British Orienteering Youth Voices Programme
The British Orienteering Youth Voices Programme is an initiative that empowers young people aged between 14-25 to have a voice in shaping the future of orienteering in Britain.
What is the Youth Voices Programme?
British Orienteering’s Youth Voices is our new approach to youth engagement and operates as a working group bringing together young people from across Britain who are passionate about orienteering.
The group offers young people the space, voice, audience and influence for them to:
- Share their perspectives and experiences
- Lead, collaborate and contribute to projects they believe will drive change
- Shape conversations with the orienteering community in Britain on youth engagement
- Influence decision-making within British Orienteering
- Help shape youth engagement, events, and initiatives
- Champion the power of youth perspectives, inclusivity and access to our sports
The group is part of British Orienteering’s wider work in growing and developing a community of young voices that represent diverse pathways into orienteering, both recreational and competitive.
Who Can Get Involved?
Young people aged 14–25* who:
- Have an interest in orienteering, whether forest and/or urban, sprint, middle and/or long and for fun or with serious ambitions
- Are keen to contribute ideas and collaborate with others
- Represent a range of backgrounds and experiences
We’re looking for individuals who want to be part of a positive, inclusive space where everyone’s voice matters.
*New members must be aged 23 at the time of joining, to allow for a full two-year term within the working group (as detailed in the Time Commitment section below).
What Do Members Do?
Youth Voices members will:
- Attend an in-person kick-off meeting and then online meetings throughout the year
- Participate in their chosen discussions, projects, and consultations
- Share ideas to help shape youth-focused policies and activities
- Support the British Orienteering Under-25 director
- Represent young people from local clubs or communities
- Work collaboratively with British Orienteering staff and volunteers
- Potential to attend and speak at events, or take on ambassadorial roles
Time Commitment
The Youth Voices group meets approximately every 2 months, mostly online, with the occasional in-person collaboration opportunities.
Members may be required to commit time to group projects and discussions in between the main group meetings. This may involve additional online meetings or doing some additional research or relevant tasks. This should be no more than 2 hours per week, but may vary depending on the project work taken on.
Ideally, members will join the Youth Voices working group for a 2-year cycle, with an option to extend.
We recognise and encourage that school, college, work, and other commitments come first. The panel is designed to be flexible and supportive of young people’s time and availability.
The Process
On receiving the initial round of notes of interests from young people we aim to respond to each individual within one month.
We may then invite the young persons to an informal discussion about their interest and provide an opportunity for any questions before making final decisions.
We aim to ensure we communicate whether they have been successful or not in securing a place with the Youth Voices programme to every young person.
Following decisions being made, the aim to is to hold an in-person kick off meeting in September/October (date and location to be confirmed).
Support and Safeguarding
British Orienteering is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all young people.
All activities follow British Orienteering’s safeguarding policies and procedures. These procedures also signpost who to speak to if you have any concerns.
Appropriate training is given, and DBS/PVG checks carried out for relevant staff/volunteers.
A minimum of 2 staff or volunteers working with the panel shall be present at all Youth Voices sessions, online or in person.
Parents/carers of group members aged u18 will be key points of contact throughout their child’s involvement and will be kept informed about upcoming events-based opportunities, travel, and possibility of residential stays.
We promote inclusive participation and are happy to discuss any access or support needs.
We also aim to support young people in recognising the skills they may gain from being part of the panel when going towards further volunteering and job opportunities. This may include support to identify future pathways within youth engagement and sport.
Media
British Orienteering shall seek permissions from young people and their parents/carers for their inclusion in media which can include photos, videos and audio recordings. This media will be used by British Orienteering to promote the Youth Voices group and their work on British Orienteering digital platforms, documents and presentations. To further promote the work of the panel, British Orienteering may also share content with wider partners such as Sport England, local authorities and other sporting organisations.
Where relevant, content may also be circulated within press releases and used by external media.
Benefits for Young People
Being part of the Youth Voices Panel helps young people to:
- Develop lifelong skills such as; confidence, teamwork, creativity and communication
- Potential to gain experience in project management, budgeting and public speaking
- Gain confidence in expressing their views and ideas within groups
- Connect with peers across Britain
- Make a positive impact in their community and sport
- Work with the staff, committee and board within British Orienteering
- Learn about future pathways within youth engagement and the sport industry
- Enhance their CV, personal statements, and future opportunities
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your young person’s involvement, please don’t hesitate to get in touch:
Email: jdowning@britishorienteering.org.uk
Thank You
Your encouragement and support can make a real difference in helping your young person engage meaningfully and grow in confidence through this programme.
We look forward to working with the first cohort of changemakers 😊