Becoming a British Youth Council Trustee: Information Pack

Contents Introduction ...... 3 Information about the British Youth Council ...... 4 Governance and the Board role ...... 6 Overview of the process of becoming a trustee ...... 10 Role Specification: Trustee ...... 12 Role Specification: BYC Chair ...... 15 Role Specification: Vice-Chair Finance ...... 18 Role Specification: Vice-Chair Participation and Development ...... 20 Role Specification: Vice-Chair Campaigns and Communications . 21 Candidate Statement ...... 22 Election rules for 2016 ...... 23 Appendix 1: History of BYC ...... 25

Introduction Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee of the British Youth Council (BYC).

There are four officer vacancies

The officers (below) are elected every year, on a one year term:

• Chair

• Vice-Chair Finance

• Vice-Chair Participation and Development

• Vice-Chair Campaigns and Communications

Additionally, there are the following trustee vacancies:

• 4 x 2 year terms

You can apply to stand for both. Existing trustees and officers can, and do, stand again (unless they are too old.)

BYC encourages diversity in both its membership and Board – applications are welcome from all areas of the UK, all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientation, needs and backgrounds.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us at [email protected].

Information about the British Youth Council Our Vision, Mission and Values A world where all young people are respected and able to influence and inform decisions that affect their lives or on which they have strong views.

Our Mission

• To be, as the national youth council of the United Kingdom, committed to ensuring that those aged 25 and under, are represented and participate fully and actively as citizens. • To inspire people about the positive contribution that young people can make to their communities, our nation and the world. • To empower young people with skills, knowledge and confidence to advance their rights and views to take part in decision-making. • To campaign with our members and those who share our values, for a better world that gives young people the recognition they deserve

Our Values

Participation – We value meaningful participation of young people, enabling and empowering them to bring about a better world for all. Inclusion – We value the inclusion of all, by working with young people from all backgrounds, cultures and ages to ensure a rich mix. Equality – We value all young people equally, promoting their rights equally, in the UK, and around the world. Youth Leadership – We value and nurture youth leadership, creating tomorrow’s leaders today, for a better future. Recognition – We value the recognition of young people’s achievements, publicly valuing them as part of our society.

Our strategic plan 2014-2017 and the role of the Board:

The BYC Board appoints a CEO who recruits a team of staff who, in turn, fundraise and run a programme of works that fulfill its aims and mission. This is our strategic plan and is reviewed every three years. It is, along with our rules and constitution, what trustees are there to ensure takes place. We also, as a youth-led Board, have additional roles as ambassadors and volunteers to help move the work forward. The plan is reviewed with every new intake of trustees to re-prioritise our objectives. There are eight in total, which are divided into “core” and “enabling”.

These are the CORE objectives:

These are the Enabling Objectives:

These objectives are translated into work plans for our staff and opportunities for volunteers.

In the coming years we are therefore committed to identifying and leading priority campaigns, such as the League of Young Voters campaign, and Votes at 16, and work programmes such as Youth Voice which empower young people to have their say in society – through Local Youth Councils, Young Mayors Network and the UK Youth Parliament. We have recently negotiated with the Government to include two national scrutiny bodies – the Youth Select Committee and the National Scrutiny Group – both of which seek to use the views of young people to inform and influence public policy. These structures are fed by locally elected representatives and national issues selected in a national ballot, with a series of complementary training, debating and learning opportunities held in-between – both locally and nationally. We also have a historic role as the national youth council of the UK to represent youth views to Europe, the Commonwealth and beyond. All of this work is funded by grants, donations and more recently income from selling services and training to others. Much of this is also educational and in line with our goals and qualifies our organisations to be operated as a charitable company. Legally, this must be run by a

Board of Trustees. We chose that these are elected – but their duties are also defined by law.

We communicate our work through a fortnightly bulletin called the Voice and on our website. If you are applying to be a trustee you should at least know about our work, get the Voice and perhaps already have been involved in our membership. The BYC does a lot of different things and someone already familiar with BYC will have an advantage when it comes to governing it as a trustee.

