Are you interested in joining the CREST Youth Panel?

Are you interested in joining the CREST Youth Panel?
The CREST Youth Panel is a vital part of the CREST Award Scheme and is now in its third year.
We want to learn more about you, the CREST student, to make our award scheme as exciting,
engaging and relevant to you as possible. The panel is a place where you can tell us your views
on various subjects to do with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). It is also where
we want you to be completely honest and open about your thoughts and opinions.
It will help us to shape new ideas about how we get more students involved in the scheme, how
we can improve our support for student’s project work and communicate the many benefits of
the scheme effectively.
How will the Panel Work?
The Panel consists of 25 students, aged between 13 - 19 years, from across the UK. They will be
invited to meet in person twice a year, and communicate with each other and the British Science
Association during the year via social media sites such as Facebook.
What are the benefits of being on the Panel?
You will have one of the oldest science and engineering focused organisations listening to
your views to help inspire the next generation. You will also feature on the Association
website.
You will be experiencing how to discuss and record your ideas about various topics during
the Panel meetings, held at some of the UK’s largest STEM events (e.g. The British Science
Festival)
You will make new contacts, finding out about new initiatives and organisations that can
support STEM subjects and careers.
What is the time commitment?
Throughout the year we will ask you to help with the following (* are minimum expected):
Fill out a baseline survey when you first sign up. (around 20 minutes)*
Attend as many Panel meetings as possible. (*minimum of one – meetings are in March
and September each year)
Take on a small bit of fact finding for us in between meetings, for example finding out what
25 of your friends think of science, or collecting news articles that interest you.
Provide feedback on new developments/ideas via e-mail or Facebook.*
“I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the CREST Youth Panel and would just like to say thank
you to everyone involved”
2010/11 Panel Member
If you think you could be one of our CREST Youth Panel members, please fill out the nomination
form and return via post, fax or e-mail: CREST Youth Panel, British Science Association, 165 Queens
Gate, London, SW7 5HD. ellie.chambers@britishscienceassociation.org Fax: 02075 816 587

What acknowledgement will you receive?
It is really important to us that we acknowledge the time each student commits to the Panel, and
the important role they will play. To that end we have a series of ways of recognising the students
which will be of benefit to them.
A limited edition badge and title of CREST Youth Advisor.
Personal certificate of involvement at the end of each year’s service and letter from the
Chief Executive of the British Science Association (if you have fulfilled the minimum
requirements)
Certificate of involvement for school (if requested)
Free attendance to two major Science events, The Big Bang Fair and the British Science
Festival (where possible)
Travel support in attending these events
Automatic FREE membership of the British Science Association.
Your responsibilities
The nomination form requires you to have the permission of a parent /guardian and (where
possible) a teacher to show their support for your nomination. We will not accept a nomination
form without a parental signature as this shows that they agree to support your attendance at the
events and agree to your participation in the youth panel.
You will be responsible for arranging your attendance at events, including safe travel to and from
the venue. You may travel with an adult or on your own at your parents/guardians discretion, and
you will receive support for your travel costs.
You will also be responsible for updating your contact details and participation in online
conversations via e-mail and social networking sites. The Association will give guidance on how to
join these discussions, but please ensure that you are happy with the content first.
Finally, all approved members of the panel have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for
the open discussion of views, without abusive or negative behaviour from other members..
Nomination information
The British Science Association takes your right to privacy seriously, and wants you to feel
comfortable being part of the Youth Panel, and nominating yourself for the volunteer position.
Your data will not be made available to third parties without your prior consent. You may be
contacted by the British Science Association staff in relation to youth orientated projects or for
information gathering. If you are chosen as a panel member, the British Science Association will
continue to keep your contact details indefinitely after your role on the panel has finished, unless
you request their removal. By registering for the Youth Panel you agree to us contacting you in the
future about matters related to the CREST Awards, other relevant opportunities and to us using
your anecdotal quotes for promotional purposes.
“I think I have gained a lot from being part of the Youth Panel. It has been a really great
experience and a good way to meet other like-minded people. Also it has increased my selfconfidence
and my ability to express my views.”
2010/11 panel member
For more information visit
www.britishscienceassociation.org/CRESTYouthPanel
CREST Awards are supported by:
If you think you could be one of our CREST Youth Panel members, please fill out the nomination
form and return via post, fax or e-mail: CREST Youth Panel, British Science Association, 165 Queens
Gate, London, SW7 5HD. ellie.chambers@britishscienceassociation.org Fax: 02075 816 587
‘CREST’ is a registered trademark of the British Science Association, delivered across the UK by Local Coordinators.
Registered Charity No: 212479 and SC039236