Shape the Future of ENDZ Group CIC: Join the Youth Advisory Board (Aged 14–19, Greater London)

Young people have the best understanding of what young people actually need. That simple truth sits at the heart of ENDZ Group CIC, a community interest company dedicated to creating meaningful change. Rather than designing projects, campaigns, and events in an echo chamber of adult assumptions, ENDZ Group CIC has built a structure where young voices are not just heard but actively shape everything the organisation does.

This structure is called the Youth Advisory Board (YAB). It is not a token advisory group that meets once a year to nod at pre-made decisions. It is a core, integral part of ENDZ Group CIC. YAB members – aged 14 to 19 and living or studying in Greater London – work alongside the organisation to influence decisions, create new ideas, and ensure that every project, campaign, and piece of content reflects what young people actually want and need.

If you are between 14 and 19 years old, based in Greater London, and have ever thought that things could be done better, differently, or more authentically for young people, this is your invitation to stop thinking and start doing. You do not need any experience. You do not need to be the loudest person in the room. You simply need to care, be curious, and be ready to help shape the future of ENDZ Group CIC.

Applications are open now and close on Tuesday 19th May at 5pm. Below is everything you need to know about the Youth Advisory Board, including what it does, why it exists, what members gain, who can join, and exactly how to apply.

What Is the Youth Advisory Board (YAB)?

The Youth Advisory Board is the main youth voice group for ENDZ Group CIC (referred to as EG). Unlike a one-off focus group or a survey that gets filed away, the YAB is embedded into the organisation’s DNA. Board members do not simply give feedback on finished ideas. They are involved from the very beginning, helping to design, improve, and deliver new initiatives.

The scope of the YAB’s influence covers the entire organisation. This includes:

• New projects that EG has not even launched yet
• Campaigns that aim to raise awareness or drive behaviour change
• Events, both in-person and digital
• Content, including social media, website copy, and printed materials
• Strategic decisions about what EG should focus on next

In short, if EG does it, the Youth Advisory Board has a say in it.

Why Does the YAB Exist?

The YAB exists to solve a common problem in youth-focused organisations: adults making decisions for young people without genuinely understanding their lives, challenges, and aspirations. ENDZ Group CIC takes a different approach. They recognise that young people are the experts on their own experiences. Therefore, any organisation that claims to serve young people must be shaped by young people.

The YAB ensures that:

• Decisions are grounded in real lived experience, not assumptions
• Young people develop leadership and influence skills while still in their teenage years
• EG remains accountable to the community it serves
• New ideas are tested and refined by the very people who will use them

What Does the YAB Involve? A Detailed Breakdown

If you join the Youth Advisory Board, you are not signing up for passive attendance. You are becoming an active co-creator. Below is a detailed list of what YAB members actually do.

Sharing Ideas and Testing Plans

Members bring their own ideas to the table. No idea is too small or too wild. The YAB is a brainstorming engine where young people propose new directions for EG. Additionally, when EG已经有了 a draft plan for a campaign or project, YAB members test that plan by asking tough questions, identifying gaps, and suggesting improvements.

Giving Honest, Constructive Feedback

The YAB is not a cheerleading squad. Members are expected to give honest feedback, even when that feedback is critical. EG wants to know what will not work, what feels out of touch, and what could be done better. This feedback directly shapes the final outcome of projects.

Helping Decide What EG Focuses on Next

Organisations often struggle with prioritisation. The YAB helps solve this by voting, discussing, and recommending which issues, audiences, or projects EG should prioritise in the coming months. This means members have a real hand in setting the organisational agenda.

Building Confidence, Leadership, and Real-World Skills

While the primary goal is to improve EG’s work, members also benefit personally. Through their participation, YAB members naturally develop:

• Confidence in expressing opinions and challenging ideas respectfully
• Leadership skills, including facilitation, decision-making, and delegation
• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Teamwork and collaboration with a diverse group of peers

Meeting Other Young People Who Care

The YAB is also a community. Members meet other like-minded young people from across Greater London who share a curiosity about making things better. Friendships, peer support, and professional networks all emerge from this shared experience.

Creating Things That Actually Matter

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect is the knowledge that your input leads to real, tangible outcomes. You will see campaigns launch that you helped shape. You will read content that you improved. You will attend events that you influenced. That sense of ownership and impact is difficult to find elsewhere.

Is This the Only Youth Voice Group at ENDZ Group CIC?

The Youth Advisory Board is the primary and main youth voice group for EG. However, depending on the organisation’s evolving needs, there may be additional temporary or project-specific youth voice activities (such as one-off focus groups or surveys). The YAB is the most consistent, high-impact, and long-term opportunity for young people to shape EG’s direction. If you want sustained influence rather than a single consultation, the YAB is the right fit for you.

