Action for Race Equality is delighted to be running a Youth Panel, as part of our Infrastructure Resilience Programme!
This is a platform for young people to get involved in an exciting area of work to improve employment opportunities and services for young Black, Asian, Mixed and minority ethnic people across England.
We are currently looking for motivated young people, aged 16-24, who are keen to make a difference and play a role in shaping the programme.
If you’re thinking of joining our Youth Panel, read our FAQs below to find out more!
1. As a Youth Panellist what type of activities will I take part in?
You decide which activities to take part in. There will be a range of activities offered each month and you can pick which ones you want to engage with.
The following drop downs give you a taste of what to expect:
Discussions
You’ll decide what topical employment issues facing Black, Asian and ethnic minority young that you want to talk about. This could involve
- Where to search for jobs
- access to quality apprenticeships
- career guidance at school/college/university
- discrimination in the workplace; fitting in a new workplac
- preparation for work placements and job interview
- career progression and ‘quiet quitting’.
During our discussions we will also focus on developing your skills in areas such as resilience and confidence.
Short Surveys and Polls
This will involve asking questions to research what youth organisations involved in the Infrastructure Resilience Programme may want to find out. For example, you may be finding responding to questions like, what does a quality job mean to you?
Blog posts, video clips, comment on reports:
You may be asked to contribute to our social media and communications activities by:
- writing about your personal experiences finding employment
- thinking of ideas for social media content when it comes to special awareness raising days or months
- sending voice clips of your opinions on issues
- giving feedback or commenting on latest research or reports
Event Planning
The Infrastructure Resilience Programme is hoping to host a conference with the Youth Futures Foundation (who are funding the programme) in June. It will be for employers and the organisations helping young people into employment. You could be involved in helping the ARE team plan for this event.
2. How do I apply?
Complete this application form.
If you need support completing the form, or some reasonable adjustments made, please email Victoria Atanda, Youth Panel Lead, Victoria@actionforraceequality.org.uk.
3. What is the time commitment?
We will have a meeting, about 2 hours long, every month.
Specific details regarding time commitments will be decided by the Youth panellists themselves. We are aware that young people will have other time commitments so we will try to be flexible around your own time and needs.
4. Will the activities I join take place online or in person?
Activities and meetings will take place on a remote online basis, but the conference in June will be in person. There may be opportunities to attend other events or visit our offices too.
5. Will I be paid for my time?
Yes, you will be paid the London Living Wage which is currently £11.95. This is regardless of whether you live in London or outside.
6. How will I be paid and how often?
You will be paid monthly. The amount will depend on how many activities you take part in.
At the end of the month, you will be asked to fill out a payment form with your bank details to receive your pay.
7. What else can I earn on the youth panel?
Vouchers!
You can earn vouchers while being on the Youth Panel for taking part in competitions such as one to kickstart and name the panel, or for being a Youth Champion and taking part in a select number of activities each month.
8. Do I need to come from London to apply for this role?
No, this panel is for young people across England.
9. Do I need any experience to apply for this role?
No, you do not experience to be part of this panel. Just bring yourself and your ideas, because you are enough. All young people no matter your previous job experience or qualifications.
We want to hear about all your experiences and opinions.
10. What happens after I have sent my application in?
After your application has been sent in you will receive an email to acknowledge that your application has been received. If successful you will then receive another email, inviting you for a short conversation (via Microsoft teams or phone call) to get to know you better.
11. How many people will be on the interview panel?
There will be two people on the interview panel including the Youth Panel lead.
12. If successful, when will I start the role?
We are hoping to recruit all individuals by end of March 2023 with first sessions running by April.
13. Who can I contact if I have any enquires?
If you have any question, you can contact the Youth Panel lead: Victoria Atanda.
14. Will there be an opportunity to get involved in any other work ARE does?
Yes, we are soon to be relaunching our Ambassador programme for our Moving on Up project, which is targeted towards young Black men in London. More details TBC.
Young Black male
aged 16-24
and living in London?
We’ll soon be recruiting young people to become Ambassadors for our Moving on Up programme.
You’ll form a group of passionate representatives, helping employers understand what it means to make their workforces more inclusive spaces and improve employment outcomes for young Black men in the capital.
I love how the role-model was able to change his life by doing something he is passionate about.
Heron Hall Academy, Student, 2020