Become a Trustee of Young Citizens and help light the spark of active citizenship for children and young people
With citizenship education set to become statutory in primary schools, votes at 16 on the horizon, and growing concern about the health of our democracy, this is a pivotal moment to join Young Citizens as a Trustee.
For over 35 years, Young Citizens has helped children and young people understand society, engage in democracy and make a positive impact in their communities. Through flagship programmes like The Big Legal Lesson, The Big Democracy Lesson, the Make a Difference Challenge and the National Mock Trial Competitions, we bring citizenship to life in classrooms and communities across the UK – reaching 300,000+ young people every year.
Our five-year strategy, Lighting the Spark, is focused on making sure every young person in the UK experiences powerful, practical and immersive citizenship learning. As a Trustee, you will help shape this next phase of growth, strengthen our financial sustainability, and ensure we make the most of the opportunities ahead.
This is a voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed) and a chance to play a strategic part in strengthening UK democracy through education.
Download the job pack | Apply via Charity Job
Deadline: 11pm, Sunday 18 January 2026
What We Are Looking For
We’re seeking two trustees who can help Young Citizens expand our reach, influence, and financial resilience. We’re especially interested in people with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Citizenship teaching or school leadership – understanding how schools work and how to embed civic learning and active citizenship across the curriculum.
- Marketing, communications and influencing – building brands, running campaigns, shifting perceptions and engaging educators, young people and supporters.
- Business growth, strategic partnerships and business development – scaling organisations, securing strategic partnerships and growing mission-aligned income streams.
- Digital transformation or innovation – using digital tools, products or platforms to grow impact.
- Fundraising and income generation – philanthropy, trusts and foundations, corporate fundraising or individual giving.
We continue to welcome applications from those experienced in leadership, public service, law, finance, policy or youth engagement.
Role requirements
Time commitment
- Board meetings: 4 times per year, usually weekday evenings in person near St Paul’s, London.
- Additional involvement: Monthly online finance updates and one annual Away Day to review strategy and impact.
- Overall: Around 4–6 hours per month, including preparation and engagement between meetings
Term and structure
- Initial term of three years, with potential renewal
- Day-to-day operations are led by the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team, while trustees remain legally accountable for governance and compliance
Key responsibilities
- Shape Young Citizens’ strategic direction and monitor performance
- Ensure compliance with charity law and our governing document
- Safeguard the charity’s values, reputation, and financial integrity
- Oversee effective use of resources and long-term sustainability
- Support and advise the CEO, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives
- Act as an ambassador, promoting Young Citizens and building relationships with partners, funders, and supporters
What it means to be a Young Citizens Trustee
Being a Young Citizens trustee is a strategic and deeply rewarding opportunity. You will:
- Help steer a national charity at a pivotal moment for citizenship education and democracy
- Collaborate with fellow trustees bringing expertise in education, law, finance, communications, governance, and public affairs
- See our impact first-hand by attending key events such as programme launches and the National Finals of our competitions
- Support a small but highly skilled staff team (around 13 colleagues across the UK) and a network of 1500+ professional volunteers
- Contribute to decisions on resource investment, digital development, programme growth, and deepening impact
In short, you’ll help ensure hundreds of thousands of young people every year gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to participate meaningfully in society.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a one-page personal statement (explaining why you want to be a trustee and how your skills align with the role) via the Charity Jobs application link to recruitmenthr@youngcitizens.org.
Download the job pack | Apply via Charity Job
Deadline: 11pm, Sunday 18 January 2026