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Open Call: Join the Under Pressure Youth Worker Reference Group 

Help shape the future of youth worker training on gender equality 

We are inviting expressions of interest from experienced individuals looking to make the world a better and more equal place by joining the Under Pressure programme’s Youth Worker Reference Group.  

We are a Scottish organisation working to prevent all forms of men’s violence against women and girls (VAWG) by tackling the root cause: gender inequality. Youth work settings and practitioners have a vital role to play in ending men’s violence against women and girls, hence the development of our Under Pressure training programme for youth workers. Under Pressure is an online training programme for practitioners to develop their skill and knowledge across topics related to sex, relationships, and gender. 

We have a strategic aim to embed gender equality in all children and young people’s environments, including youth work settings. As a result, we are eager to create a Youth Worker Reference Group that informs the ongoing development, quality, and relevance of the Under Pressure programme, helping to identify barriers to engagement as well as ensuring that the programme addresses the topics and skills that practitioners crucially need.    

We are looking for youth workers and practitioners who are interested in helping us to reflect on and shape the future of gender equality training for youth workers. 

What’s involved? 

The group will provide a space for practitioners to share their experiences and insights and contribute to the ongoing development of Under Pressure. 

The Reference Group will help us to: 

• Reflect on the strengths and gaps within the current Under Pressure programme 

• Explore the challenges and emerging issues affecting young people 

• Identify what youth workers need to feel confident discussing gender, relationships, abuse, and exploitation with young people 

• Consider how Under Pressure can continue to meet the needs of practitioners 

• Explore barriers to engaging a diverse range of youth workers in the programme 

• Provide feedback and ideas to inform future programme development 

The group will not be responsible for designing or delivering the programme, but members’ perspectives and experiences will directly inform future recommendations and development. 

Who are we looking for? 

We welcome expressions of interest from youth workers and practitioners of any gender with experience working with young people in Scotland, who are: 

• Motivated to create a safer and more equal Scotland for young people 

• Curious and open-minded  

• Willing to engage collaboratively and critically on issues relating to gender, sex, and relationships  

We are keen to have representation from people with diverse experience in different youth work settings and communities across Scotland, including: 

• Youth workers working in schools, community settings, or third-sector organisations 

• Practitioners working with boys and young men 

• Practitioners with lived experience of being supported by youth work 

• Both people who have previously participated in Under Pressure training and people who have not 

We are particularly keen to engage male youth workers. Men are currently underrepresented in engagement with Under Pressure, and we want to better understand the experiences, perspectives, and needs of male practitioners while maintaining the programme’s feminist and gender equality principles. 

You do not need to be an expert in men’s violence against women and girls or in gender equality, though we require a commitment to our feminist values. We are interested in your professional experience, honest perspectives, and willingness to contribute to constructive discussions. 

Commitment 

We expect the Reference Group to meet 2 times between October 2026 and April 2027, requiring approximately 10 hours of your time across 6 months.  

Meetings will usually take place online, with in-person meetings arranged if necessary. We will provide further information about dates, format, and time commitments to successful applicants.  

Compensation 

Where participation falls outwith an individual’s paid role or core work responsibilities, we will provide appropriate financial compensation to recognise their time and contribution. We are committed to ensuring that participation is accessible and that people are not expected to contribute significant time or lived experience without appropriate recognition. 

Why get involved?  

By joining the Reference Group, you will have an opportunity to: 

• Influence the future development of an established and reputable youth work training programme 

• Share your experience and insight with other practitioners 

• Contribute to a programme focused on strengthening practice around gender, relationships, and violence prevention 

• Build connections with other youth work practitioners 

• Be a part of Scotland’s movement for equality and social justice 

How to join 

If you are interested in joining the Under Pressure Youth Worker Reference Group, please complete our short expression of interest form by 8am Monday 26th October.  

If you have any questions or would like an informal conversation about the group before applying, please contact Robyn (Under Pressure Coordinator) at robyn.harris@zerotolerance.org.uk before Wednesday 21st October.  

Thank you for your interest, we would be delighted to hear from you! 

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