Governance and the Board role The Board of Trustees is legally responsible for the charity. We have decided that the Board is made up of people aged 16-25. There are 13 trustees, which includes the four officer positions of: Chair, Vice Chair Finance, Vice Chair Participation and Development, and Vice Chair Campaigns & Communication. All of the officers are trustees. We have decided that they have extra work to do in relation to their position.

The Board meets 6 times a year and along with the other duties, whilst voluntary, represent a big time commitment and hard work.

Dates (these dates are subject to confirmation at the induction):

th th • 7 - 9 October 2016 (Induction and First Board)

• 10th December 2016

• 11th-12th March 2017

th • 6 May 2017

• 8th July 2017

• 1st and 2nd September 2017 (Board meeting and Annual Council Meeting)

To get an idea of the sort of things Board meetings cover you can look at the minutes of those meetings. These are available on our website. Governance is not the same as representation. Trustees are not campaigning or running programmes – but are overseeing the good management of a charity and company. There are opportunities to also be media spokespeople and there will be special opportunities to be volunteers on campaigns – but these are additional and involve a big time commitment – but perhaps that’s exactly why you want to get involved.

BYC is a registered charity and also a company ‘limited by guarantee’ (company number: 6226595). This means there are no shareholders. Everything we do is to further our charitable purposes. Being a company means we can have trustees who are aged 16 (otherwise minimum age is 18). Because we are both a charity and a company, our trustees are also directors.

BYC employs staff, led by the Chief Executive who is appointed by the Board. They are responsible for the day-to-day operational running of the charity.

Legal duty As a charity and a company we have a two legal documents that govern how we run. These are called the “Memorandum and Articles of Association”. We also have a rule book which governs how things work within BYC. Copies of the legal documents, rule book, and minutes of previous board meetings can be found here: http://www.byc.org.uk/about-us/governance.aspx You can also view or profile on the Charity Commission website. If you want to find out more about our current Board of Trustees visit: http://www.byc.org.uk/about-us/meet-us/the-byc-board.aspx.

Trustees are legally responsible for the charity and have responsibility for ensuring it is well run, is financially secure, and doing the work it is meant to be doing. There are specific legal and other duties. It is recommended you look at the Charity Commission ‘Hallmarks of an effective trustee’ guidance, which can be found at: http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/Publications/cc3.aspx.

Responsibilities

As well as the legal duties and those detailed in the Charity Commission guidance, BYC defines the responsibilities of the Board in its rule book and these can be summarised as follows

• to set the vision, values and objectives of the organisation • to develop the strategic direction of the organisation, sometimes using subcommittee to do this work. • to act on behalf of BYC as a decision making body on some policy matters as set in Council Meetings • to appoint from its members and from member organisations, representatives as necessary • to represent the Council to other bodies, and allocate representation opportunities to the most appropriate committees • to be responsible for all financial and legal aspects of the organisation, including buildings property and assets of BYC • to promote BYC to external organisations, and review and develop partnerships • to be responsible for the appraisal of their own work,

As a trustee, you would be acting collectively as part of the Board of Trustees. Together, the Board is responsible for all of the points above.

Trustees are volunteers they are not paid. Reasonable expenses can however be paid (e.g. to reimburse travel costs). Remuneration is available for the Chair in connection with the duties carried out, over and above that of a trustee.

Our commitment to you

Every year we have a full two day induction after the Annual Council Meeting. All trustees must attend this induction. The induction provides new trustees with information about BYC, and about the role of a trustee; refreshes the knowledge of

existing trustees; gives you an opportunity to hear from some staff; and provides an opportunity for team building amongst the Board.

Additionally, throughout the year other training and information is provided to help you in your role as a trustee. This includes a presentation and explanation of BYC’s finances.

All of the above applies to trustees and officers.

Information about the sort of person we’re looking for to become a Trustee

Being a trustee is a great experience and can be very rewarding, but it is not for everyone. It is important you know what we’re looking for in a trustee. The requirements below are important. We will be assessing whether you meet the requirements to be able to put you forward for election at the Annual Council Meeting. These requirements apply to officers as well as other trustees.

Who gets elected?

At the end of the day it will be up to our members to vote and choose. In recent years we have seen an increase in candidates to choose from, in age range from 16- 25, and from a wide range of experience. So we now have two rounds of elections where the second round is live hustings at our ACM.

