Generation:NOW Youth Leads UK 2025 - 2030 Strategic Plan
“For the first time in a long time, I felt comfortable and I started to open up. I'm not scared of rejection anymore. I’ve learned to see it as a way to grow instead of a reason to give up. Youth Leads taught me that.
One of the best parts of the programme was the social action project. We wanted to do something for homeless people in our area. We did loads of research, found out about the gaps in services and created info packs to help people access support. It felt powerful to be part of something that helped others.”
Nicole Programme Participant
YOUTH LEADS UK IS AT A PIVOTAL
AND EXCITING POINT IN ITS JOURNEY.
As we approach our 15th anniversary, we’re proud of what we’ve built and even more energised by what lies ahead. We’ve supported over 25,000 young people to build skills, lead change, and raise their voices. We’ve published more than 200,000 copies of Youth Leads Magazine, and we’ve seen our work recognised nationally from Queen Elizabeth II’s Award for Voluntary Service to the British Citizen Youth Award.
We are proudly youth-led. Not just in name, but in how we think, decide, and deliver. Young people are involved at every level of our organisation, helping to shape programmes, strategy, partnerships, and culture.
This document sets out our vision for the next five years: to grow our reach, strengthen our foundations, and accelerate our impact. It reflects what we’ve learned, what young people have told us, and what we believe is possible when youth voice is taken seriously.
We know the challenges facing young people today are complex - rising inequality, mental health pressures, and disconnection from civic life. Young people are not the problem; they are central to the solution. When young people lead, society benefits. From our energy, our action, and our pride in the places we call home.
We don’t do this alone. We’re proud to work with schools, services, charities, and businesses that believe in youth leadership. And we’re calling on more to join us. Listen. Support. Act.
The future is always uncertain, but that means it’s packed with possibility. And when young people are at the table, that future looks brighter.
Youth Leads UK is a youth-led charity that believes young people matter.
We support young people furthest from opportunity to build skills, create change, and shape the decisions that affect their lives – from classrooms to communities to boardrooms. Based in Greater Manchester and working nationally, we run leadership programmes, deliver social action projects, and publish Youth Leads Magazine – a platform for youth voice and creativity. Our civic leadership work helps young people step into decision-making spaces with confidence, while we support organisations to listen, engage, and share power. At our core, we champion inclusion and social mobility, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to lead.
VISION, MISSION AND VALUES
OUR VISION
A country where young people matter – confident in their voice, connected to their communities, building skills, and creating change.
OUR MISSION
Youth Leads UK helps young people turn ideas into action and lead change in the real world. We support them to build skills, grow confidence, and shape the decisions that affect their lives – from classrooms to communities to boardrooms. Alongside this, we work with organisations to better listen to young people, involve them meaningfully, and share power.
OUR VALUES
Fun EmpowerING
We bring energy and positivity to everything we do: creating inclusive spaces, shared experiences, and lasting connections.
We’re not afraid to take risks, challenge the status quo, and lead with confidence and conviction.
We put young people at the heart of decision-making: co-creating opportunities that drive meaningful and lasting change.
Bold Aspirational Community
We champion ambition, supporting young people and our team to be the best they can be.
We work in partnership to inspire civic pride, strengthen local connections, and support young people to thrive as socially conscious changemakers.
THIS IS WHAT YOUTH LEADERSHIP LOOKS LIKE
Our journey of impact so far
CORE REACH & RECOGNITION
25,000+
Young Lives Impacted
200,000+
Magazines in Young Hands
Proud Recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for Voluntary Service
Recognised with the British Citizen Youth Award
175+
Media Appearances
Amplifying Youth Voice
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
43% of programme participants in work within 3 months
100%
Feel more confident in their potential
100% Felt genuinely listened to
88%
Had new opportunities they’d never experienced before
WHO WE WORK WITH
80%
Live in the 30% most deprived areas in the UK
25%
Have experience of the care system
40%
Receive free school meals
“The Civic Leadership programme taught me about the importance of civic roles and encouraged me to get involved with civic roles myself. For example, I became the steering governor in my college and also Co-chair of the GMYCA, where I can contribute to policy making and also empower youth voice.”
