I’VE NEVER HEARD OF NCS BEFORE - WHO ARE THEY?

NCS has been delivering programmes to Young People in England since its pilot programme back in 2009. With the support of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) it has since taken over half a million young people on the programme. In December 2019, NCS transitioned from a not-for-profit Community Interest Company to a Royal Charter body, achieving security as a national institution.

WHAT IS UK YEAR OF SERVICE?

UK Year of Service is a new opportunity for 18 to 24 year olds to take part in a paid service placement for nine to twelve months. The opportunities are countrywide and aim to help you become an active citizen with a career path through a socially-focused organisation.

WHAT ROLES ARE ON OFFER? 

There are lots of different types of roles available, within organisations all across the country. Whatever your passion, we’ll find something that will work for you!

Some examples of roles and industries are:

Environment: Urban and Estuary Rangers, Environmental Research Assistants, Conservation Trainees

Healthcare: Health Trainers, Emergency Response Assistants, Clinical Assistants, Volunteer Coordinators

Public service: School Service Leader, Community Support Officers, Community Development Assistant, Community Project Officers

HOW LONG WILL I BE EMPLOYED? 

The length of your placement will vary depending on the role you take on and the organisation you work with, but it will be at least nine months in length and could be up to 12 months. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY? 

If you’re aged 18-24 you’re all set to go!

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THIS JOB?

Applications for our current UK Year of Service programme are now closed, however we are constantly working to bring new opportunities to you. Please check back later in the year

HOW MUCH DO I GET PAID?

Whatever placement you do, you’ll get paid the Real Living Wage, in addition to your National Insurance contribution. On top of this, you’ll also get an average of five hours of weekly training, support finding future roles, and in some cases, formal qualifications, so your CV will benefit too!  

WHAT IF THIS ISN’T THE RIGHT JOB FOR ME?

We want to make sure you have the best experience possible, but sometimes, we understand things just don’t work out. If you wish to opt-out of the placement, you’ll be able to do so, in line with your contract terms. 

HOW DO I GET TO WORK OR WILL THIS BE WORKING FROM HOME?

The role description for each placement should outline where the role is based (e.g. home-based, office based or field based). If the advert does not clearly state the location, or you have questions about flexible working arrangements, speak to the recruitment manager before or during your application.  

I HAVEN’T HAD AN INTERVIEW IN A WHILE, WHAT IS THE RECRUITING PROCESS LIKE?

Once you’ve submitted your details, the employer should be in touch within a few working days. For every placement, you’ll need a CV, and if you’re successful you’ll have an interview with one of our partners.  If you don’t have a CV or need support with the application process, contact the recruiting manager before you press submit!

WHAT OTHER BENEFITS WILL I GET AS A UK YEAR OF SERVICE MEMBER?

We want your UK Year of Service experience to be the best and most impactful it can be, so that you’re totally world and work ready. Alongside your placements, you’ll get the chance to take part in a number of different development opportunities to help you get the most out of your time and leave with transferable knowledge and skills for future roles in socially-focused organisations:

Social Action - Anyone has the potential to change the world. We'll reserve some of your placement hours so you can take part in meaningful community projects. NCS has a long history of supporting people to stage social action, and this is no different. Why not use some of your time on your placement to make a difference in your local area? 

Community - We develop more when we connect with others. We'll bring together groups at national and local levels so you can grow your networks. You could be engaging with socially-focused companies at one of our large-scale cohort events, or meeting regularly with a smaller group of like-minded colleagues. It’s a chance for you to grow, reflect and be inspired together.

Support - We want everyone to feel like they can bring their whole self to work. So we'll provide access to dedicated support, on hand to assist you with personal situations that might affect your placement, and will help you prepare for progression after the programme ends. 

You’ll also get the chance to help us design and shape our UK Year of Service programme, whether that's by providing feedback or stepping up to take a lead on some of our activities. We can't wait to see what you can do!

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF NCS TRUST IN UK YEAR OF SERVICE?

NCS Trust RCb is the National Partner for the UK Year of Service initiative. Our role as the National Partner is to generate awareness of the opportunities available to young people, support Placement Providers and employers with their recruitment process, provide training and enrichment across placements, support with evaluation and provide operational leadership to our placement partners.