Successful candidates include existing trustees standing for a second term, or stepping up to try for an officer role, that’s not unexpected as members want to see experience and continuity. We have, however, also seen young first timers join the Board, sometimes from our membership but not always. We have had candidates – especially for the finance role - who were perhaps not connected with BYC but had a strong knowledge of finance. We’ve also benefited from people who were heavily involved in membership and had been part of delegations to ACM in previous years; others have been volunteers on programmes or elected representatives in school councils, mayors, councils or youth parliament. Some have been involved in youth participation or representative roles in their member organisation. We are proud to have a Board that is made up of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures – it is also important to note that there is no qualification requirement to be a trustee. So why not read about our existing Board on our website.

NB: Young people who are members of following BYC programmes are only eligible to stand for BYC Board roles if they subsequently stand down, if elected, from being: Members of Youth Parliament, member of UKYP PG group, member of Youth Select Committee, Member of NHS Youth Forum. This is because of potential conflict of interest.

Additional roles within the Board

As well as the specific Officer roles, we also have trustees who lead on certain areas of work and these are appointed at the October induction weekend. (You need to attend this). This isn’t to say that the other trustees don’t take an interest in these areas. Instead, due to the work involved, we ask a trustee (or a number of trustees) to carry out certain work and then report back to the Board. These roles include:

• Risk champion – Board Member who leads on the maintenance and scrutiny of the risk register.

• Human Resources – Board Member who liaises with the Chief Executive in reviewing human resource policies.

• Policy Response Group (PRG) - Three Board Members who give rulings and provide advice, based on existing policy, when there is an urgent need for a new policy.

• Financial Strategy Group (FSG) – Two trustees along with the Vice Chair Finance and Chair who meet regularly to look at financial strategy and fundraising.

• Grievance - named Board Member in case of a grievance in line with our grievance policy.

• Search group - Three Board Members who lead on the recruitment of trustees.

• Governance - Board Member who leads on governance related issues, including the rulebook.

• Annual Council Meeting sub-group – Three Board Members who advise on content and format of ACM, and act as Chair and Deputy Chair on the day.

Overview of the process of becoming a trustee To apply to be a trustee you first need to:

1. Complete the ‘BYC Trustee Application Pack’

2. Complete a 1 page candidate statement (this will not be seen by the search group. Some examples will be made available online for you to view)

3. Apply online at http://www.mi-nomination.com/byc

Young people who are members of following BYC programmes are only eligible to stand for BYC Board roles if they subsequently stand down, if elected, from being: Members of Youth Parliament, member of UKYP PG group, member of Youth Select Committee, Member of NHS Youth Forum. This is because of potential conflict of interest.

We will then read all of the applications to assess whether they meet the criteria set out in the ‘Specification of roles’. We may invite a number of people to be interviewed by telephone or Skype. Unfortunately we may not interview all people who send in an application form. If you are shortlisted for interview, you may be telephoned/Skyped for an interview on, 18th and 19th June 2016. It is important you are available on one of these dates. The interview will assess in more detail how you meet the criteria.

NB: If shortlisted, it will not be possible to rearrange an interview for a different date, so you must ensure that you are available for interview before applying.

Trustee Candidate elections:

Part One: If you are successful at this stage you will be put through to the first stage election which will take place online and will reduce the number of candidates going through to ACM to 12. BYC Members will vote for a period of three weeks online using a secure voting site.

Part Two: If you are elected as one of the top 12 candidates in this election you will go through to the final ballot at the Annual Council Meeting (ACM) on Saturday 3rd September 2016.

Officer Candidates:

This election is in one part and happens at the ACM on Saturday 3rd September 2016. You are able to stand for both trustee and officer elections at the same time. It is possible the search group may not approve your application for officer but determine you are eligible for the role of trustee. If you are approved for an officer position by the search group but subsequently lose the election your name will remain on the ballot for a trustee position.

