Dukes Foundation Youth Advisory Board

Who is the Dukes Foundation?
Established in 2021, the Dukes Foundation is the innovative charitable arm of Dukes
Education, a leading organisation of independent schools, colleges, and educators.
The Foundation’s mission is to change lives and create transformative opportunities through
strategic grant-making and developing impactful partnerships with charities.
We focus on various causes aimed at supporting young people, including mental health and
wellbeing, education, financial assistance, health, and environmental issues. Our goal is to
offer hope against all odds, igniting sparks that lead to brighter futures and meaningful social
impact. We lead with heart.

You can find out more at our website: www.dukesfoundation.org.uk

Our values
Inclusivity: We believe that all young people regardless of religion, race, gender, financial
circumstances, or physical or mental abilities, deserve the opportunity to participate fully in
educational, cultural and social activities.
Meaningfulness: We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young
people through provide to initiatives that align with our mission.
Passion: We are driven by an unwavering dedication to lifelong learning and being a catalyst
for change.
Ambition: We champion excellence and pushing boundaries to drive positive change.
Collaborativeness: We encourage and model collaboration and cooperation between the
Foundation, our parent company, Dukes Education, and our charity partners.
Transparency: We firmly believe in the necessity to uphold the utmost transparency on and
around in its business practices and grant making processes.

What is the Dukes Foundation Youth Advisory Board?

The Dukes Foundation is delighted to establish its first ever Youth Advisory Board
(“YAB” or “the Board”).

• The Board will ensure that young people who attend Dukes Education’s schools and
  colleges, are represented throughout all levels of the Foundation. It will also serve
  primarily as a student voice providing fresh insights, perspectives, and
  recommendations to enhance the Foundation’s work.
• Gain exclusive networking and mentoring opportunities with inspirational leaders in
  their fields.
• Develop essential leadership and personal development skills.
• Learn how an innovative grant-making foundation operates and engages with its
  stakeholders.
• Enhance your CV for future educational and employment opportunities.
• Acquire hands-on experience in grant making.

Your roles and responsibilities:
Members will have the opportunity to:

• Generate innovative ideas for the Foundation that align with its mission and enhance
  stakeholder engagement.
• Provide input on the Foundation’s grant-making programmes, policies, and initiatives
  to ensure they reflect the needs and aspirations of young people.
• Write blogs, design social media content, and lead advocacy campaigns that
  highlight issues affecting young people and raise awareness about the Foundation’s
  causes.
• Act as ambassadors, fostering engagement and collaboration between the
  Foundation and students across the Dukes network of schools and colleges.
• Develop and participate in peer-to-peer mentoring programmes within the YAB,
  offering guidance and support to newer members while enhancing leadership skills.
• Engage in feedback sessions with Foundation leaders to evaluate the effectiveness
  of initiatives and suggest improvements.
  

Meetings and special activities:

• The Board will meet termly, between October and April, with a mix of online and in-person meetings.
• These meetings will be facilitated by Foundation and the YAB chair.
• All members will have the opportunity to attend a Foundation board meeting, online
  or in person to observe the decision-making process and provide input where
  required.
• The YAB will participate in a grant making process, where they review proposals from
  small charities and decide on funding allocations. This initiative will induct members
  about philanthropy, ethical decision-making, and financial stewardship.
• YAB members will attend a series of interactive workshops and training sessions with
  influential guest speakers focused on developing their leadership skills in public
  speaking, project management, strategic thinking, and philanthropy. These sessions
  will be facilitated by senior leaders from Dukes Education and external experts.
• A special public thank you event will recognise the contributions and achievements of
  YAB members, celebrating their dedication, innovation, and positive impact on their
  communities.
  

Person Specification:

We seek passionate and enthusiastic young people with a keen interest in youth
issues.

• Experience on youth voice platforms or councils is preferred.
• Understanding or experience in volunteering, youth activism, or youth leadership
  opportunities.
• Ability to speak on issues affecting young people in the UK.
• A capacity to act as an ambassador for the Dukes Foundation online and at events.
• Willingness to learn about charity governance.
• Curiosity and openness to new learning opportunities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively
  in group settings.
• A proactive attitude towards problem-solving and a willingness to take initiative in
  projects.
• Interest or experience in digital content creation, social media, or marketing.
  

Terms and Conditions
Salary: This role is voluntary
Term: Six months (October 2024 to April 2025) with the option to be reappointed for a
second year
Location: Meetings will take place online and in person held at Dukes Education’s central
London offices in Victoria.
Expenses: The Foundation will cover members’ expenses, such as food and travel for face-to-face meetings.

How to Apply
To apply, please visit dukesfoundation.org.uk/yab to complete and submit the application form.

Board Recruitment Timetable
Activity Key 2024 dates

Applications process opens: September 20th

Applications deadlines: October 4th

Applicants notified of application outcome and invited to interview with Foundation Panel: October 9th

Candidates invited to an online interview with the Foundation panel between: October 14th – 18th

Candidates informed of interview outcomes: October 21st

Launch of Dukes Foundation YAB: November 7th – TBC