Youth Panel

Join Starlight’s Youth Panel

Starlight is recruiting for Youth Panel members aged between 14-17 years old.  

We would really like to hear from you if you are passionate about improving children and young people’s healthcare experiences through play. We are particularly interested in receiving your application if you have experience of being in hospital or a hospice, or if you live with a serious or chronic illness or disability.  

What does Starlight’s Youth Panel do?

During core sessions, youth panellists share their views, ideas and suggestions on how Starlight can improve its services and better understand young people’s experiences of play in healthcare. As well as these core sessions, there are also many other events and opportunities to get involved in. 

These are some of the projects the Youth Panel have worked on over the past two years: 

  • Youth proofing documents  
  • Reviewing Starlight box services e.g., Play Well Box and Sensory Distraction Box 
  • Developing resources for youth-led research projects  
  • Judging Health Play Innovation Award applications  
  • Presenting at parliamentary events and speaking directly to MPs and policymakers  
Apply now!

From application to action: steps to joining our Youth Panel

As a Starlight Youth Panellist, you will:  

  • Build connections with other Youth Panel members from across the UK who may have shared experiences.  
  • Learn and develop skills including advocacy, public speaking, and teamwork.  
  • Develop confidence and have fun! You will have opportunities to try out some technology and toys.  
  • Learn how a charity works.  
  • Contribute to improving services that aim to improve children and young people’s experiences in healthcare through play.  

  • Every other month, we will invite you to either an online or in person session. Online meetings are usually 5.30pm – 6.30pmpm on Wednesday evenings on Microsoft Teams and last 1-1.5 hours (Dates and times may change based on the availability of panellists). In person meetings are usually from 10am – 3.30pm, usually in London during a half term, Easter holiday, or summer holiday.  
  • In a Youth Panel year (August-July) we ask that you attend as many sessions as you can, so that you are fully involved in the panel's work and projects. Although, we do understand that occasionally you may have other commitments. 
  • Youth Panel members need access to a phone, laptop or tablet that connects to the internet to attend meetings and should feel confident using digital tools such as email and Microsoft Teams.  
  • You will be a Youth Panel member for at least one year. After that you may have the option to continue up until your 18th birthday.  
  • We ask that you travel to and from sessions with a parent/guardian/named adult over 18. Travel expenses for youth panellists and their parent/guardian/ named adult over 18 are covered by Starlight when attending core sessions.  
  • Accommodation can be provided for in person sessions if you are travelling more than 2.5 hours one way.  
  • Lunch, snacks and drinks are provided for in person sessions.  
  • We really value your time and appreciate you taking part, so we send vouchers after every session and activity to say thank you. 

We are looking for young people who meet the following criteria. You do not have to meet all criteria to apply.  

Essential:  

  • Aged 14-17 years old based in the UK. We will accept applications if you are aged 14-17 before 01/09/2026. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications if you are still 13 or turning 18 before 01/09/2026.  
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm and motivation for skills and experiences you would like to gain from being on the panel. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Starlight. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge and passion of the value of play.  

Desired:  

  • Experience of being in a hospital, hospice or living with a serious or chronic illness or disability. 

Please complete a written, video or audio application using the link below. The application deadline is 5pm Friday 19 June 2026. 

https://starlightchildren.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ehxwjzcUlsiHinQ 

If you require additional support to make an application, please get in touch at [email protected]  

Next steps after you apply: 

  • We will review applications and invite applicants who best meet the person specification to a Microsoft Teams informal chat. These chats allow us to get know you and make sure this opportunity is right for you. 
  • Informal chats will take place late-June/early-July and will involve two members of Starlight staff that work closely with the panel. 
  • We will send feedback to all applicants who attend an informal chat.  

  • Reasonable adjustment calls via Microsoft Teams that will take place mid-July and involve two members of Starlight staff. We will make reasonable adjustments to support youth panellists to participate in activities and to adjust to their needs and preferences as best we can.  
  • Online meet and greet from 5.30pm – 6.30pm, Wednesday 12th August 2026. This is a chance to get to know the Starlight team and fellow panellists.  
  • In person induction session in London XX, 10am – 3pm. This is an opportunity to learn more about Starlight and youth panel activities, share your interests, meet more of the team and fellow panellists, and have fun!  

If you have any questions about your application, please email us at [email protected]