Election Timetable:

Monday 11th April 2016 Applications for Trustees open

Friday 13th May 2016 Deadline for Trustee applications (@23:59)

Friday 27th May 2016 Applicants notified if invited to interview

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19thJune 2016 Interviews

By Wednesday 22nd June 2016 Applicants notified if name put forward to election

Monday 27th June 2016 Candidate statements online, notified in Members Mail

Friday 8th July 2016 Trustee elections part one – voting opens

Friday 29th July 2016 Trustee elections part one – voting closes

Saturday 3rd September 2016 Annual Council Meeting

If you have any questions about the process, or anything else in this pack, please get in touch with us at: [email protected]

Role Specification: Trustee Questions on the application forms are framed to determine if you meet these criteria. You must provide sufficient information or evidence. Sometimes good candidates do not provide sufficient information at this stage SO PLEASE READ THE CRITERIA CAREFULLY.

All candidates must meet the basic trustee criteria. Officer roles are more detailed and should demonstrate some previous experience of trusteeship or have qualities/experience that would show they could go straight into this role

I. Qualities of a trustee

Being a trustee can be challenging at times. There can often be lots of information to read, and important decisions to make.

We’re looking for someone who:

• knows the work of BYC

• will put the interests of BYC first over their own personal or political views

• is committed to youth participation

• can make sure they have enough time to be a trustee and ambassador

• is good at thinking and planning ways we can achieve our vision

• has good judgement when we have to make choices or set priorities

• can think creatively to solve problems

• works well with other people as part of a team

• is happy asking questions, scrutinising and making sure things are being done properly

• can demonstrate an ability to act with integrity, objectivity, openness and honesty

II. Knowledge, experience and skills

We want to make sure the Board has trustees with a range of knowledge and skills. We don’t expect everyone to have knowledge of every area but between us we need to be able to cover the areas below.

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate knowledge and skills in some of the following areas:

• governance

• strategic planning

• human resources

• communication

• finance and fundraising

• legal matters

• youth organisations

• policy (in particular in areas related to BYC’s work)

III. Work of BYC

As well as the things listed above, it is also important you understand the work of BYC, its programmes projects and campaigns. All this information is on the website on in our bulletins.

IV. Commitment

For the Board to work well we need all trustees to turn up to meetings and certain events.

We need someone who can commit to:

• attend induction and Board meetings.

• spend time reading papers to prepare for them The meetings are usually held on a Saturday in London (expenses are paid).

• attend Convention or meetings in one of the regions or devolved nations in relation to members, such as the Equality4You seminars and National Members Days. These take place throughout the year, frequently at weekends and in different parts of the UK.

• attend the Annual Council Meeting September 2017.

• spend around 10 hours per month on activity such as reading Board papers and other information.

• Volunteer to take on specific sub group roles such as attending Finance, Search Group, CEO review meetings, which take please in addition to Board meetings.

V. Other requirements

There are just a few more requirements. We need someone who:

• will be aged 16-25 on the day of election

• are allowed by law (both company law and charity law) to be a trustee. This means that you must not be disqualified from being a trustee or director. The following are disqualified:

o anyone who has an unspent conviction for an offence involving deception or dishonesty;

o anyone who is an undischarged bankrupt;

o anyone who has been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the Court or the Commissioners for misconduct or mismanagement; and

o anyone under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986.

• Is willing to go through the enhanced criminal record/vetting and barring check • Is not subject to a disqualification Order under the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 or Protection of Vulnerable Adults List.

Role Specification: BYC Chair The Chair is vital to the success of BYC. As well as acting as a trustee there is a significant amount of other work that the Chair undertakes.

The information here is in addition to that above at part 4 – ‘The trustee’.

I. The Chair has the following responsibilities:

• to lead the Board in all their statutory duties and in the development and achievement of BYC’s strategy. • to act as line manager to the Chief Executive • to maintain positive working relationships with all board members, the Chief Executive, staff team, member organisations and external organisations. • to seek external advice on behalf of the board where necessary and appropriate. • to promote the organisation through formal and informal networks • to be accountable to the members and funders for the performance of the organisation • to provide candid and constructive criticism, advice and comments • annually to review the performance of the board and take steps to improve its performance • to prepare the business of the Board meeting, chair discussions of the Board and ensure effective decision-making. • other responsibilities as necessary

In addition to the training and induction provided to trustees we also offer a mentoring service to the Chair to assist their personal development in fulfilling this role. Whilst non-members or those not already on the Board can apply direct to be the Chair - you will need to demonstrate sufficient experience to the Search Group to be a suitable candidate - either by being a current BYC trustee, or trustee with a similar organisation, or can demonstrate similar experience.

