Kew's Youth Council
We have now appointed our first Youth Council! Learn more about them here.
The Youth Council brings together a group of 12 young people aged 17-25 who are committed to creating a world where nature is valued and protected.
They will work with our senior leadership team to help fulfil Kew’s mission and ensure that the voice and views of young people are integrated into Kew’s decision-making.
We're hosting an event! Join us on 6 December 2025 for Our Futures: Kew Youth Fest
‘Problems that span generations require leadership that does too.’
We Are Family Foundation
Kew is a global organisation working at the forefront of conservation to end the extinction crisis and safeguard the future. As a founding member of our Youth Council, you will help us to shape this exciting new initiative and work to integrate a youth voice within an organisation with international reach and reputation.
We are looking for young people with diverse lived experiences, who are willing and able to be both representatives of Kew and its work, and to offer their opinions, ideas and perspectives on a wide range of organisational matters.
Kew aims to be an inclusive space for all. If you have questions regarding accessibility requirements, please email youth@kew.org with your questions or to arrange a phone call.
Why are we doing this?
Kew is a world leader in plant science and conservation, custodian to one of the largest plant and fungal collections in the world. Kew’s mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi, for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on Earth. It is young people who will be most impacted by the interconnected crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. We believe that young people should be involved in conversations and decisions that will affect their future, and that they bring unique, powerful and diverse values and perspectives to the table.
We also believe that involving a youth voice in our governance and decision-making will make us a better organisation, helping to ensure our activities continue to be relevant, sustainable and forward thinking.
What to expect:
- Youth Council members will be expected to commit to a minimum of one year (and up to three years), and to attend four, full day sessions, plus one full day of training in-person, on-site at Kew Gardens across this time.
- Each meeting will involve a discussion around agenda items that have been referred for the Youth Council’s perspective, as well as time allocated to explore and experience the Gardens themselves.
- The Youth Council will feed into Kew’s Executive Board discussions and regularly submit a report to the Board of Trustees (see organisational diagram).
- Items referred to the Youth Council will vary, but some examples include policy reviews, development of festivals and events, or communication strategies.
- Youth Council members may also be invited to create content, deliver events and represent Kew at public events.
Who can apply?
We are looking 12 young people aged 17-25 who can bring their diverse life experiences to the table. Applicants should be confident public speakers, able and willing to express their opinions clearly, as well as to listen to and consider the opinions of others. Members of our Youth Council should be passionate about ending the extinction crisis and familiar with the work of RBG, Kew. We welcome applications from across the UK but please be aware that meetings will require attendance in person at Kew Gardens. Travel expenses can be reimbursed.
Benefits of participating in our Youth Council:
- Develop valuable leadership skills and understanding of how change happens at a strategic level.
- Be part of a global organisation working to end the extinction crisis
- Ensure that young people’s voices are part of the conversation with regards to the future of our planet
- Opportunity to attend training and events at Kew Gardens. Tours of collections and exhibits will be organised to take place during allocated on- site meeting days.
- Year round access to the Gardens
- Lunch provided and travel expenses reimbursed
Dates for 2025 (all in person)
Please note that these have been arranged to fall out of usual school/college hours to try and ensure that they are accessible to as many as possible. If you would like to apply but cannot make these dates, please mention this in your application. We will review if we find these dates are too restrictive.
- Friday 25 July 2025 Youth Council Meeting
- Friday 31 October 2025 Youth Council Meeting