Hannah Civic Youth Leader & Youth Advisory Board Member
THE CHALLENGE WE’RE RESPONDING TO
THE BIG PICTURE
Young people today are navigating multiple, overlapping challenges, from the lasting effects of the pandemic to rising inequality, climate anxiety, and a cost-of-living crisis that disproportionately affects our generation.
BARRIERS TO LEADERSHIP & VOICE
INEQUALITY & EXCLUSION
25% of care-experienced young people were never in education or work in the eight years after school.
987,000 16 - 24 year olds are not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) in the UK.
66% of children don’t feel politicians listen to them.
Just 3.2% of local councillors are under 30
Only 3% of charity trustees are under 30.
Less than 9% of public appointments go to people under 30.
Only 1% of magistrates in England and Wales are under 30.
Young people remain locked out of leadership and decision-making spaces, not because they lack the ideas or ambition, but because the system is built without them. Despite this, young people remain ambitious, connected, and ready to lead.
Young people bring energy, insight, and lived experience, and we want to capitalise on that. Youth Leads UK exists to ensure that young people matter and that their voices are shaping decisions.
OUR PRIORITIES
This is where we focus our energy. These foundations shape the work we do every day, whether we’re delivering programmes, building partnerships, or influencing policy. Each one reflects what young people have told us they need most: real skills, real opportunities, and a real say in the world around them.
POWERING THE MISSION
We’re building a resilient, values-led organisation that’s fit for the future - powered by a skilled team, sustainable funding, and strong governance, all rooted in our commitment to being truly youth-led.
SKILLS THAT LAST
We create opportunities for young people to step outside their comfort zones, build real-world skills, and grow in confidence through leadership programmes focused on hands-on experiences, tailored development support, and industry exposure.
PATHWAYS TO LEADERSHIP
We back young people to lead - in their communities, in our programmes, and in shaping Britain’s future. Through youth-led projects, co-creation, and progression into leadership roles, we build pathways that recognise and realise their potential.
OUR APPROACH
These principles sit at the heart of every decision we make, from who we partner with to how we show up for the young people we serve. They reflect what we believe good leadership looks like: bold, inclusive, and rooted in real life.
Youth-led
Inclusive
Serving overlooked and underrepresented young people
Future Focused
Impact Driven
YOUTH VOICE & INFLUENCE
We champion the voices of young people where it matters most – in boardrooms, policy spaces, and public debate. We challenge stereotypes, push for representation, and drive systems change by putting youth leadership at the heart of decisionmaking. We believe in the power of intergenerational collaboration, where young people are valued as equal partners, learning from others and bringing fresh insight to shape a better future for all.
OUR PROGRAMME PATHWAY
We meet young people at every stage of their journey, offering age-specific programmes that build skills, leadership, and confidence over time:
AGES 8-11
Introducing leadership through fun, creative activities that help children explore confidence, communication, and teamwork early on.
AGES 15-19
A hands-on youth leadership programme delivered across Greater Manchester, helping young people at key transition points develop skills and step into community action.
AGES 16-30
AGES 20+
A more intensive leadership experience based in Media City and central Manchester, focused on personal development, professional pathways, and changemaking.
Our flagship Youth Civic Leaders programme supporting young people to access civic roles, influence policy, and shape systems through training, mentoring, and placements.
THE ROAD TO 2030
By 2030, Youth Leads UK will have transformed the way young people are seen, supported, and celebrated. We will be a louder voice in national conversations, a launchpad for future leaders, and a trusted partner for those serious about youth empowerment.
5,000
100 young £20 people Million
WE WILL HAVE SUPPORTED OVER YOUNG PEOPLE TO BUILD SKILLS, LEAD CHANGE, AND SHAPE THEIR FUTURES. OVER WILL BE PLACED IN GOVERNANCE, ADVISORY OR AMBASSADORIAL ROLES. AN ESTIMATED IN SOCIAL VALUE WILL BE CREATED THROUGH INCREASED EMPLOYMENT, REDUCED INEQUALITY, IMPROVED WELLBEING, AND STRONGER CIVIC PARTICIPATION.