If considering whether to apply for the role of Chair candidates should speak to the Chief Executive, James Cathcart, to get a better understanding of what is involved.

He is contactable at: [email protected] or on 0207 250 8381

II. Remuneration (payment) - Unlike all other positions the Chair is able to claim some remuneration. Note – in 2012/13 and 13/14 the elected Chairs have waived their right to claim any remuneration.

The criteria for the remuneration are as follows:

1. That remuneration can be claimed in recognition and compensation of time spent for those duties over and above those of other trustees and officers and which only the Chair can undertake and determined/requested by the CEO. 2. The amount is £10.00 per hour.

3. There would be a maximum ceiling of 250 hours (or 40 days) or £2500 set aside. But it is anticipated that actual time would range from 20-25 days or 140-175 hours/£1750. 4. Claims would be countersigned by CEO and reported to Financial Strategy Group.

Eligibility of claim - includes:

• Time spent as Chair attending bespoke meetings with Senior Management team • Representing BYC to the media when no other trustee or role is appropriate and only the Chair is requested • Representing BYC to other organisations and Ministers when no other trustees is appropriate or the Chair is specifically requested • Representing the charity to potential funders when no other trustee is appropriate or the Chair is specifically requested • Writing time and working travel time in relation to the above.

This doesn’t include:

• Supervision / meeting the CEO • Board meetings • Financial Strategy Group meetings • Annual Council Meeting • representing BYC when other trustees could also fulfill this role • attending other work groups as a volunteer of the Board – e.g. Search Group, European representative etc.

ROLE SPECIFICATION:

Information about the sort of person we’re looking for Chair:

The Chair is vital to the success of BYC. As well as acting as a trustee there is a significant amount of other work that the Chair undertakes.

The requirements here are in addition to those of other trustees, listed above at “a) trustee”.

III. Qualities of a Chair

The role of Chair is the most demanding and requires great commitment. We’re looking for someone who:

• can make sure they have enough time to carry out the duties of the Chair • is a strong leader • is an excellent communicator • can manage relationships with staff, volunteers, and others • is dedicated • has excellent judgement • can build and develop a team of people • has excellent long-term vision

• is excellent at ensuring a vision is implemented • can manage their own time

IV. Knowledge and skills

We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate knowledge and skills in the following areas: (Support and advice is available to the Chair to fulfil these roles – e.g. Mentor)

• management of peers • line management of staff • policy (in particular in areas related to BYC’s work) • networking • the youth sector • chairing a meeting • strategic planning • public speaking and speaking to the media

V. ADDITIONAL Experience

We are looking for someone with experience of: • being a trustee either in BYC or other charity, company or union (such as NUS) • BYC and its membership, either as a member, worker, volunteer to other direct involvement • being in a leadership role

As well as the things listed above, it is vital you understand the work of BYC.

The role of Chair is a big time commitment – at least a few hours every week, including attending meetings in London with Government, media opportunities, receptions, prize giving, meeting the CEO monthly, meeting the staff team, as well as the Board meetings and training. Many struggle to do it alongside a full time job, but its not impossible. Note –the remuneration is more recognition and should not be regarded as enough to be a paid p/t job as the requirements can vary, and the paid part only applies to some duties.

Role Specification: Vice-Chair Finance Vice-Chair Finance is an important role in ensuring BYC complies with all legal reporting requirements placed on charities and companies. This officer plays a key role in leading the development of BYC’s financial strategy and fundraising strategy.

The information here is in addition to that above at “a) trustee”.

The Vice-Chair Finance has responsibility for:

• chairing the Financial Strategy Group

• developing the board’s knowledge of BYC’s finances

• carrying out detailed scrutiny of BYC’s finances

• liaising where appropriate with the Chief Executive, Chair and accountants

• deputising for the Chair as required

This role is not, however, an operational one. The Chief Executive has responsibility for financial management and budget drafting.

This role is supported by the Chief Executive who works closely with that person. If you want to find out more about the role you can contact the Chief Executive, James Cathcart, at [email protected] or on 0207 250 8381

ROLE SPECIFICATION:

Information about the sort of person we’re looking for Vice-Chair Finance

The role of Vice-Chair Finance is important in ensuring BYC complies with all legal reporting requirements placed on charities and companies.

