UK Youth Ambassadors Programme 2023-2024

DofE UK Youth Ambassadors are enthusiastic about sharing their stories and ensuring youth voices are heard to make a positive, lasting change. They’re advocates for the DofE and want to inspire others, they’re collaborators looking to work with other like-minded people from a range of backgrounds across the UK. Youth Ambassadors are both positive and solution focused with an interest in tackling social issues like mental health, climate change, employment, and inequality.

Now entering it’s third year, you can expect a varied and engaging programme of activities running from June 2023 – May 2024. In your role you will be in a team of 30 young people from a range of backgrounds across the UK; learning new skills, contributing your ideas, and making a positive, long-lasting difference.

• Represent the DofE at numerous events (both in person and online) to share your story and represent the voices of young people from across the UK. These range from DofE Conferences and Regional Meetings to Party Conferences and Royal Visits.
• Shape the future of DofE by participating in online working groups across a range of internal departments to ensure we continue to be accessible and inclusive to those who need it the most.
• Take part in monthly online skills building workshops developing new skills like using your voice, speaking to the media, as well as designing and implementing creative campaigns.

The Programme will run from June 2023 until May 2024.

Required:

• This is a 12-month commitment, with regular engagement (on a weekly basis) to share opportunities and provide updates to the rest of the team.
• Over the course of the year, you will take part in monthly online workshops and skills building sessions. These usually take place on a Thursday evening from 6.30pm – 8pm.

The dates for the first three online workshops are:

• Welcome to Ambassadors – Thursday 15^th June
• BodyTalk Public Speaking Skills Session – Wednesday 19^th & Thursday 20^th July OR Wednesday 26^th & Thursday 27^th July
• Inspirational Speaker Session – Thursday 31^st August

You will be able to have input into the topics of future workshops throughout the year and we will go into more detail about this during the Welcome to Ambassadors Workshop.

Opt-In:

• Opportunities to get involved in several team projects and produce creative content for our social media channels.
• Opportunities to take part in a range of exciting events throughout the year on both a regional and UK wide level (we aim to offer you the chance to take part in a minimum of five in person events during your time as an Ambassador).
• You will also be able to join one (or several depending on your interests) online working groups to share your views and feedback and shape the direction of the DofE.

We would suggest setting aside around 4 – 6 hours a month to be able to make the most of the UK Youth Ambassador Programme.

You will be given access to our online UK Youth Ambassadors Slack group, which we’ll use regularly to communicate plans, projects, additional opportunities, and actively engage with your fellow Ambassadors. Please don’t worry if you don’t know what this is, we’ll help you get signed up, and if you need an alternative method of communication we’ll support you with that too!

• Aged between 16 – 24 at point of application.
• Achieved a minimum of one level of your DofE Award.
• Passionate about the DofE and happy to share your journey with others and talk about the difference it has made to your life.
• A team player who is excited at the prospect of working alongside other DofE participants from a range of backgrounds and life experiences across the UK.
• Open to sharing your views and experiences, and interested in discussing social issues that affect your generation.
• Have enough time to be able to commit to the Programme (approximately 4 – 6 hours per month, checking for updates and event opportunities on Slack weekly).
• If you are under 18, you will need consent from your parent or guardian to apply.

In addition, the ability to join sessions online will be important so if you think this might be a barrier to you taking part please let us know in your application and we’ll work with you to find a solution.

We welcome people from diverse backgrounds, religions, culture, gender identities, abilities, and perspectives to apply. We’ll provide the support you need to get the most out of the programme and work with you around your needs.

The Youth Ambassador Programme is voluntary, and any reasonable expenses will be covered provided we agree these in advance with you. If you join the 2023-2024 cohort, you’ll benefit from:

• Access to several upskilling workshops designed to increase your understanding of important issues, and develop new interests and skills.
• Learn how to use your voice for change, design creative campaigns and put forward ideas for the DofE’s wider communications strategy.
• Gain experience and confidence communicating with other young people and adults in a professional setting including public speaking.
• Work alongside other like-minded young people who share a passion for the DofE and the contribution it can make to the lives of others and getting to know young people from all over the UK.
• Use the Youth Ambassador Programme as the Volunteering section for your own DofE with DofE staff taking on the role of your Assessor.
• A fantastic addition to your CV and a chance to hear more about further opportunities within the education, youth work and social action setting.