Youth Management Committee

Youth Management Committee

At Ansar Youth Project (AYP), young people are not just participants — they are leaders, decision-makers, and innovators. The Youth Management Committee (YMC) embodies AYP’s core principle of youth-led governance, ensuring that young people shape, design, and drive the programmes and services delivered from the new building.

Working alongside youth workers, mentors, and trustees, the YMC ensures that every activity, trip, and workshop reflects the interests and needs of local young people and the wider community. This approach builds confidence, leadership, and real-world management skills among youth members.

Committee Structure

Every year, approximately 40–50 young people apply to join the Management Committee, demonstrating the strong interest and commitment among AYP members to take on leadership roles.

Currently, 79 young people (42 boys and 37 girls) aged 11–17 make up the Youth Management Committee (YMC), supported by:

  • 4–6 youth workers at any one time

  • 4–5 youth mentors providing ongoing guidance

  • 2 trustees ensuring good governance and safeguarding compliance

  • Youth Services Manager overseeing coordination and delivery

Roles and Responsibilities

The Management Committee is responsible for:

  • Planning and implementing AYP’s programmes

  • Evaluating and improving current services

  • Approving annual and term-time budgets

  • Reviewing and approving youth-led plans

  • Setting annual themes and development priorities

All decisions are made by majority vote, with young people holding the majority of seats and therefore the final say — except in matters of safeguarding or legal compliance.

Monthly Committee Timetable

Week 1 – Girls Management Committee

  • Review of last month’s programmes and outcomes

  • Development of new ideas for upcoming sessions

  • Formal agenda: apologies, minutes approval, and AOB

Week 2 – Boys Management Committee

  • Review and planning mirroring the girls’ committee

  • Ongoing consultation with youth workers

Week 3 – AYP Management Committee (Joint Session)

  • Combined review of both committees’ input

  • Approval of budgets, programmes, and key votes

Week 4 – Development, Training, and External Engagement

  • Guest speakers including CEOs, executives, and community leaders

  • Professional development training in areas such as:

    • CV writing & interview techniques

    • Public speaking & fundraising

    • Telephone communication & online safety

    • Peer mentoring & coaching

    • Mental Health First Aid, First Aid, and Food Hygiene

Management Committee Trips

To reward participation and encourage teamwork, members regularly take part in social trips and networking events. With access to a minibus and funded Merlin Annual Passes, the committee has enjoyed visits to London attractions and cultural sites — turning social experiences into learning opportunities.

Our Mission

Through the Youth Management Committee, AYP aims to:

  • Empower young people to take ownership of community programmes.

  • Develop leadership, decision-making, and communication skills.

  • Strengthen accountability and inclusivity in organisational planning.

  • Build pathways for young people to become trustees, staff, or social entrepreneurs.

By giving young people the power to lead, we’re nurturing the next generation of community leaders, changemakers, and role models.

Outputs

  • 50+ young people engaged annually as active committee members.

  • 40–50 new applications received each year to join the Management Committee.

  • 36 formal meetings delivered each year across all committee groups.

  • 12 professional development workshops or external speaker sessions annually.

  • 20 young people completing accredited leadership or governance training.

  • 10 youth-led initiatives or community projects approved and delivered each year.

  • 4–6 youth mentors providing regular one-to-one and group support.

Outcomes

  • Enhanced youth leadership and governance capacity, with young people directly influencing strategic decisions.

  • Improved confidence, communication, and professional skills among committee members.

  • Greater sense of ownership and belonging, increasing youth engagement across all AYP programmes.

  • Creation of future community leaders equipped for roles in charity governance and civic life.

  • Sustained youth participation, ensuring services remain relevant, inclusive, and youth-informed.

  • Positive intergenerational collaboration, as trustees, youth workers, and young people co-design AYP’s direction together.