Youth Leadership Programme
Funded by The Berkeley Foundation, the The Youth Leadership Programme is a 14-week programme aimed at empowering young individuals between the ages of 16 and 19 every year. Participants enhance their soft skills, particularly in leadership, equipping them with valuable capabilities for the future.
The participants engage in weekly activities which take them on a path of self-discovery where they can explore, discuss and actively engage in and influence positive change on social and environmental issues that hold personal significance to them. Through workshops, group discussions, residential experiences and more, the young adults grow their confidence and hone their skills to become effective advocates and leaders in their communities.
The programme strategically focuses on fostering employability skills aligned with the demands of the evolving green economy. Additionally, participants may experience improvements in resilience, mental health, and overall well-being, supported by the holistic approach to nurturing their personal development. Through this initiative, young people may enjoy enhanced access to green spaces, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
The Youth Leadership programme has achieved Impact Level 3 Practising essential skills with Skills Builder.
Youth Board Launch
The Berkeley Foundation hosted the launch of the new Youth Board at the Berkeley Group West End Gate development in Westminster to celebrate 16 remarkable young individuals as they embark on their transformative 14-week programme to develop new skills, drive social change, and gain valuable insights into careers in the built environment.
Councillor Hamza Taouzzale, who at age 22 became the youngest Lord Mayor of Westminster and the borough’s first Muslim Lord Mayor, welcomed the group to the programme.
“We are delighted to be teaming up with the Berkeley Foundation and the Berkeley Group at St Edward on the Youth Leadership Programme!” – Peter Fleet, Youth Development Manager at Groundwork London
The Youth Leadership Programme is extended with a fourth year of strategic partnership with Berkeley Foundation
In October 2025 the strategic partnership between the Berkeley Foundation and Groundwork London will enter into its fourth year. Through its support for the Youth Leadership Programme, the partnership empowers young adults from diverse communities to leadership through social action.
To date, the programme has engaged 21 cohorts and 269 young people across London and parts of Kent.
Everyone deserves to live in a nurturing, safe and empowering environment. By facilitating and promoting the growth of green and confident young leaders, the positive impact on London communities is a game changer towards a more sustainable society.
Youth Leadership Alumni Network
Programme graduates are invited to join the Alumni Network, nurturing further practical learning led by industry experts, inspiring them to pursue a career in the green sector.
We have all developed so many skills through this project—teamwork, time management, communication, and especially problem-solving. These are things I know I’ll take with me in my college life, future jobs, and maybe even into volunteering roles or a career in sustainability. Being part of this project helped me feel more connected to my classmates, and it showed me how, what we learn in class can lead to real-world change. – Participant, Newham College