Meet Our Current YAB (2024/26)

ENDZ Group CIC has an active Youth Advisory Board serving from 2024 to 2026. These members are currently shaping EG’s work. The organisation regularly highlights their contributions and celebrates their impact. New applicants will join either as replacements or as part of an expanded cohort, depending on current vacancies and organisational capacity. All applicants will be considered on their merits and their alignment with EG’s values.

Who Can Join the Youth Advisory Board? (Eligibility)

The eligibility criteria are intentionally broad to ensure that any motivated young person in Greater London can apply, regardless of background or prior experience.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be aged 14 to 19 years old. If you turn 20 during your time on the board, you may still complete your term, but new applicants must be within this age range at the time of application.

Location Requirement

You must either:

• Live in Greater London, OR
• Study in Greater London (at a school, college, or other educational institution)

This geographic focus ensures that YAB members understand the local context, communities, and opportunities that EG serves. ENDZ Group CIC is based in London, and the board’s work is tailored to that region.

No Experience Needed

You do not need any prior experience on boards, committees, or youth groups. You do not need to have written a campaign or organised an event. The only requirements are that you care about the issues affecting young people, that you are curious about how things could be done differently, and that you are willing to show up and participate honestly.

Personality and Demeanour

The organisation explicitly states that you do not need to be loud. Introverts, quiet thinkers, and reflective young people are equally welcome. Different perspectives and communication styles strengthen the board. What matters is your willingness to engage, listen, and share your perspective when you are ready.

What Do YAB Members Get Up To? (Activities and Time Commitment)

While the exact activities vary depending on EG’s project pipeline, typical YAB activities include:

• Monthly or bi-monthly meetings (in-person or hybrid, depending on access and preferences)
• Reviewing project documents and campaign materials before public launch
• Participating in brainstorming workshops using techniques such as design thinking or dot voting
• Providing feedback via online platforms (Slack, WhatsApp, email, or shared documents) between meetings
• Representing EG at events or in external meetings (optional, with support)
• Co-facilitating sessions with adult staff members (as confidence grows)

Time commitment is typically a few hours per month. The board respects members’ school, college, and personal commitments. No one is penalised for missing a meeting with advance notice.

What’s in It for Me? (Benefits Summary)

For clarity, here is a bulleted list of benefits that YAB members receive:

• Real influence over a functioning organisation’s strategy and activities
• Development of confidence, leadership, and communication skills
• A portfolio of tangible contributions (e.g., campaigns, events, content) that can be shown to future employers or educators
• A supportive community of peers aged 14-19 across Greater London
• A reference or letter of recommendation upon completion of board service (available on request)
• Experience that strengthens university applications, apprenticeship applications, and job applications
• The satisfaction of seeing your ideas become reality

How to Apply: Applications Open Now – Deadline Tuesday 19th May 5pm

ENDZ Group CIC is currently accepting applications for the Youth Advisory Board. The process is straightforward and designed to be accessible to young people without requiring extensive preparation.

Application Deadline

Tuesday 19th May at 5pm (British Summer Time). Late applications will not be accepted, so ensure you submit your application before the cutoff.

How to Submit Your Application

You can apply directly through the ENDZ Group CIC website. Look for the “Join in” or “Youth Advisory Board” section. The application form typically asks for:

• Your name, age, and contact details
• Confirmation that you live or study in Greater London
• A few short answers about why you want to join and what you would bring to the board
• Any access requirements or support needs to ensure you can fully participate

No CV or formal qualifications are required. The organisation is far more interested in your perspective and potential than in your grades or previous achievements.

Pro Tip for Applicants

Be honest. Do not try to sound like a professional policy advisor or an experienced campaigner. The board wants young people who speak genuinely about what matters to them. If you care about something specific – whether it is mental health, the environment, youth safety, creative opportunities, or anything else – say so. That authenticity is far more valuable than polished but empty statements.

What Happens After You Apply?

After the deadline closes on Tuesday 19th May at 5pm, ENDZ Group CIC will review all applications. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an informal chat (online or in person) to discuss the role and answer any questions. Successful applicants will then be onboarded and introduced to the existing YAB members.

If you are not selected for this cohort, the organisation may keep your details on file for future opportunities, including one-off youth voice activities or the next YAB recruitment round.

Final Encouragement: Your Voice Belongs Here

If you are a young person aged 14 to 19 living or studying anywhere in Greater London, you already have something valuable: your perspective. You know what works and what does not. You see gaps that adults miss. You have ideas that could turn into real campaigns, events, or content that helps other young people.

The Youth Advisory Board is your invitation to stop observing and start shaping. You do not need to be an expert. You do not need to be loud. You just need to care enough to apply.

Applications close Tuesday 19th May at 5pm. Do not wait until the last minute. Visit the ENDZ Group CIC website today, find the Youth Advisory Board application, and take the first step toward becoming a young leader who genuinely influences an organisation.

For any questions about the YAB, eligibility, or the application process, contact ENDZ Group CIC through their website’s contact form or email address (typically found on the “About” or “Contact” page).

 

Apply here

Learn More

• For more information about this opportunity, Click here
• More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here