About us - UK Youth

There are more than 11 million young people in the UK, they make up over a fifth of the population and represent Britain’s future.

UK Youth is a leading charity working across the UK. We have influence as a sector-supporting infrastructure body, a direct delivery partner and a campaigner for social change.

UK Youth’s new 2025 strategy, “Unlocking Youth Work” outlines a bold ambition to impact young lives by unlocking youth work as a catalyst for change. We will work in partnership to build a cross-sector movement, creating a society that understands, champions, and delivers effective youth work for all.

With an open network of over 8000 youth organisations and nation partners, we are focused on unlocking youth work as the catalyst of change that is needed now more than ever.

I believe in equality. I believe we don’t need to wait until we are old to make a difference… I am the best me thanks to youth work.”
Young person who has been supported by UK Youth

Our people

Patron, President and CEO

Ndidi Okezie OBE

CEO

Joining UK Youth as CEO in January 2020, Ndidi is an influential public advocate, delivering transformational change in a variety of contexts. She is deeply committed to youth work, life skills development, and youth equality. Ndidi is also a board member for youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint UK, the National Citizen Service and The Mulberry Schools Trust.

Nigel Mansell CBE

President

The former motor racing champion became President in 1999 and continues to work tirelessly to promote the charity. Nigel has taken on a host of fundraisers raising over £1 million for UK Youth.

HRH The Princess Royal

Patron

HRH, Patron since 2003, makes a number of personal appearances each year on behalf of UK Youth, and has a genuine understanding and passion of the positive impact UK Youth has on young peoples lives.