Paddle UK is recruiting for its Youth Forum!
Paddle UK is excited to announce that expressions of interest are now open to find its first Youth Forum members, an initiative dedicated to engaging and connecting with more young people across the paddling community.
Members of the Youth Forum will work closely with Paddle UK to identify more opportunities to better engage with young people, and grow participation in our activities, initiatives and content. They will also have the opportunity to provide input and guidance on key areas of work, such as safeguarding and welfare; volunteering; accessibility and inclusion; and recreation.
We're looking to work with a representative group of young people from across England, so we can continue to make sure that diverse lived experiences are at the heart of our delivery as an organisation. We want to hear from young volunteers, recreational paddlers, club members, athletes, and anyone else involved in paddling. Paddle UK encourages applications from young people of all backgrounds, and we will be providing additional shortlisting opportunities for applicants who have ethnically diverse backgrounds, or have a disability, as there is a recognised lack of diversity in our governance pathways by candidates from these communities.
Anyone between the ages of 14 and 21 can apply to join the Youth Forum, and you don't need to be a member of Paddle UK or a paddler. We're looking for independent (members who are not paddlers) and non-independent (members who are paddlers) members to help us understand more about how we can engage with more young people both inside and outside of the paddling community.
We're looking for members who are passionate about improving paddling and sport opportunities for young people, and interested in contributing to top-level change. Applicants should be collaborative, excellent team players, and have good communication skills. You can find out more about what we're looking for in Youth Forum members in the information document here.
Expressions of interest are now welcome until 11:59pm on Sunday 11th August 2024, and you can apply online here. Paddle UK will be kicking off the new Youth Forum with a launch event for successful applicants on Saturday 24th August 2024, so keep that date in your diary!
Please note: the Youth Forum will predominantly focus on England-based activities. Young people from the Home Nations are welcome to apply, but specific opportunities for young people to get involved more locally can be found on the Paddle Wales, Paddle Scotland and CANI websites.
If you have any questions about this opportunity that you would like to ask before applying, you require the application in a different format, or you would like to make a reasonable adjustment request to apply, please contact equality@paddleuk.org.uk.
