Applications to join the Youth Panel in 2026 open on 14th September.
The deadline to apply is 9pm, Sunday 27th September 2026.
Application process
We welcome application forms from all young people regardless of your experience or background. Please note that this is a voluntary role. We will conduct short virtual interviews with shortlisted candidates.
Applicants must be:
- Aged between 16-18 at the time of applying
- Based in the UK (though we’re especially keen on looking for representatives from Scotland and Wales)
- Be able to attend the Youth Panel in-person residential Friday 6th – Sunday 8th November at Preston Montford, Shropshire (costs will be covered)
- Able to commit a couple of hours per month for meetings and associated tasks
The application will require a parent or guardian to complete several questions
Application questions
The application process asks you three main questions that help us to understand who you are and how you would like to help youth engagement within the Field Studies Council:
- Please tell us a bit about yourself, your experiences and what motivates you to join the Field Studies Council’s Youth Panel. (Max 200 words).
Ideas for answers: How do you connect with the outdoors? Do you have any other volunteer roles? What are you most interested in being involved with? Why do you want to be a voice and representative for young people?
- What are you hoping to learn in the role? (Max 200 words)
Ideas for the answers: What skills do you hope to develop in the role? What excites you about the opportunity of being on the Youth Panel? How might the role support you in the future?
- What could you bring to the Panel and what do you hope to achieve as a Panel member? (Max 300 words)
Ideas for answers: Do you have any particular skills or experiences to bring to the Panel? What will set you apart from the other applicants? How do you intend to balance the Panel duties with other commitments e.g. school?
We recommend writing your answers to the above questions on Microsoft Word or Google Docs and pasting the answers into the application form once complete.
If you find answering online forms difficult and would rather talk through and answer the application questions, you may record your answers in video or audio format (3 minutes max per question). If you choose this option, please email the files to [email protected].
Applications open at midday on the 14th September 2026 and close on the 27th September at 9.00 pm. You will hear at the start of October regarding the outcome of your application.
Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to a short virtual interview taking place on 13th or 14th October (flexibility for alternatives). This will allow us to get to know you a little better and give you the chance to ask a current Youth Panel member any questions you may have. Interview questions can be shared in advance.
Expectations and engagement
Members recruited in autumn 2026 are expected to be in role for 2 years. This is a voluntary role.
The Youth Panel meets in-person once a year for a residential weekend at a Field Studies Council centre. This year, the residential will take place Friday 6th – Sunday 8th November at Preston Montford. Applicants will be asked to confirm their availability for this date.
Monthly online meetings alternate between weekday evenings, generally Monday, Wednesday or Thursday, from 6-7:15pm.We understand that members of the Youth Panel may need more flexibility at certain times of year.
There is an expectation that Youth Panel members attend a minimum of four meetings per year and contribute to associated tasks/projects.
The Youth Panel is what you make of it and there will be opportunities to expand your skills and experiences in your areas of interest.
What’s in it for me?
As a Youth Panel member, you will gain an insight into the workings of one of the UK’s leading environmental education charities. Members of the Youth Panel are key members of the Field Studies Council, who have the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions about the organisation’s provision for young people.
You will also meet other young naturalists and environmentalists throughout your term on the Panel.
In addition, there will be opportunities to:
- Attend funded residential weekend at a field centre in the UK.
- Participate in training opportunities, including heavily subsidised Biodiversity Courses (online and in-person).
- Network and collaborate with other young people passionate about nature.
- Gain valuable transferable skills, including meeting skills, decision-making, and influence within the environmental education sector.
- Create content for social media and blogs for sharing on Field Studies Council channels as well as your own channels.
- Represent young people at decision-making meetings with Field Studies Council staff and trustees, and represent Field Studies Council at events or conferences.
If you have any questions about the application and selection process, please email [email protected]
Field Studies Council Youth Panel
The Field Studies Council Youth Panel is a UK-wide group of young people helping shape nature education and youth engagement through strategic insight and feedback.