The British Youth Council are searching for the next young leaders of social and political change in the UK. The youth-led charity is looking for people aged 16-25 who are motivated by a belief in the work of the British Youth Council to achieve our vision of the world where all young people are respected and able to influence and inform decisions that affect their lives or on which they have strong opinions.
The national youth council plays a key role in bringing young people together to challenge decision makers, more recently focussing on the climate emergency, mental health, ending child poverty and lowering the voting age to 16. The British Youth Council is also known for its long-standing support of campaigns for equality, with outspoken work on anti-racism, trans rights and other important social issues.
The British Youth Council really is governed by young people for young people. Our board of trustees is made up of 13 people who are elected or appointed. The board not only sets the strategic direction of the organisation, but they also monitor progress, shape our activities and act as ambassadors and spokespeople for our members and young people living across the UK. Trustees play a key role in safeguarding the charities vital advocacy work so it can continue to support young people to get involved in their communities and democratically locally, nationally and internationally.
Although the first goal of a trustee is to serve your peers and the British Youth Council, it is also a way to build experience and networks, develop a broad range of skills and help shape the future of a world where all young people have a say and are heard.
Find out more about joining the British Youth Council’s Board of Trustees
The former Chair of the British Youth Council, Anna Rose Barker, has been appointed MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her dedication to promoting the voices of young people.
Anna Rose Barker MBE, was a trustee of the youth-led charity, the British Youth Council. Anna joined the board in 2015 as Vice Chair for Participation and Development before being elected as Chair in 2017. Within her 3 year tenure at the British Youth Council she was recognised for her passion and distinguished service to young people across the country.
Commenting on the appointment, Jo Hobbs, Chief Executive of the British Youth Council said “I’m absolutely delighted that Anna Rose Barker has been awarded an MBE. Anna was a force for good within the sector, played a paramount role in shaping the future of our charity, and remained dedicated to her role and the young people we serve.
“It’s important young people have a say on the biggest issues facing the UK and its also important they’re recognised for their contribution to social change”
Celebrating the news, Anna Rose Barker MBE, former Chair of the British Youth Council, said “It really is a privilege to be recognised in this way.
“There are so many young people across the country who are dedicated to social action and bringing about change for their communities and I hope this inspires even more young people to be active citizens.”
The British Youth Council’s trustees, who are aged 16-25, are elected and appointed to oversee the strategic and financial direction of the charity.