British Youth Council (BYC)

As the national youth council of the UK, BYC represents and involves young people from over 150 youth organisations and a wider network of 600 local youth councils.

British Youth Council
Mezzanine First Floor, Downstream
1 London Bridge
London SE1 9BG
Tel: 084 5458 1489
Fax: 0845 458 1847

Email: mail@byc.org.uk
Website: www.byc.org.uk

Contact Person: James Cathcart
Position: Chief Executive

Charity Number: 1123224 (prior to March 2009 - 305973)

Description:

Led by young people, for young people aged 25 and under across the UK, we empower young people to have a say and ensure their voices are heard, whoever they are and wherever they’re from.

BYC has provided platforms and opportunities for young people to be heard, and listened to, locally, nationally and internationally since 1948.  Our diverse community of member organisations and network of local youth councils reach into local communities and around the world.

We inspire and support young people to get involved in their communities and democracy, and to make a difference as volunteers, campaigners, decision-makers and leaders. Our training courses and workshops empower young people to put their point across with confidence, and give them the knowledge and skills they need.

Vision and mission statement:

Our Vision:  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 opinions.

Our Mission:  The British Youth Council, as the national youth council of the UK, aims to connect with our member organisations and networks of local youth councils, to empower all young people aged 25 and under, wherever they are from, to have a say and be heard.  We aim to help them to participate in decisions that affect them; have a voice and campaign on issues they believe in, inspire them to have a positive impact, and gain recognition for their positive contribution to communities, society and the world.

Type of organisation:

National sub sectoral umbrella body or infrastructure organisation, providing services to member voluntary organisations within a thematic sub sector.

Services:

Advice and support, Campaigning, Consultancy, Consultations, Information, Lobbying, Media work, Networking, Newsletters, Policy development, Representation, Research, Training.

Full time staff: 12
Paid staff: 12
Volunteers: 100
Organisational members: 150

Membership criteria:

Full membership of BYC
A youth organisation, or a youth section of an organisation is eligible to apply for full membership of the Council if it fulfils the following criteria:
a) There are within the organisation democratic means whereby young people can influence policy
b) It is properly constituted
c) Its membership is voluntary
d) It complies with the equal opportunities statement set out in the BYC constitution while in contact with the Council.

Associate membership of BYC
Any organisation that has an interest in youth issues and in the work of the Council is eligible to apply for associate membership of the British Youth Council.
As the national youth council, BYC represents and involves young people from over 150 youth organisations and a wider network of 700 local youth councils.