Youth Advisory Panel Member 
Remote 
Voluntary Role 

Being a Youth Advisory Panel member looks different to everyone, because it will depend on where you are based, how much time you can commit, and what your interests are. Typically Youth Advisory Panel members will attend monthly panel meetings (online) and have the opportunity to be on different working groups working on topics from the Youth in Nature Summit, Social Media, Mindfulness and Mental Health there are a range of opportunities to choose from. We have at least one in person meeting per year with the opportunity to represent the BTO at events. 

We are looking for motivated young people who want to join a community and make a difference. You should apply if you:

• Are between 16 and 24 years old 
• Are based in the UK (we are happy to receive applications from international students based in the UK during term time) 
• Speak and understand English well
• Are passionate about nature (but you don’t need to know everything about birds!)
• Like working as part of a team 
• Are open-minded and respectful of all people, even if they are different or think differently, to you
• Want to help other young people find their connection with nature 
• Are available to join virtual meetings on Zoom at least once a month (we can provide a tablet if you don’t have access to a computer), and in-person meetings at least once a year (all expenses are covered)

You can read the full role description in the application pack by clicking on “BTO Youth Representative Application Pack 2026” under 'supporting documents' in the job details on our careers page. Instructions on how to apply for this role are on page 9. Please contact us if you are not sure if you meet all the criteria for the role and would like to discuss the role in more detail.

The link to apply can be found here. Cymraeg (Welsh) version can be found here.

WHAT DOES BTO DO?
The heart of BTO encompasses three key areas: birds, science, people. We work to secure a better future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with other organisations, members and volunteers. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone.

Our values
We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

WHAT WE OFFER
This is a volunteer position, which means there is no pay for this work however we will:

• Cover all your expenses, including meals, transport, accommodation, and training.
• Offer you extensive training to develop a wide range of transferable skills, such as First Aid, networking, presenting, planning meetings and events, leadership and much more.
• Opportunities to represent BTO at events, such as conferences, exhibitions, fairs, university events, and more.
• Give you 1:1 support; ranging from finding opportunities in topics you are interested in or need help with, to helping with applying for jobs.
• Provide references for you on job applications or university applications.
• Access to BTO and its partners, giving you the chance to connect to a wide network of people, jobs and other opportunities in conservation. 
• Free access to BTO training courses

BTO Youths vision for the future is that of “A diverse, vibrant community of young birders supported by BTO, with accessible, youth-led opportunities inspiring young people to engage with nature and science.”

Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59, Sunday 4th October 2026 and Interviews are expected to be held via Zoom from the 19th to 28th October 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@bto.org 

We want to make sure everyone has the chance to get involved, particularly people who aren’t currently well-represented in conservation.

If you identify as being from an underrepresented background - such as a racial or ethnic minority, a disabled person, someone without formal educational qualifications, or part of the LGBTQIA+ community - we’ll guarantee you an interview through our Guaranteed Interview Scheme*.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, so it’s completely up to you whether you choose to share this information.

*In cases where we receive a very high volume of applications, we may need to limit the number of Guaranteed Interview Scheme candidates progressing to interview. In this instance, we will prioritise candidates whose applications exceed our minimum scoring requirements.

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)