To deliver on our ambition, we’ve identified six missions that will drive our work over the next five years. Each one reflects a key area where change is needed and where we believe we can make the biggest difference, together with young people.
1. Mission Equipped
We prepare young people with the skills, confidence, and experiences they need to thrive in a changing world.
2. Mission Power
We put young people in positions of power equipping them to lead, decide, and shape the world around them.
3. Mission Youth Voices
We amplify youth voice through bold storytelling, media platforms, and unapologetic representation.
4. Mission Stronger, Together
We grow powerful partnerships that open doors and create real-world opportunities for young people.
5. Mission Serving Youth
We work with organisations and communities to create spaces, services, and systems that are truly youth-friendly, inclusive, and co-designed.
6. Mission Strength
We’re building a future-proof organisation with greater reach, deeper impact, and long-term resilience.
MISSION EQUIPPED
We prepare young people with the skills, confidence, and experiences they need to thrive in a changing world.
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE
Young people thrive when they’re given realworld, future-focused experiences that build confidence, practical skills and perspective.
Through immersive leadership programmes, tailored development support, and access to professionals across sectors, we support those too often overlooked, especially care-experienced young people, to navigate change and lead with purpose.
RELATED FOCUS AREAS:
POWERING THE MISSION
From digital and financial literacy to industry exposure and mentoring, our programmes reflect the evolving needs of today’s world. We’re embedding this mission locally, offering tailored programmes in every Greater Manchester borough and making sure young people help shape what they learn.
PATHWAYS TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS THAT LAST
2025 - 2030 2026 - 2030 TACTICS
• Deliver core leadership and skills development programmes for at least 300 young people across Greater Manchester every year
• Embed digital, AI, and financial literacy into all youth-facing activities
• Redouble efforts to support boys and young men onto our programmes, reaching those who are underrepresented and overlooked
• Provide mentoring and industry exposure through partnerships with professionals and alumni
IMPACT
OUTCOMES
• Young people gain the confidence, capabilities, and mindsets to succeed in life and work
• Care-experienced and underrepresented young people are supported to realise their potential
• More young people pursue leadership, further education, and employment opportunities with purpose
• Schools and partners embed youth-led leadership and skills development into their offer
• Employers and communities recognise and value youth leadership and lived experience
• Launch a bespoke schools programme in each GM borough, co-designed with local young people
• Scale our care-experienced young leaders pathway from 2 programmes per year, to 5 programmes per year supporting 75 young people annually
MEASURES
• Deliver a bespoke schools programme in all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs by 2027
• 1,500+ young people complete a core leadership or skills programme by 2030
• 85% of programme participants report improved confidence and future readiness by 2026
• 75+ care-experienced young people supported each year through targeted pathways by 2026
• 65% of programme graduates in education, employment or training within 3 months
MISSION POWER
We put young people in positions of power - equipping them to lead, decide, and shape the world around them.
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE
Young people shouldn’t just be heard, they should be in the room where decisions are made.
This mission is about increasing access to civic and leadership roles, supporting young people to step into them with confidence, and making sure the systems around them are ready to adapt.
We’re formalising a Youth Civic Pathway that supports progression from programme participant to policymaker,
RELATED FOCUS AREAS:
building an alumni network of changemakers, and launching targeted initiatives.
From public speaking to governance placements, we’ll work with schools, the NHS, and local authorities to offer realworld leadership experiences, proving that young people can lead now, not just in the future.
2025 2026 2027+
• Formalise and launch a Youth Civic Pathway from participant to policymaker (e.g. school governors, NHS governors, UK Government Public Appointments, Magistrates, Trustees)
• Sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute for Children’s Futures to collaborate on research and policy.
• Deliver leadership programmes and civic engagement sessions in town halls, libraries, and civic spaces - places where young people might not usually see themselves.
