Shared Leadership. Shared Accountability.
At YOUTHOOD, we believe that redefining youth development means redefining how decisions are made. That’s why our governance structure is intentionally different. We’re proud to operate on a dual-governance model that brings together the strength of professional trusteeship with the insight of lived experience, through our Board of Trustees and Young Leaders Board. Together, these two boards form the foundation of our leadership, sharing oversight, challenge, and ambition as we grow.
Why Dual Governance?
At YOUTHOOD, we believe lived experience must always shape the way. That’s why we’ve created a structure where young people influence direction from the inside, and where trustees are accountable not only to legal frameworks, but to the realities young people face.
Our Board of Trustees provides the statutory and strategic oversight needed to protect YOUTHOOD’s mission, funding, and future. Meanwhile, our Young Leaders Board, made up of 14–25-year-olds, offers lived experience, systems insight, and real-time challenge to how we work.
This dual structure means we don’t ask young people for feedback, we build with them from the start.
How Decision-Making Works
The Trustee Board holds legal responsibility for the charity and ensures we meet our duties in law, finance, safeguarding, and strategic planning.
The Young Leaders Board sets its own Young Leaders Agenda, co-designs campaigns and delivery, and contributes to policy, outreach, and inclusion work.
The CEO and Director Team are accountable to both boards in different ways, ensuring that youth insight and strategic oversight are integrated at every level.
Key organisational decisions, including campaign priorities, external messaging, and national projects, are discussed across both boards for shared input where appropriate.
This isn’t a top-down model. It’s a partnership of accountability, where professional governance and youth-led change come together to drive lasting impact.
Ready to To Redefine Youth Development?
Apply to Become a Trustee
Are you a strategic thinker with experience in policy, charity leadership, public service, or youth development systems? We're looking for passionate individuals to help guide our mission and protect our values as we grow.
Apply to Become A Young Leader
Are you aged 14–25 and passionate about changing how the world supports young people? Whether you've lived through broken systems or want to make your voice heard, this is your space to lead where you stand.