The requirements here are in addition to those of other trustees, listed above at “a) trustee”.

I. Qualities of a Vice-Chair Finance

For the Vice-Chair Finance we’re looking for someone who:

• can make sure they have enough time to be Vice-Chair Finance

• is focused with a good attention to detail

• enjoys finance

• is a clear communicator

• works well as part of a team, including with senior staff

II. Knowledge, experience and skills

This role, more than any other, requires a certain level of knowledge and skills. We require someone with the following: Whilst this list may seem daunting – lots of support and development is offered, and we have found people with previous experience of finance, or in a trustee role relating to finance, can be trained.

• understanding of finance, ideally acquired through studying for some form of financial qualification

• knowledge of basic accounting principles

• knowledge of charity finance, or a willingness to learn

• knowledge of SORP 2005, or a willingness to learn

• ability to work with a financial mentor to monitor the financial viability of the organisation

• ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships

• ability to develop other trustees in their understanding of BYC’s finances

• awareness of financial strategy and fundraising in a charity context, or a willingness to learn

III. Commitment

In addition to the commitments of a trustee, we require you to commit to the following:

• weekly communication with other officers

• around two days per month of time

• attendance of the Financial Strategy Group meetings

• meet as required with financial mentors and auditors

The Chief Executive, who works closely with that person, supports this role. If you want to find out more about the role you can contact the Chief Executive, James Cathcart, at [email protected] or on 0207 250 8381

Role Specification: Vice-Chair Participation and Development The Vice-Chair Participation and Development is the Board’s lead champion on empowering young people internally and externally and looking at ways to further develop BYC’s work

The information here is in addition to that above at “a) trustee”.

The Vice-Chair Participation and Development is responsible for:

• leading on BYC’s participation and development activities (including membership) so that a wide range of young people are not only communicated with but are engaged with our work as volunteers, not just at ACM.

• liaising where appropriate with the Chief Executive

• deputising for the Chair as required

The role is not, however, operational and will be supported by staff.

This role would particularly suit someone with experience of our membership

ROLE SPECIFICATION:

Information about the sort of person we’re looking for Vice-Chair Participation and Development

I. Knowledge and skills

In addition to the qualities, knowledge and skills listed at “a) trustees” we’re looking for someone who has the following knowledge and skills:

• experience of BYC’s membership

• experience of youth participation

• excellent communication skills

• ability to liaise with staff

II. Commitment

In addition to the commitments of a trustee, we require you to commit to the following:

• weekly communication with other officers

• around two days per month of time

• attendance at other meetings, such as Conventions, Members days or planning and advisory meetings with staff

Role Specification: Vice-Chair Campaigns and Communications The Vice-Chair Campaigns & Communications is the Board’s lead champion on BYC’s campaigns internally and externally and will look at ways to develop our communications and build our brand.

The information here is in addition to that above at “a) trustee”.

The Vice-Chair Campaigns and Communications is responsible for:

• leading on BYC’s campaigns and communications activity by taking a leading role in the BYC’s priority campaigns, raising their profile (media) and mobilising young people to join them

• liaising where appropriate with the Chief Executive

• deputising for the Chair as required

The role is not, however, operational and will be supported by staff.

ROLE SPECIFICATION

Information about the sort of person we’re looking for:

I. Knowledge, experience and skills

In addition to the qualities, knowledge and skills listed at “a) trustees” we’re looking for someone who has the following knowledge and skills:

• experience of campaigning or activism

• knowledge of BYC’s campaigns

• knowledge of BYC’s policies

• excellent communication skills

• ability to liaise with senior staff

II. Commitment

In addition to the commitments of a trustee, we require you to commit to the following:

• weekly communication with other officers

• around two days per month of time – reading briefs as part of the BYC Policy Response Group where you will decide what BYC policy line is on certain current affairs issues between Board and Council meetings.

• attendance at other meetings, such as with the Deputy CEO on campaigns, or with a campaign steering group – e.g. the League of Young Voters; update with the CEO on Communications.