IMPACT
OUTCOMES
• More young people access and thrive in decision-making and civic leadership roles
• Young people build confidence by connecting with leaders and navigating spaces of power
• Young people influence policy and strategy at local, regional, and national levels
• Equity disparities in leadership are addressed through targeted support for underrepresented groups
• A pipeline of future leaders with lived experience is embedded into systems of power
• Develop and publish a landmark report on how young people want to be involved in public life
• Build a Youth Leads UK alumni network focused on longterm leadership and civic engagement
• Provide training and placements in governance, public speaking, and decision-making
• Host an annual ‘Youth in Power’ summit featuring young leaders, influencers, and decision-makers
• Partner with HM Government’s Public Appointments Commission to support more young people into Public Appointments
• Public institutions become more representative, inclusive, and responsive to young people’s needs
MEASURES
• 750+ young people participate in civic opportunity workshops by 2030
• 50 young people placed in governance or advisory roles by 2030
• 70% of participants report increased confidence in public speaking and decisionmaking by 2026
• Deliver the first “Youth in Power” summit by 2027 with 100+ attendees
• Publish a national youth leadership insight report by 2028 with 10+ institutional partners
• At least 4 new Young Trustees appointed to Youth Leads UK’s Board by 2028
MISSION YOUTH VOICES
We amplify youth voice through bold storytelling, media platforms, and unapologetic representation.
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE
Young people’s voices deserve to shape the stories, decisions, and systems that affect their lives.
This mission focuses on platforming young people authentically, building their confidence to speak out, and shifting how society sees them.
Through Youth Leads Magazine, media training, campaigns, and youth-led research, we equip young people to challenge stereotypes and lead the conversation.
RELATED FOCUS AREAS:
POWERING THE MISSION
We’re investing in our own platforms and presence, launching national advocacy campaigns, and publishing an insight report on how young people, especially those often excluded, want to be involved in public life.
PATHWAYS TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS THAT LAST
TACTICS
2025 2026 2027+
• Publish three editions of Youth Leads Magazine each year, led and produced by young people
• Deliver media and storytelling training to help young people find and own their voice
• Launch youth-led campaigns on issues like mental health, cost of living, and safe spaces
• Collaborate with media outlets to increase youth representation in local and national press
• Work with political leaders to run youth listening exercises, especially during elections, so that young people help shape future policy and priorities.
IMPACT
OUTCOMES
• Young people feel confident and empowered to speak out on issues that matter to them
• A new generation of youth media creators, campaigners, and advocates emerges
• Underrepresented young people are platformed and heard in public life
• Public and media narratives about young people shift from deficit to strength
• More organisations and decision-makers meaningfully involve youth voice in their work
• Political and civic leaders engage more meaningfully with young people, embedding youth voice in democratic processes
MEASURES
• Offer youth-led comms consultancy to organisations looking to improve youth engagement
• Establish a network of trained youth spokespeople available for panels, media appearances, and consultation.
• Publish three editions of Youth Leads Magazine each year
• Train 350+ young people in storytelling, media, or public speaking by 2030
• Train and support 50 young people as youth spokespeople by 2028
• Achieve 25+ media placements annually featuring youth voice across local, regional or national platforms
MISSION STRONGER TOGETHER
We grow powerful partnerships that open doors and create real-world opportunities for young people.
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE
We know we can go further for young people when we work together.
This mission is about building long-term partnerships across education, health, business, and higher education that expand opportunities and embed youth voice.
RELATED FOCUS AREAS:
Whether it’s co-delivering programmes, creating youth employability hubs, or running reverse mentoring schemes, we’re building a movement where every partner plays a role in unlocking youth potential.
TACTICS
2025 - 2030 2026 2027+
• Develop and deepen partnerships with schools, councils, universities, and businesses to expand our reach and co-deliver impact.
• Deliver reverse mentoring and corporate volunteering opportunities, connecting young people with professionals
• Collaborate on joint funding bids that scale our impact and reflect shared goals.
IMPACT
OUTCOMES
• Young people benefit from new, realworld opportunities through cross-sector collaboration
• More young people transition into education, employment, and leadership through supported pathways
• Local systems (e.g. health, education) become more responsive to youth needs through co-creation
• Partners improve their own youth engagement practice and increase social impact
• Youth Leads UK becomes a trusted delivery and thought leadership partner in the sector
MEASURES
• Build shared measurement tools and referral pathways to support social prescribing and wellbeing.
