Youth Group Main Leader (Conwy WEX)

About the role

At the RSPB we are passionate about young people and about nature. Our youth groups play an important role in local communities, offering young people regular opportunities to explore the wild places close to them and to be supported by enthusiastic adult volunteers. The role involves working alongside a team of assistant and junior leaders to run activities that encourage young people to develop a passion for nature.

What you will be doing

• Design, plan and deliver a programme of monthly outdoor activities and meetings that give young people opportunities to connect with and learn about nature through site visits, practical conservation tasks and outdoor learning.
• Co‑ordinate and lead a team of assistant and junior leaders, agreeing roles for each team member to ensure meetings are planned and delivered safely and successfully.
• Promote the group within the local community and on social media to raise awareness and grow membership.
• Ensure that all meetings are risk assessed and that safeguarding and first aid standards are met, including attending relevant training.
• Liaise with site owners at meeting venues and ensure the group has access to equipment and resources as necessary.
• Maintain records of attendance that adhere to GDPR regulations and manage the group’s finances responsibly.
• Invite feedback from leaders and group members to evaluate the success of group meetings and implement improvements.
• Communicate with parents, group members and other youth group leaders.
• Work with your Country Youth Group Contact to ensure the smooth running of the group.
• Dedicate approximately two to five hours per month outside of meetings, depending on how responsibilities are shared.

Qualifications and skills

Essential:

• Experience of working with young people, creating and leading exciting activities based on the natural world.
• Excellent communication skills with people of all ages, including young people, parents and volunteers.
• Leadership, motivational and organisational skills with the ability to work as a team and share tasks.
• Self‑motivated, proactive and able to take initiative.
• Willingness to undertake training as required for the role.
• High‑quality representative of the RSPB within the local community.
• Access to the internet and an email address for communication.

Desirable (though not essential):

• Experience of writing and completing risk assessments.
• Knowledge of budget management.
• Understanding of GDPR guidelines and experience of storing data and documents in line with these.
• Experience of inducting and leading teams of volunteers.
• Experience of promoting events or activities.

What’s in it for you

• Opportunity to use and develop leadership, teamwork and organisational skills.
• Access to the RSPB suite of training packages to support personal development.
• Inclusion in the wider RSPB youth group network, with opportunities to connect with volunteers across the UK.
• Volunteer cards after 50 hours, providing discounts and free entry to RSPB nature reserves.

Eligibility

Suitable for applicants under 18. Mandatory training includes Safeguarding Level 1 & 2 and GDPR (for those handling data). All applicants are subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check (England and Wales), AccessNI in Northern Ireland or a Protected Vulnerable Groups Scheme registration in Scotland. Successful candidates will also register with the Update Service where appropriate.

Legal & compliance

The RSPB will reimburse out‑of‑pocket travel expenses and provide required equipment, training and any uniform needed for the role. All applications are subject to the RSPB Safeguarding Policy.