A new national body for youth leadership and representation has officially launched to restore and strengthen young people’s influence in UK policymaking. Youth Council UK (YCUK) is a youth-led initiative developed under the stewardship of the National Youth Agency (NYA), designed to empower young voices across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the crown dependencies.
YCUK will form an elected Executive Committee which will play a central role in shaping national and international priorities, ensuring youth perspectives are heard by government and decision-makers.
YCUK was created in response to the closure of the British Youth Council (BYC) in March 2024 and shaped by recommendations from What the Future Holds, a sector-wide consultation published by NYA in April 2025. Over the summer, NYA convened both a Youth Advisory Group and an Expert Advisory Group, whose collaboration has resulted in a truly youth-led model grounded in the principles of voice, influence, and impact.
”Developing a contemporary Youth Council for the UK has been made possible through the invaluable expertise and support of both advisory groups.
Esther Horner-AirdStrategic Youth Voice Lead at NYA
We’re now looking forward to welcoming members who reflect the diverse needs and lived experiences of young people across the four nations and cross dependencies.
Membership Now Open
YCUK is calling on youth organisations, political youth wings, youth councils, and any bodies where young people hold decision-making power to become members. Benefits include:
- Participation in national policy consultations and campaign working groups
- Preferential rates for leadership and safeguarding training
- Access to exclusive briefings, networking events, and voting rights at the AGM
- Recognition through the Youth Council UK Founder Member Mark
Membership fees are tiered by organisational turnover, with full membership beginning in April 2026. An initial joining fee of £50 applies.
Member organisations will nominate young people to stand for the YCUK Executive Committee, with elections scheduled for January 2026. The governance model has been co-designed by young leaders and sector experts to ensure authenticity, inclusivity, and accountability.
”YCUK sets a new precedent for youth leadership in the UK. It offers a unique ecosystem where young people from all backgrounds can collaborate on the issues that matter most to them. Its collective power will send a clear message to decision-makers about the priorities of UK youth today.”
Jasmine BrittanUK Young Ambassador and Youth Advisory Group member
