Involving Young People Collective (IYPC) – HUDL Youth Development Agency

The Involving Young People Collective is a group of paid consultants, aged 18-25, from across the UK, connected by their drive for social change. Over the past six years, the IYPC has co-created a challenging and engaging space where young people can lead, use their voice and make a real impact in the funding sector. Together, the consultants work to make funding fairer and more accessible nationally. We are now opening for our fifth round of recruitment!

As an IYPC consultant, you will shape who, what, and how Esmée Fairbairn Foundation funds. Your role will be to challenge, support, and influence practices and decisions, and to ensure young people’s voices are heard by the Foundation’s staff and trustees. The Collective is committed to being an inclusive and accessible space for all young people, and any support needs will be met in full. We encourage applications from young people living in rural areas and from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation is one of the UK’s largest independent funders. This means they use their wealth to support organisations, collectives and projects whose work fits within the Foundation’s strategy: To improve Our Natural World. Secure A Fairer Future. Nurture Creative, Confident Communities. Since 2020, the IYPC has been involved in deciding awarded funding of £16.04m. In 2025, Esmée provided £52.9m in grant funding.

Operating nationally, HUDL Youth Development Agency is dedicated to the personal and professional development of young people, particularly those from low socio-economic backgrounds, racialised communities, or who have faced other barriers to accessing these opportunities. HUDL works alongside funders, charities and businesses to meaningfully engage young people in social change through grantmaking, governance, networking and training. HUDL manages and coordinates the IYPC’s work and provides ongoing support and feedback to consultants and Esmée Fairbairn.

No experience is needed to apply! The majority of our consultants have never worked with or for a funding organisation before joining the IYPC. IYPC members, HUDL, and Esmée Fairbairn will guide and support you, and we offer a thorough induction process.

We’re looking for young people who:

• Have a passion for social impact and advocating for community-led change.
• Want to prioritise wellbeing and care in the youth sector.
• Care about young people being actively involved in decision-making.
• Are open to learning and challenging organisational and personal growth.
• Can manage their time and let us know if they need support.
• Are confident working online and in-person, and can communicate effectively in both environments.
• Have the capacity to be an engaged member of the Collective.
• Are able to work independently & meet deadlines.

What does an IYPC Consultant do?

• Attend online IYPC meetings and in-person events.
• Collaborate with other consultants and Esmée staff to design, lead and deliver projects.
• Review and advise on applications for funding alongside grant managers.
• Design and lead group work, including workshops, meetings and sprints.
• Provide advice as a critical friend to Esmée Fairbairn.
• Work independently in small groups with other consultants.
• Participate in regular check-ins for your own personal development.
• Attend fun and co-created socials.

Time commitment is typically 3-10 hours per month, but specific projects may require additional time. These additional projects are optional, and you don’t have to do everything! The Collective comes together in person three times a year on retreats and away days (these can be full-day or overnight engagements). Travel and expenses are fully covered.

You’ll be working alongside fellow new recruits, where you will have regular check-ins to help you settle in and get acquainted. You’ll work with the IYPC Coordinator – a HUDL member of staff – to get onboarded and familiar with the digital tools we use. You’ll receive guidance and training throughout your role, and we’ll tailor them to your role and ambitions. You will use online tools (e.g. Google Suite and Slack) to communicate with the Collective. You’ll have ongoing support from HUDL and Esmée Fairbairn.

Deadline for applications is April 19th 2026, 11.59 pm.