Youth Leads UK

Who we are

Youth Leads UK is an award-winning charity getting the voice of young people heard and acted upon. We run skills development programmes, publish Xplode Magazine and challenge decision-makers. We believe in a country where youth leads.

MISSION

Youth Leads supports young people aged 12-22 to enrich their skills, reach their potential, and influence change. We do this through peer-led programmes of volunteering, social action projects, and learning experiences, and by amplifying the voice of young people with key decision-makers.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

Skills Enrichment: Immersing young people into new and challenging environments, to develop and enrich their skills through mentorship, training and industry insights.

Self-Empowering Potential: Connecting young people to their community through increased responsibility, opportunities and recognition through youth-led projects, co-design and pathways to progress into senior roles.

Influencing Change: Influencing decision making across society through elevated youth voice opportunities. We work tirelessly to improve the perceptions of young people, challenge decision-makers, and champion meaningful representation.

Organisational Development: Establish a sustainable, skilled and effective organisation

Our culture and values

VALUES

Fun: We provide energised activities, opportunities for social inclusion & support networks through new friendships.

Bold: We’re not afraid to take risks.

Community: Working in partnership to inspire civic pride and support young people to develop as world-class citizens.

Empowering: Facilitating opportunities – with beneficiaries at the heart of decision making – to create lasting change through co-designed projects.

Aspirational: Helping and supporting young people to be the best they can be.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

At Youth Leads UK, fairness and equality shape how we work and how we treat everyone connected to our organisation. We are committed to creating a workplace where people feel valued and respected, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our policies ensure that recruitment, training, and career opportunities are open to everyone based on their skills and potential, without bias or discrimination.

We challenge inequality at every level and hold ourselves accountable for maintaining high standards of inclusivity. Whether it’s supporting team members with flexible arrangements or addressing concerns promptly through clear procedures, we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best.