How to set up an RSPB youth group for your local area.
Our Wildlife Explorer and Phoenix groups are an important part of the work that we do for, with and through young people. Our operating framework helps us work together to ensure that our RSPB Youth Groups are the best they can be. Our Youth Group standards ensure our groups are following our policies and procedures to keep everyone safe.
A welcoming experience for all providing quality and memorable experiences outdoors in nature.
Opportunities to experience and take action for nature that are both enjoyable and safe.
Volunteer-led youth groups which are an activity of the RSPB.
Fun and engaging activities that deepen emotional connection to nature and empower meaningful impact for nature.
Skilled and passionate team of adult and youth volunteers are recruited safely with opportunities to develop and grow.
For more information see A Great RSPB Youth Group - the standards
We want young people, through our youth groups, to have opportunities to connect with and help nature by making nature positive choices, taking meaningful action for nature and the responsibility to create change.
A great RSPB Youth Group programme will include different activities based on the themes of experience, action and being champions for nature. These themes are weaved throughout the programme so that young people on their journey with our youth groups have the opportunity to:
Experience the outdoors together to discover and enjoy nature to improve their wellbeing and build their understanding and love of the natural world.
Help nature by making nature positive choices and taking meaningful action for nature and taking responsibility to create change.
Become champions for nature being inspired to share their passion with others to encourage and influence them to grow a movement of people taking action for nature.
The programme should give young people the opportunity to take part in meeting activities; work towards awards and take it further by undertaking activities at home with their families or within their local community to get more involved in the campaign to end the climate and nature crisis.
We are committed to ensuring that the RSPB provides enjoyable and safe experiences and opportunities to bring nature into the lives of children, along with providing parents and caregivers peace of mind.
For each group this includes:
A minimum of three registered leaders, with a mixed gender team following our required adult to child ratios.
One or more of our leaders holding a valid emergency at first aid at work qualification and present at every meeting.
One leader completing risk assessment training and completing a generic risk assessment for all planned activities.
One or more of our leaders becoming a youth group data champion.
Leaders undertaking regular safeguarding training.
Completion of parent and photo consent forms and a group register.
Leaders identified by our RSPB name badge and/or ID card.
Head to the Youth Leaders resource and guidance hub for guidance, step-by-step instructions and the records and forms that volunteer youth leaders need to run successful RSPB Youth Groups. Please note that you will need your RSPB email to access these links below.
The RSPB is looking to set up new Youth Groups across the UK. If you are interested in becoming a Youth Group volunteer and want to be part of setting up a new group in your area, we would love to hear from you.
Understanding our framework – what you need to know to be a great RSPB Youth Group.
Deciding on the type of group – Wildlife Explorers or Phoenix group?
Identifying roles and responsibilities – from safeguarding to risk assessment, to managing data, to programming planning and publicity there are lots of different opportunities for your team.
Involving junior leaders – your leadership team could include young people aged 14-17 years.
Establishing relationships - within the team and the wider RSPB Youth Group network.
A safe space – you’ll need to consider first aid, adult to child ratios, risk and safeguarding.
Creating an annual programme – inspire and engage the young people to join and stay as active members of the group.
Opening an RSPB bank account – groups can hold a bank account, this needs to be set up through the RSPB.
Communicating with parents – this needs to be done safely and effectively.
Running the first meeting – that all important first taster session.
Managing the groups money – you’ll need to cover your own costs and keep a record of income and expenditure and complete an annual return.
Managing personal data – at least one volunteer needs to become your data champion.
Growing the group size – we recommend you have approx. 15-24 young people each session.
Fundraising – raise money for any special projects you want to undertake.
Building young leaders – so they are inspired to do more for nature at home and take ownership of the activities, share their ideas and are part of decision making.
Growing the leadership team - in size, confidence and capability and ensuring a sustainable team.
This gives you a taste of the steps what we need to put in place to support the setup of a new group. It might look a bit daunting but don’t worry it’s straightforward and every group has a dedicated member of RSPB staff to support them and a suite of training and resources to assist volunteers in role.
If you are interested in being part of setting up a new Youth Group, contact us at YGsupport@rspb.org.uk