• Launch or deepen 10+ cross-sector partnerships per year
• Secure at least 2 joint-funded initiatives with partners per year
• Facilitate 10+ corporate volunteering or reverse mentoring placements by 2030
MISSION SERVING YOUTH
We work with organisations and communities to create spaces, services, and systems that are truly youth-friendly, inclusive, and co-designed.
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE
We believe any organisation or space can become youth friendly.
But it takes the right support and challenge to get there. This mission brings together our consultancy, co-design, and youth engagement work with our ambition to shape environments and systems that serve young people better.
From schools and councils to community hubs and health services, we help partners listen to youth voice, embed
RELATED FOCUS AREAS:
POWERING THE MISSION
inclusive practice, and create places where young people feel safe, seen, and able to thrive.
Our support is delivered by young people themselves and rooted in lived experience. We’re also exploring the creation of a Youth Leads UK space, designed with and for young people, as a blueprint for what youth-ready truly means.
PATHWAYS TO LEADERSHIP SKILLS THAT LAST
TACTICS
• Deliver youth-led training and workshops on inclusive practice, engagement, and youth leadership
2025 2026 2027 2028
• Co-create youth advisory boards and participation structures for external organisations
• Develop and pilot a youth-led consultancy model embedded within public service decision-making
• Partner with local authorities, NHS trusts and businesses to embed youth voice in systems design
IMPACT
OUTCOMES
• Young people shape the environments and services that affect them
• Young people feel seen, heard and valued by the spaces and systems they interact with
• Young people gain real experience by leading training, consultancy, and co-design
• Public and community services become more inclusive, accessible and youth-ready
• Organisations become better at listening to and learning from young people
• Youth participation becomes embedded in culture, not just projects
• A Youth Leads UK hub becomes a model of best practice in youth-led design
• Develop a Right By Youth Charter to guide and benchmark inclusive practice and meaningful involvement
• Train young people as space and service reviewers to audit and shape local provision
• Complete a feasibility study for a permanent Youth Leads UK space designed by young people
MEASURES
• Deliver training or consultancy to 25+ organisations by 2030
• 50+ young people are involved in the delivery of training or co-design activity each year
• Complete 30+ youth-friendly space reviews by 2030, at least 3 in each Greater Manchester borough
• Train 40+ young people as service/space reviewers by 2030
• 85% of young people report a sense of pride and civic responsibility in supporting external organisations
• Complete feasibility for a Youth Leads UK hub and identify next steps by 2028
MISSION
STRENGTH
We’re building a future-proof organisation with greater reach, deeper impact, and long-term resilience.
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE
To deliver bold, youth-led change, we need to be just as bold in how we operate.
Mission Strength is about making sure Youth Leads UK is sustainable, wellgoverned, inclusive, and ready for the future. We’re investing in systems, people, and processes - growing our income, improving internal communication, and building a strong, supportive team culture.
RELATED FOCUS AREAS:
This includes growing unrestricted income, developing a reserves policy, expanding our staff team, and embedding equity at every level. It’s how we protect the mission, support our people, and scale our impact with confidence.
• Improve internal systems, including CRM use for alumni engagement and income tracking
• Deliver regular staff development, wellbeing support, and inclusive leadership training
• Hire a dedicated fundraiser to drive unrestricted and multi-year income
• Establish a 3–6 month reserves policy and financial risk management plan
• Embed equity, inclusion and neurodiversity practices across governance and operations
• Launch fee-forservice offers (e.g. consultancy, workshops) to diversify income
• Establish an alumni residential
IMPACT
OUTCOMES
• Staff and volunteers feel supported, skilled, and aligned to the mission
• Youth Leads UK has the financial and operational stability to grow and adapt
• A more diverse and sustainable income model underpins programme delivery
• Internal culture and systems reflect the inclusive, bold values we promote externally
• The organisation is recognised as a national leader in youth-led innovation and governance
MEASURES
• Build a structured alumni engagement strategy that supports fundraising and advocacy
• Build out staffing structure to 15 FTE
• Launch new community fundraising initiative
• Secure a minimum of £100k in unrestricted or multi-year income annually by 2027
• Maintain a 3–6 month reserves position by end of 2028
• Achieve 90% staff satisfaction in internal culture and communication
• Deliver six-weekly team training sessions covering wellbeing, leadership, and inclusion
OUR THEORY OF CHANGE
WHY WE EXIST:
Young people are facing intersecting barriers and persistent inequalities in education, employment, and civic life- and are being shut out of the decisions that shape their futures. We exist to change that by ensuring young people matter, their voices are heard, and they have the opportunities to lead change in their communities.
