! You can focus on what you want from the Panel, so you’ll have the choice about what how much you get involved in different activities.

What will I get from being involved?

  1. Skills and experience
    No skills or experience is needed to join the panel, only a passion to learn new things! However, you WILL leave equipped with skills that will help you in your future endeavours. Buttle can give you references to help with future college and job applications.
  2. Friends
    You’ll meet others of same mindset and age who are just as determined to make a change as you are. Who knows, these people could even be your friends for life!
  3. Payment
    Being part of the panel will sometimes be hard work. For this, we want to be able to reward your contribution by paying you! This could be through vouchers or money, depending on your preference.
  4. Trips
    While on the panel, you’ll have the opportunity to travel across the UK, meeting influential people along the way who you will be able to voice your concerns to. Also, who doesn’t like a trip every once in a while?
  5. Knowledge about the world of work
    You’ll learn how charities work, what it’s like working for a non-profit and make professional connections with CEOs, managers, trustees and Buttle UK staff and partners.

What do I need to join?

To apply to join the Youth Advisory Panel, you need to be between the ages of 16-23.

You should have received a grant from Buttle UK. We may consider family members of grantees or those who have personal experience of living in poverty. 

No previous experience is necessary, but we’re looking for young people who:

  • have good communication skills and speak a good level of English. 
  • can work as part of a team.

and

  • can understand the others’ points of view and show high levels of empathy. 

We really want applicants who are passionate about the aims of Buttle UK and committed and dedicated to working on the Panel. 

We are also looking for applicants who are open minded and not judgemental of the experiences and ideas of others. 

How to apply

If you fit the above criteria and would like to apply for a position on the Panel, please complete the short online application form here: https://go.makerble.com/to/YAPapplication 

You can find the questions in this document, so you can plan your answers before filling in the form.

The closing date for applications is 10pm on Monday 29th July. 

If successful, you will be invited to attend an informal online interview. This will last up to 45 minutes. We will also ask you a few questions about your application. The interviews will be between 12th and 23rd August.

You will find out if your application has been successful by the end of August. 

Good luck!