Youth Leads UK is a social mobility charity focused on empowering young people to fulfil their potential and take an active role in society. It creates opportunities for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to develop skills, gain confidence, and become leaders in their communities. It also provides programmes that focus on volunteering, skills development, and social action, working closely with businesses, public services, and local organisations to create meaningful pathways for young people to thrive.
Youth Leads UK supports young people aged 13 to 25, with a strong focus on those who face additional barriers such as care leavers, individuals with disabilities, and those from low-income families.
Saeed Atcha, CEO, shares his insights on the influence and outcomes of winning the Weston Charity Awards and the Pilotlight 360 programme.
What motivated you to apply for the Weston Charity Awards?
We applied to the Weston Charity Awards, as a Garfield Weston Foundation-funded organisation because we had reached a critical stage in our organisation’s development. After celebrating our 10th anniversary and experiencing steady year-on-year growth, we were focused on ensuring the sustainability of Youth Leads UK for the future.
While being a youth-led charity with a young team and a founder-CEO provided us with unique energy and perspective, it also meant we faced specific challenges such as managing capacity, income generation, and ensuring we had the right organisational structures in place.
We realised that while our enthusiasm and commitment had driven our success so far, we needed guidance to strengthen our internal processes, improve strategic planning, and prevent potential issues like 'founder syndrome'. We were also beginning to explore corporate engagement and wanted to ensure we had the necessary frameworks and leadership skills to grow sustainably.
How did the Pilotlight 360 programme go?
The programme went incredibly well, and we thoroughly enjoyed the process. One of the key aspects that stood out was the strong focus on supporting me, which was invaluable given it was my first time in such a role. The experience allowed us to really step back and examine all the elements that keep the organisation running smoothly, from strategy to leadership.
The Pilotlighters were an incredible source of knowledge and guidance. Our meetings became a highlight in the diary — a time to reflect, share challenges, and receive insightful advice. It was a relief to have a group of experienced professionals to talk to while navigating the highs and lows of leading a small but mighty charity.
The pre-programme induction set the tone for what was to come, and the biggest takeaway for us was that the more we invested in the process, the more we got out of it. By being open to feedback and committed to the journey, we maximised the value of the programme and learned a great deal about how to strengthen our organisation for the future.
What have been the results after the programme?
Following the Pilotlight 360 programme, we’ve implemented a new operating model that has transformed the way we work. Our CEO and COO have grown in confidence, which has been a significant benefit to the overall leadership of the organisation. One of the most valuable outcomes was tackling the big existential questions around how we can continue to stay true to being youth-led while evolving as we grow. This process has undoubtedly strengthened our resilience as a charity.
While it was a substantial amount of work, we are still actively working through the recommendations from the programme. The project gave us a strong foundation to build upon, and we’re already seeing the positive impact of the changes we’ve made, both big and small. The programme has set us on a path toward greater sustainability and long-term success.
Could you provide a sentence or two describing your experience of the programme?
Our experience of the Pilotlight 360 programme was incredibly valuable. It provided us with the external support and insight we needed to strengthen our organisation, while offering a space for reflection and growth. The guidance from the Pilotlighters and focus on leadership development have left a lasting impact, helping us build confidence, resilience, and a more sustainable future.
Top takeaways
Be open and honest: The more open you are about your organisation’s challenges, the more valuable the feedback and support you’ll receive. Don’t shy away from tough conversations.
Prepare to invest time and effort: The programme is as rewarding as the effort you put into it. Be ready to commit time to meetings, reflections, and implementation of recommendations.
Engage fully with the Pilotlighters: Their experience and knowledge are invaluable, so make the most of your time with them by being proactive in seeking their advice.
Have an idea of what you want to achieve: Knowing what areas you want to focus on and improve will help you get the most out of the experience, but things may change along the way — and that’s fine.
Related Charities
Youth Leads UK
Youth Leads UK has a vision of a country where youth leads - where young people feel listened to, part of their communities, and ready to make a ch
Have you applied yet?
Award winners receive a package of support that includes unrestricted grants of £6,500 to help develop a sustainability plan and accelerate growth, and free access to the Pilotlight 360 programme.
The application deadline is 5pm on Wednesday 8 January 2025.
