Join our Climate Action Fund’s youth decision-making panel
16 June 2026
Portfolio Managers Verity Caiger and Renu London tell us about 2 new roles available for young people to have a say in how National Lottery funding is invested into climate action.
We're looking for 2 people aged 18 to 30 to join our Climate Action Fund decision-making panel. This is an exciting opportunity to help decide how millions of pounds are invested in communities across the UK.
By joining, you'll:
bring young people's perspectives into funding decisions
help projects that tackle climate change
support fairer futures
Why this opportunity matters
At The National Lottery Community Fund, everything starts with community. Each week, National Lottery players raise around £30 million for good causes.
We use this funding to:
support projects that help communities live healthier lives
strengthen their connections
help their young people thrive
shape environmental action
Our Climate Action Fund is a key part of this work. Since 2019, it has invested £180 million in 184 projects, helping communities across the UK to take action on climate change.
Funding has supported work in areas such as energy, nature, waste and consumption and the Our Shared Future funding. This fund links climate action to the everyday lives and interests of local communities.
We know that young people are already leading change in their communities. Youth voice is at the heart of our funding and this role ensures that voice shapes decision-making at a national level.
'Because of how respected and how heard I feel, I now walk into other rooms and expect the same thing… The young people we work with are walking away with that confidence too, knowing that what they have to say matters' - Ffion, Youth Voice Advisor since 2025.
What you'll do as a Panel Member
'The most exciting part of the role is getting to meet young people across the UK and getting to hear about their journey and their lived experience' - Fatemah, Youth Voice Advisor since 2025.
As a member of the Climate Action Fund decision-making panel, you'll help make decisions on crucial funding applications. These projects typically range from £500,000 to £7 million and have a wide-reaching impact.
To help guide the next lot of projects, you'll work alongside other panel members and colleagues across the fund. You'll use recommendations and evidence to make informed, fair decisions.
In this role, you'll:
contribute to funding decisions that support climate action across the UK
bring your lived experience and insights to discussions
help ensure decisions are fair, transparent and inclusive
develop skills in decision-making and leadership
monitor how funding is performing and the impact it's having
act as an ambassador for the fund
strengthen your experience in governance and public roles
All decisions are guided by the Seven Principles of Public Life, including integrity, accountability and openness. These principles help ensure public money is used responsibly and for the greatest benefit.
What you'll gain
'By being part of the fund… you feel like the feedback you give, your interest, your input - everything is really valued, listened to and - most importantly - acted upon' - Fatemah, Youth Advisor since 2025.
This role offers a chance to build your knowledge and experience in a national organisation while making a real difference.
Many of the young people who work with us find this kind of work helps them grow personally and professionally, while also giving something back.
You can hear more from our Youth Voice Advisors, Fatemah and Ffion, and other incredible young people leading change in their communities in our Voices in Action podcast.
Who we're looking for
We want to hear from young people with a range of backgrounds and experiences. You do not need to have been on a panel before. What matters is your perspective, your willingness to engage, and your commitment to communities.
We're particularly interested in people who can show:
an understanding of young people's experiences - you might have experience representing young people in a formal role, or through community, advocacy or youth-led work
awareness of communities and society - an interest in the social, political or cultural issues affecting your community and how the voluntary and community sector responds
strong communication skills - you can share your views clearly, listen to others, and take part in respectful discussion
thoughtful decision-making - you can consider information from different sources and balance competing priorities
a commitment to inclusion - you understand why equity, diversity and inclusion matter. And you're motivated to see these reflected in funding decisions
relationship building - you're comfortable working with new people and collaborating
awareness of public responsibility - you value fairness, transparency and good governance in how decisions are made
If you're unsure whether your experience fits, we still encourage you to apply. Lived experience, community involvement and different perspectives are all valuable.
Time commitment and payment
We want this role to be accessible and manageable alongside other commitments such as work, study or caring responsibilities.
We ask you to commit to:
9 days a year
meeting with the panel every 3 months - most meetings are online but there is 1 in-person meeting each year (per panel meeting will take approximately 5 to 6 hours)
Upcoming panel decision making dates include:
17 September 2026
10 December 2026
11 March 2027
The role is offered for an initial term of up to 2 years, with a review after the first year.
Panel Members get paid £1,962 a year. They also get travel and subsistence expenses.
Why now
Our Strategy, It starts with community, sets our direction through to 2030. It focuses on supporting communities to connect and take action on the issues that matter most to them.
Environmental action is a key part of this and the Climate Action Fund recognises that climate change, nature loss and environmental inequality are interconnected. We know that solutions must be shaped with communities, not for them. Bringing young people into our decision-making is a crucial step in doing this well.
How to apply
To apply, you need to:
write a short statement (up to 800 words) - explaining how you meet the role criteria
send your statement to Youthvoice.Recruitment@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk
The deadline to apply is 11.59pm 3 July 2026.
You should tell us:
about your experiences
your perspective
why this role matters to you