We are dedicated to improving the relationship between young people and democracy.
But, an effective approach to any problem requires an equally effective identification and understanding of that problem. Therefore, we have set out below the picture as it stands.
At Civic Shift, we interpret this daunting issue as the product of three distinct, and addressable, sub-problems. They are the following:
Politics is seen as a profession rather than a practice.
At its heart, politics concerns two questions: What do we want? How do we get there? Responding to these questions is a fundamental, individual aspect of the human experience — or at least it should be. But politics is increasingly not perceived as a practice, but as a profession. Politicians are seen as elites who, like other careers, aspire to accumulate power.
This has dual ramifications: first, a moral stigma becomes attached to youth involvement in politics. Second, young people abandon politics as a realm for elites, rather than a core human experience. Democratic participation becomes a spectator sport.
There is a fundamental disconnect between young people and the political classes.
59% of 18–30 year-olds feel politicians aren't addressing the issues that matter to them. Without meaningful direct interaction, trust collapses. Politicians become abstractions. Politics becomes theatre. Young people disengage.
This is not laziness; it is a rational response to feeling unheard. The problem is structural. It will not be solved by lowering the voting age or running another school debate competition.
There is no space, physical or cultural, for constructive political dialogue.
Politics is the art of constructive compromise. Yet cancel culture, echo-chambers, and the moralisation of disagreement have dismantled the spaces where young people once learned to hold and test political views. The less healthy debate is practised, the more unwelcome it becomes. Pluralism becomes polarisation, and dialogue dies.
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.
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General Enquiries
Have a question about a role?
Send any enquiries to our opportunities inbox and we will get back to you.