OUR MISSION
Youth Leads UK helps young people turn ideas into action and lead change in the real world.
We support them to build skills, grow confidence, and shape the decisions that affect their lives –from classrooms to communities to boardrooms.
Alongside this, we work with organisations to better listen to young people, involve them meaningfully, and share power.
WE BUILD
SKILLS THAT LAST
We create opportunities for young people to step outside their comfort zones, build real-world skills, and grow in confidence through leadership programmes focused on hands-on experiences, tailored development support, and industry exposure.
PATHWAYS TO LEADERSHIP
We back young people to lead - in their communities, in our programmes, and in shaping our future. Through youth-led projects, co-creation, and progression into leadership roles, we build pathways that recognise and realise their potential.
YOUTH INFLUENCE
We champion the voices of young people where it matters most. We challenge stereotypes, push for representation, and drive systems change by putting youth leadership at the heart of decision-making.
ORGANISATIONS
• More organisations and decision makers recognise, value, involve youth voice & leadership
• Organisations & Public institutions become more representative, inclusive, and responsive to young people’s needs
CREATING IMPACT ON: IN ORDER TO CREATE OUTCOMES YOUNG PEOPLE SOCIETY
• Underrepresented young people gain access to skills, experience & opportunities
• Young people feel seen, heard and valued – and that they are a key part of the community
• Young people feel equipped & supported to speak out & seek new opportunities
• More young people gain confidence & capabilities to pursue further education, employment & decisionmaking and civic leadership roles opportunities with purpose
• Youth participation is embedded in & influences provision
• A pipeline of future leaders with lived experience is embedded into systems of power
• Young people are seen as a strength
TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION
A country where young people matter – confident in their voice, connected to their communities, building skills, and creating change.
IMPACT FRAMEWORK
OUTCOME MEASURES
• More organisations and decision-makers recognise, value, involve youth voice & leadership
• Organisations & Public Institutions become more representative, inclusive, and responsive to young people’s needs
• Under-represented young people gain access to skills, experience & opportunities
• Young people feel seen, heard and valued - and that they are a key part of the community
• Young people feel equipped & supported to speak out & seek new opportunities
• More young people gain confidence & capabilities to pursue further education, employment & decision making and civic leadership role opportunities with purpose
• No. of partnerships with employers, schools, colleges and organisations
• Increased understanding of youth needs and engagement approaches
• Partners adopt more youth-led approaches to service design and delivery
• No. of employer volunteering or reverse mentoring placements
• Training or consultancy delivered to organisations
• Behaviour change or organisations - numbers (& type) who have introduced or enhanced policies and practises to reflect youth voice and inclusion incl. schools introducing youth-leadership skills
• No. of YP active & completed programs at each age group, and in different settings
• No. of YP reporting increased access to & take of opportunities
• Increased skills & knowledge (employability, leadership & life skills)
• Increased youth engagement in community and civic activities
• No, of youth contributors & articles to Youth Leads Magazine - and readership
• YP to feel valued & listened to
• YP feel their voice is changing decisions
• YP feel a sense of belonging and a role in local community
• No. of YP reporting increased access to real world opportunities
• YP reporting increased use of their voice and influence
• YP feel they have the skills & confidence to seek out opportunities
• YP actively involved in storytelling, media, or public speakingor in civic leadership roles
• Increased confidence in public speaking & decision making
• No. of YP in positive destinations such as further education, who weren’t planning to (incl breakdown of first generation students & care experienced)
• No. of YP into employment through or as a result of Youth Leads UK’s connections
• Youth participation is embedded in & influences provision
• A pipeline of future leaders with lived experience is embedded into systems of power
• Young people are seen as a strength
• No. of YP involved in the training or co-design of delivery or in social action projects
• No. of YP reporting increased confidence in speaking out and influencing change representation across sectors
• No. of YP completing civic training leadership or placed in governance or advisory roles
• Development of Youth Leads UK alumni
• Ability to show the journey of underrepresented YP from programme recruitment to 3-months post-programme
• Increased positive media focus, and policy engagement
• No. of Youth Leads Magazine published, and reader reach
• Partner & Employers report positive changes as a result of YP representation, stories of YP achievements and examples of long term destinations
GOVERNANCE
Youth Leads UK is governed by a youth-led Board of Trustees, with 60% of members under the age of 30. Our Youth Advisory Board acts as a pipeline to leadership and shapes our strategic direction. Our Strategic Advisory Council brings sector expertise in legal, finance, fundraising, and public service to support the CEO and Board.
