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 the apply now button 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 watch the video above and download our recruitment pack.
Deadline for applications and next steps
The deadline for applications is 8pm on Sunday 14 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.
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.
Hear from our Panel members
"The Youth Advisory Panel at Plan International UK has been a vast experience. A few highlights from my time include; working on and contributing towards the Plan manifesto in preparation for the 2024 general election. The Empowered Escape Room, which unveiled the stories and impact of women in overcoming barriers to education. The International Women’s Day parliamentary event provided access to have conversations with female MPs - hearing their journeys was inspiring.
"It was also a privilege to share my reflections on the experiences of girls around the world who have navigated child marriage or unions at the FCDO. Drawing from the report on the State of the World’s Girls report – 'Let Me Be a Child, Not a Wife'. Being on the youth panel has stretched and challenged me, but has caused me to grow beyond what I imagined and blessed me with incredible opportunities."
Suzzeth, 20, YAP member
"Joining the Youth Advisory Panel, in retrospect, has given me so much more than I could’ve imagined when I’d first joined.
"I’ve had the opportunity to campaign for a more equal world in various ways: from lobbying in Parliament to attending and speaking at events alongside key decision makers, to my more recent appointment as a Board Youth Delegate.
"I’ve grown a lot as a person and was lucky enough to meet some amazing people along the way. I’ve enjoyed every second collaborating with Plan staff and young people across the UK.
"Being part of YAP has only re-enforced my desire to work in the humanitarian sector where I can make a tangible difference to people’s lives—no matter how big or small that may be."
Aneurin, 19, YAP member
“The residentials were honestly my favourite parts of the year. The three that I've been on have been absolutely brilliant.
"I remember first meeting everyone and just bonding with people so quickly. It was absolutely amazing getting to know everyone and learning about their stories.
"Plan handle everything so well and honestly just make the weekends the most fun. Some of my favourite memories in the past few years have been my residentials with the YAP. It'll definitely be what I miss the most too!"
Poppy, 16, YAP member
