The Patchwork Foundation are recruiting!

Applications are open for Patchworks’ Masterclass Programme which connects young people from underrepresented communities with senior leaders from politics and civil society.

This is a great opportunity to:
↳ Hear directly from senior figures across politics and public life
↳ Build your confidence, communication and leadership skills
↳ Meet other young people interested in making a difference

Here’s what you need to know:
🪛 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮: Aged 18–30, from a diverse or underrepresented UK community and interested in politics, public service or leadership
📍 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Online but some sessions take place in London
💲 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁: Free

Our flagship Masterclass Programme is a year-long learning programme that brings young people from diverse and underrepresented communities face to face with senior figures from British politics and civil society as we know that breaking into politics is hard, and young people often don’t know where to start or how to get involved – therefore Patchwork exists to open doors and get young people a seat at the table. Over the year you’ll build your understanding of how decisions get made, your confidence in professional and political spaces, and a network of people who’ll back you long after the programme ends. As Patchwork is not Party political, you will have the space to explore your views.

How Masterclasses work

Each Masterclass is an intimate, off-the-record conversation with a leading figure: a Cabinet minister, an MP, a business leader, a journalist or a campaigner. You can ask them about their career path, their personal development and what working in politics is really like.

• Patchworker-led: a member of the cohort chairs each session, introduces the speaker, gives a short overview of their work and guides the discussion.
• Chatham House Rule: discussions are open and honest, and nothing is attributed outside the room.
• Come prepared: everyone researches the speaker beforehand and brings their own insights and questions on the day.

Alongside the Masterclasses, you’ll take part in skills sessions, and you can apply to be paired with a mentor for the year.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements for the Masterclass Programme are outlined below.

• Aged 18-30
• From a diverse or underrepresented community in the UK
• Interested in Politics, public service or leadership
• Committed to your personal and professional development
• Willing to travel to London and other urban cities on occasion to attend the programme sessions, Needs-based financial support is available through our Accessibility Fund