• Attending for Chair at invitation event

Candidate Statement Every Trustee or Officer candidate can make a written statement about themselves and why BYC members should vote for them. In previous years, this was called a “manifesto” which, candidates could design. However, the Search Group have amended the rules slightly to so that all statements will have a universal neutral design. Instead, we would ask candidates to answer some questions to a word limits and these will be posted online and printed on the day in a standard neutral design. Candidates can still reference their own Facebook/Twitter/social media sites and take questions by email. Candidates will also be questioned by voting members on an election Facebook group.

Good practice guidance: essentially, this statement should state why you would make a good trustee/director, and ambassador for BYC – the skills, experience, networks, ambition. Take some time before you write it to think about what you believe you can achieve and what voters of varying ages, would respond to.

• Be concise and use clear language. Avoid long, complicated words, you won't win awards for being clever and you might just alienate important voters.

• Set out the goals for how you would assist the organisation achieve its objectives - ensure they are realistic and achievable.

• Your statement is about you and not about your opponents. Avoid discrediting and disrespecting others as it is not professional and ultimately it could lead to a libel lawsuit!

• Be relevant. Give examples of where you have shown the qualities required. The role is a balance of what you bring as an individual to the team.

• Be creative and inspiring. However, there are rules so make sure that you are not overstepping the mark.

• This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate to BYC members how your skills and personal attributes make you the best candidate for the role you are standing for.

• Make sure you have included an email address at least that people can use to contact you with questions, and you may include a weblink if you have a personal page that tells more about you, but we would ask that you don’t use a link to produce more pages about your candidacy elsewhere.

Election rules for 2016 A. A list of candidates and the roles they are standing for will be posted on the BYC website and we will notify all members by email.

B. Candidates are not allowed to produce (written) any other publicity apart from candidate’s statement.

C. Candidates may accept invitations to meet member organisations before ACM as long as they do this at their own expense and all candidates are invited too.

D. Candidates should not hold their own events to promote their candidacy.

E. All Candidates must follow BYC’s Equal Opportunities policy.

F. Candidates are able to speak to members about their own candidacy but note that not all members will be attending, or may not decide who their delegates will be until later in the summer.

G. Candidates must not criticise or run down other candidates .

H. Candidates may attend BYC Convention (or another BYC events) who are booked as part of their membership organisation, delegation or as members of the current BYC trustee board.

I. Candidates who attend as a current officer or trustee may be asked to do speeches or welcome people at BYC Conventions or another BYC event. They will follow a pre agreed script which will be written in conjunction with the BYC staff team.

J. Candidates attending Convention or ACM should not use the sessions and organised activities to promote their candidacy.

K. The BYC office cannot provide support to any individual candidates for their canvassing or preparation because not only would it be practically difficult to supply the contact data about who has booked, because at this point only a handful of organisations have reserved spaces and we don’t have individual emails for all the delegates, we also don’t have permission to share everyone’s contact data from our database.

L. BYC will write to all delegation leaders explaining who is standing, where to read the candidate's statement and highlighting the fact that candidates have published contact details and that they could get in touch with questions.

M. Candidates can look up who is in our membership on our website which has just been updated, and last year’s draft minutes of Council show who attended, and indicate the kind of issues which were relevant at the time. So whilst its possible for you to contact members its worth bearing in mind that they will not all be attending.

N. If any of these guidelines are broken, candidates and member organisations are able to complain to the returning officer who will determine an appropriate response from:

• a verbal warning

• a written warning and members who attend ACM informed

• removal of the candidate from election

O. This is your candidate statement for a governance role – it’s not about deciding campaigning priorities - like Votes at 16 - which is decided by the membership in a different process of building our BYC manifesto and having a campaign priority votes.

P. The Returning Officer for this election is the British Youth Council CEO – James Cathcart.

Q. The Returning Officer will be the final interpreter of these rules.

Appendix 1: History of BYC BYC has been around since 1948; more than six decades of empowering young people to have a say and be heard. In 2008 we celebrated 60 years of our activities - that's a lot of young people, youth issues, music, fashions, governments and politics.

Uniting young people across Britain since 1948

BYC was born into a tense world of international relations just after World War Two. Established by the Foreign Office of the British Government in 1948 in preparation for the 'World Assembly on Youth', the original purpose of BYC was to unite young people in Britain against the forces of communism.