We are committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring young people are meaningfully involved at every level.
WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU
Everything we achieve is powered by the people who believe in youth leadership. From those who guide our direction to those who roll up their sleeves alongside us, this is a shared mission, and we’re grateful for every part you play.
FUNDERS & SUPPORTERS
• CareTech Charitable Foundation
• Warburtons Foundation
• Global Charities / Global’s Make Some Noise
• Postcode Neighbourhood Trust
• The Fore
• The National Lottery Community Fund
• W O Street Charitable Foundation
• BBC Children In Need
• The Charity Service
• Shears Foundation
PARTNER ORGANISATIONS
• Big Change
• Greater Manchester Combined Authority
• Social Sense
• My Life My Say
• Bolton Together
• RSM UK
• KPMG UK
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• University of Salford
• University of Manchester
• University of Greater Manchester
• We Belong
• Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
• Adam Toorawa
• Chloe Bennett
• Khalil Malji
• Saimah Malji
• Lydia German
• The Henry Smith Charity
• The Garfield Weston Foundation
• The Hedley Foundation
• St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation
• Esmee Fairbairn Foundation
• The Swire Charitable Trust
• RSM Foundation
• The Global Fund for Children
• The Greggs Foundation
• The Rayne Foundation
• Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT)
• Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
• Bolton CVS
• KFC Foundation
• Bolton Council
• Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
• ITV Granada Reports
• The Electoral Commission
• Pilotlight
• Greater Manchester Police
• Plantfood Coaching
• Planisware UK&I
• Wise Owl Trust
• Arnold Clark Community Fund
• Paul Hamlyn Foundation
• Zochonis Charitable Trust
• The Phoenix Way
• The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham
• His Majesty the King’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester
• Independent Office for Police Conduct
• Media City • Bury Council
• Think EQ
• Participation People
• Cabinet Office
• Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
• Mission 44
• Boo Coaching and Consulting
• Bean Research
• Hannah Lawless TRUSTEES
STRATEGIC ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS
• Kimberley Salmon-Jamieson
• Prof Janet Lord
• Kevin Duffy
• Kristian Horabin
• Rosaleen Tite Ahern
• Saeed Atcha MBE DL
• Mehran Mokri
• Zahra Khan
• Fajar Kayani
• Abeer Abdul Aziz
• Poppy Roberts
• Emmanuela Adebisi
• Lucy Tallon
• Fatima Bangoura
• Mahammad Faizan Sharief STAFF TEAM
• Richard McNamara
• Sophie Murfin
• Kate Palmer
• Kai Ojo
INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS & SUPPORTERS
• Faizan
• Shaina • Sapphire • Uche YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
• Farzana • Hannah • Sami • Aaliah • Amina
• United Arab Emirates Ministry in the UAE of Culture & Youth
• New York City Commissioner for Youth
• Department of Youth and Community Development, New York City
• YVote
• Next Gen Politics
• The Center for Teen Empowerment, Boston
• Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), Tufts University, Massachusetts
• Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement, City of Boston
Follow us @YouthLeadsUK on socials for updates.
Youth Leads UK, Blue, Media City, Greater Manchester, M50 2ST
