Young voices at the centre of Plan International UK.
We know that young people can change the world. From fighting for equal education rights to campaigning to make public sexual harassment a crime, young people are making a difference to the issues that matter to them.
The Youth Advisory Panel, YAP for short, is the voice of young people at Plan International UK. They are a group of 22 young people that help shape our work and demand young people are heard across society.
The Youth Advisory Panel are aged 14-21 and based across the UK. They have different interests, skills and experiences, but they have one thing in common – they are passionate about making the world a better place.
Apply to join the Youth Advisory Panel
Applications are now open to join our Youth Advisory Panel from January 2026-December 2028.
Are you passionate about girls’ rights and building a more equal world? Do you want to gain new skills, meet amazing people, and help shape Plan International UK’s work?
We are looking for young people who are:
- Aged 14–19 and living in the UK.
- Enthusiastic about being a voice for Plan International, and have a genuine interest in our work and values.
- Able to attend two weekend residentials per year (or join for the day if staying away from home isn’t possible).
- Ready to commit a few hours a month for fortnightly calls, workshops, training, and opportunities to represent Plan International at events.
- Confident in conversational English.
If that sounds like you and you would like to apply, please click apply now to email us with the following:
1. Your name, age, where you’re from in the UK and why you are interested in this opportunity – this can be a written (300-500 words) or audio or video (3-4 minutes) submission.
2. Why you are passionate about one of the following areas and why it is important to you as a young person.
Choose from:
Youth activism, humanitarian issues, online violence against women and girls, the right to education, sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality, global girls rights, disasters and emergencies, or gender-based violence.
You can answer this question however you like. For examples and full details on how to apply, please download our recruitment pack.
Deadline for applications and next steps
The deadline for applications is 8pm on Monday 15 December 2025. If you have any questions or need help with your application, please email us at [email protected]
If you are successful we will invite you to an informal Zoom interview as a chance to get to know you better.
What does the Youth Advisory Panel do?
Depending on their own interests, members of YAP take part in a range of activities that help build a more equal world. They may be influencing politicians at party conferences one day, to inputting into decisions at Plan International UK the next. Along the way they are gaining new skills and making friends.
Bringing a youth voice to decision-making
“Two of us youth advisors have the role of Youth Observer at Plan International UK. A Youth Observer is a young person who attends Board meetings with the Trustees and leadership team. Each meeting, they update the Trustees on how Plan International UK is supporting young people to make change. They also give input on various aspects of running Plan International UK to ensure the organisation remains youth-centred.
“Being a Youth Observer has taught me how valued young people’s perspectives are, especially at Plan International, making me confident to use my voice and ask questions, because even simple comments are welcomed and noted. I have enjoyed meeting the Board members and learning about how all our different experiences, interests and roles come together to advance equality for girls!”
Elodie, 17, YAP member
Campaigning for change
“Crime not Compliment is a campaign aiming to make public sexual harassment a crime. I and a group of other youth advisors have been working with Plan International UK to make this happen. I’ve been part of events such as the Girls’ Rights Collective and giving out a presentation at London Metropolitan University.
“During my time with Plan International UK, I’ve loved seeing the campaign grow so far. The main thing I have learnt is knowing it’s possible to create change. Knowing there’s a possibility of a girl or anyone being able to feel safer in public is what I’m striving for.”
Beyonce, 19, YAP member
Getting to know each other
“The residentials are about coming together, doing fun activities and workshops and working on projects and campaigns. I’ve been to two residentials, and they’ve been great.
“Before the first time I was meeting everyone, I guess I was a bit nervous about how they were. But as soon we all came together, it was great talking to them. Everyone had different stories, and I liked listening to them and getting to know them better. At our last residential I broke fast with the group and taught everyone a special dua in Arabic during the special month of Ramadan.
“Doing public speaking has been a highlight for me. Because I’m quite a social person, I like talking to everyone. Some of the girls even said that I inspire them in how much confidence I have.”
Maryam, 19, YAP member
Why join the Youth Advisory Panel
As a member of the Youth Advisory Panel, you will get to:
- Meet other young people passionate about creating a better future.
- Join workshops and training on campaigning, gender equality, advocacy, international development, and how to make your voice heard.
- Get an insight into how an international charity works and the chance to influence big decisions.
- Have opportunities to speak in the media, attend exciting events, meet with politicians, and with businesses.
- Attend fun events like residentials, workshops, youth action festivals, campaign events, or even political party conferences.
- Get support from our Youth Team, including regular check-ins, a fortnightly newsletter, online calls, and a WhatsApp group.
- All travel, accommodation, food, and training costs are covered — no money needed!
Take our quiz to see find out what kind of Panel member you could be and click apply now to be part of our next Panel.
