Applications now open for Co-operatives UK's Youth Advisory Group

Applications are once again open to join Cooperatives UK’s Youth Advisory Group (YAG) – and all young people aged 16-30 are invited to apply.   

Established in 2024, the YAG brings together 16-30-year-olds from across the co-operative landscape to provide strategic input into Co-operatives UK’s work – and to collaborate on independent projects aimed at increasing engagement among young people across the movement and society in general.  

It was launched at Co-operatives UK’s National Youth Summit in 2024 to support the organisation in implementing one of its strategy’s core themes: empowering young people.  

The National Youth Summit was held to increase young people’s understanding of and passion for co-operatives, as well as providing a learning and networking opportunity for young co-operators.  

Now an annual event, the fourth hugely successful National Youth Summit was held in July this year alongside Co-op Congress at Rochdale Town Hall in the birthplace of co-operation.  

The role of the Youth Advisory Group  

 Advise and enrich 

Young people bring new perspectives, provide valuable insight, generate new ideas and challenge established ways of thinking. The Youth Advisory Group shapes what Co-operatives UK does to ensure it aligns with the needs of young people. Members of the YAG work alongside the organisation to champion the youth voice and advocate for meaningful participation within the co-operative movement.   

Advocate and engage 

Young people today are facing an uncertain future, where climate anxiety and job insecurity are major factors in their lives. While the co-operative movement offers solutions to enable a fairer future, many young people are unaware of it. A key role of the YAG is to advocate for the movement, spreading the word about co-ops and promoting the values of co-operation within youth networks outside the movement.  

 To address barriers to participation and in recognition of the commitments involved, members of the Youth Advisory Group are paid for their time. 

How to apply

Applications are open now and will close on Friday, 15 August. Young people are encouraged to apply, whether active members of a co-operative or completely new to the movement.