Did you know that there are RSPB Youth Groups across the UK, and our network is growing and expanding, so we need more inspirational Assistant Leaders to join our team!
You could be the person we need to join this adventure and help support young people in your area to learn about, explore and help the wildlife around them in a fun and engaging way.
Why we love our youth groups!
We know that if young people learn to love wildlife and nature they will want to protect it and be empowered to take meaningful action to defend it in their own communities.
You could be part of a team of like-minded, enthusiastic people who love nature and want our younger generations to experience that sense of awe when encountering the natural world and share the excitement of being part of a bigger movement to save nature.
What do you need to know?
* You’ll join a leadership team to run the group sessions and could help with a variety of tasks including programme planning, promotions, finance or admin tasks depending on what best suits your skillset.
* You need to enjoy working with young people –they are the heart of what we do
* You will be asked to complete a variety of training including induction and safeguarding and there are optional opportunities for further development in other areas such as Equality and Diversity
* We will ask you to commit to attend at least six sessions per year. The groups usually meet monthly so with preparation time you will need to give around 4-6 hours per month.
Why not get in touch and see how you would fit into this role?
Don’t just take our word for it! This is what one of our new volunteers says:
“The prospect of working as an Assistant Youth Leader, alongside professionals, who are equally passionate about conservation is both inspiring and motivating. I am eager to immerse myself in the team’s projects and contribute to the invaluable work that the RSPB is known for. Furthermore, I believe that being a part of the RSPB is not just a short‑term opportunity, but a steppingstone towards a long and fulfilling journey in my career. I look forward to working with the children, learning from my colleagues, and making a positive impact on the environment we all care deeply about.”
What you will be doing
* Helping to design, plan and deliver a programme of monthly outdoor activities and meetings that give young people opportunities to connect with and take and for nature through site visits, practical conservation tasks and outdoor learning.
* Alongside the group leadership team take on responsibilities for planning and delivering the meeting successfully such as promoting the group, undertaking risk assessments, maintaining first aid and safeguarding standards, keeping records or group finances or communicating with young members or parents.
* Sharing feedback and ideas with the group leadership team to evaluate the success of group meetings and help implement improvements as required.
* Leaders usually spend four to six hours per month for meetings and preparation depending on how the responsibilities are shared within the group leaders and what activities are planned. We expect you to be able to make at least six meetings a year.
The skills you need
* The ability to communicate well with young people and their families.
* You need to enjoy working with young people and have a passion for nature. You don’t need to be an expert as you will learn a lot as you go along.
* Ideas, commitment and passion to help create and run engaging sessions.
* A willingness to learn and to undertake training as needed for the role.
* Ability to be an excellent representative of the RSPB within the local community.
* Ability to work well as part of a team.
* Basic computer skills such as email and Microsoft Office.
What’s in it for you
* This role offers an exciting opportunity to make use of your skills and experiences, as well as your passion for nature, whilst ensuring the Youth Group flourishes.
* You will also be able to meet the RSPB’s aim to put young people at the heart of our mission to save nature. You will help to connect them to nature and create the leaders of the future.
* Not only this, but you will have opportunity to further develop your own skills and experiences, for example, leadership, teamwork and organisation skills. You will also have access to the RSPB suite of training packages to support your personal development and we will be available to support you along the way.
* You will be part of the wider RSPB youth group network and will have the opportunity to meet with and link up with youth group volunteers across the UK as well as support from local contacts such as a reserve, local adult group or regional youth group volunteer.
* An induction and relevant training will be provided, and will be able to offer you ongoing support to further develop the skills you need for this role.
* Why not get in touch and see how you would fit in the role?
IMPORTANT: if you are a member of RSPB staff please contact YGsupport@rspb.org.uk before applying.
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