Independence in the free-thinking 60's

In 1963 BYC gained independence from the British Government, and we've been a charity working to champion the opinions of young people ever since. BYC's work to bring together youth councils across the UK really took off in the late Sixties, before expanding into developing our own network of local youth councils. This move was championed by then BYC staff member John Denham, now Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Supporting young people's causes in the 70's

In the 1970s BYC really made an impact, helping build the profile of youth politics. In 1971, Prime Minister Edward Heath gave the keynote speech at the 'World Assembly on Youth' organised by BYC in Manchester. By now, BYC's tradition of electing young, vibrant Chairs was making a huge impression on youth policy, with David Hunt (now a member of the House of Lords), Janet Paraskeva (now First Civil Service Commissioner) and Peter Mandelson (now Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) all serving terms as BYC Chair.

As our reputation grew, BYC published the influential "Youth Unemployment: Cause and Cures" report, taking it to the Prime Minister, Jim Callaghan, in Downing Street to discuss the issue of youth unemployment. BYC representatives also attended the controversial 11th World Festival on Youth, held in Cuba, where debate included human rights issues in the USSR and USA.

Tough times in the cash-strapped 80's

The 1980s were tough times for the British Youth Council. In 1987, BYC Scotland closed due to funding cuts by the Government at the time. In this period, BYC also had its founding Foreign Office grant withdrawn, following changes in international relations. However, BYC marched on, continuing to support and promote local youth councils, as well as helping to make history as the UK signed the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Leading in research and campaigns on youth issues in the 90's

In the 1990s BYC teamed up with other organisations to lead campaigns including getting young people registered to vote, and on issues of young people's employment. BYC also blazed a trail in youth policy and research, with a number of influential journals and publications. With the support of the Government, BYC also increased our direct training and participation programmes, such as Youth on Board, reaching into youth organisations and local youth councils.

A decade of hard work in research, consultation and policy culminated in the year 2000, when BYC conducted the biggest consultation with young people ever commissioned by the Government, on issues like education, employment and young people having their say. The findings, 'Listening to the Unheard', led the formulation of the European White Paper on Youth which BYC coordinated as the UK members of the European Youth Forum.

Empowering young people in the Noughties

Today, BYC continues to build on our past successes and we pride ourselves on being a unique and inspiring organisation working across the UK to empower young people aged 25 and under to have a voice and be heard. BYC is truly led by young people for young people. Our Board of Trustees is made up entirely of young people, our staff team works alongside young volunteers, and we have a fantastic group of young campaigners and media spokespeople.

In 2008, our 60th anniversary year, BYC celebrated with a series of campaign activities designed to promote positive images of young people by celebrating our achievements over the past 60 years and the value of our contribution today. This included BYC's '16 at 60' campaign to lower the voting age to 16. BYC has been campaigning for votes at 16 for over a decade, and along with the other members of the Votes at 16 Coalition, feels that now is the time for the Government to make a brave move to empower the next generation.

The full 'Celebrating 60 years of BYC' story can be downloaded below if you'd like to read more about the issues, people and events that have shaped BYC in the past.

It is this legacy which inspires today's BYC members, volunteers, trustees and staff team to continue blazing a trail on behalf of young people across the UK - whoever we are and wherever we're from.

2010 and beyond

We've been the busiest in our history since then – regularly topping a million turnover and increasing our reach to young people. In 2010 we took over the running of the Young Mayors Network and in 2011 we took on the management of UK Youth Parliament under a contract with DFE and Parliament, which was renewed in 2013 until 2015 and then until 2020. Under our management, we have seen an increase of over 36,000% in 11-18 year olds participating in the UK youth consultation, Make Your Mark. In 2012, we introduced the first ever Youth Select

Committee to sit in Parliament and the established of the first ever National Scrutiny Group to inform and influence Government policies.

We are delighted to have added some recognition to our brand - with Investors in Volunteers, PQASSO Level 2, and Charity Commission Quality Standard kitemarks along with Positive Images Awards 2010, and finalists of Board of the Year 2010. In 2011 we won Board of the Year! In 2012 we were awarded Chair finalist of the Year (Liam Preston), Queens Award for Volunteering and CYPN Now award for Champion of young people (Dara Farrell).