A different kind of civic organisation
Civic Shift is a UK non-profit dedicated to improving the relationship between young people and democracy. We believe political disengagement is not inevitable — it's the product of limited access, poor-quality dialogue, and a political culture that talks at young people rather than with them.
That belief shapes how we work. Every part of Civic Shift is free at the point of use, our leadership is youth-led, and we are strictly non-partisan — welcoming the full political spectrum so genuine dialogue can happen.
We are in a democratic recession — nowhere more evident than among our own generation.
Real solutions begin with clarity. The great inventor Kettering once remarked that a problem well-stated is a problem half-solved — and we've taken his words to heart. Below is our interpretation of the problem facing young people today, and what Civic Shift is doing about it.
Division
Put simply, the first and most pressing problem is this: people are no longer willing to talk or compromise. This is a direct product of the digital age
The central problem, this cultural unwillingness to engage in constructive political dialogue, stems from a structural one. Having shifted onto digital media, our society has lost the space needed for such dialogue. The 'attention economy' and algorithmic echo-chambers of the digital world corrupt human interaction more broadly, making it performative, reactive, and tribal. Politics has not escaped this. First, digital platforms reward reflex, not reflection; politics conducted at the speed of the feed has no time to think. Moreover, though social media has enabled the record consumption of political content, its very nature has factionalised our political landscape, moralised disagreement, and delegitimised alternative ideas.
Engagement has thus shifted from outward-facing (persuading others) to inward-facing (signalling allegiance within a moral community). The collapse of broad-based coalition parties at the polls is indicative of this. If democracy is indeed 'government by discussion', then this increasingly factionalised and uncompromising society presents obvious issues. Without dialogue, pluralism becomes polarisation.
Rebuild
We are rebuilding space for dialogue. Our civic infrastructure captures the misapplied political energy of the digital age and channels it into something healthy. This energy that drove our society's fragmentation can also be the force that pulls it back together again. Our solution? Civic Voices, a soon-to-arrive digital platform designed with dialogue in mind.
But just as we mentioned the factionalisation of politics into fragmented, narrow blocs, it is equally important that all such blocs are included in our project. That is why we are strictly non-partisan. Even unpopular views should not be banned; extremism festers in isolation. Likewise, conventional party affiliated spaces are, in some senses, little better than the algorithmic echo chambers of social media. Space for dialogue is no good if it comes with a script.
Statistics on this page are drawn from: Electoral Commission, Young People's Views on Politics and Voting (2026), BMG Research, 2,501 participants aged 11–25.
How We're Organised
Civic Shift operates through a four-tier democratic structure, ensuring accountability and meaningful youth representation at every level.
LEVEL 4 — GOVERNANCE
Board of Trustees
Strategic oversight · Legal accountability · Financial stewardship
LEVEL 3 — NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Elected National Committee
President · Vice-President · Treasurer · Head of Marketing / Sponsorship / Access
LEVEL 2 — REGIONAL COORDINATION
Regional Convenors
One per region · Coordinates local schools and speakers · Reports to National Committee
LEVEL 1 — SCHOOL PRESENCE
School Ambassadors
One or more per member school · Front-line organisers · Represent their school community within Civic Shift
We are currently building our founding team. If you are interested in joining Civic Shift in any capacity — as a trustee, committee member, regional convenor, or school ambassador — please get in touch at info@civicshift.org.uk.
Join the Civic Shift team
We are a youth-led organisation and we grow by bringing in people who care. Whether you have five hours a week or are ready to take on a governance role, there is a place for you here.
Why join us
What we offer
Real impact
Your work directly shapes how young people engage with democracy. We measure everything — you will see the difference you make.
A growing network
Work alongside professionals from parliament, law, business, and civil society who share a belief in civic participation.
Room to lead
Youth-led means room to grow. Whether you are a student or a mid-career professional, there is genuine responsibility here from day one.
Genuine flexibility
Most of our roles are remote or hybrid, and many are volunteer positions designed to fit around existing commitments.
Open roles
Use the filters below to find roles that suit you. New positions are added regularly — if nothing fits right now, send a general enquiry.
No roles match your filters
Try removing a filter, or check back soon — new roles are added regularly.
General Enquiries
Have a question about a role?
Send any enquiries to our opportunities inbox and we will get back to you.