Rise Up Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQs will be updated regularly, but if you have a question you do not feel is answered below then please email riseup@londonyouth.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.  

How long does the programme last?
Rise Up is a six-month programme. Each cohort will have a different start date and you will be asked to let us know your preference on your application.  We are now recruiting to Cohorts 3 and 4, with only a few remaining places on Cohort 2.  Places on Cohort 2 will be prioritised for those with childcare responsibilities (where taking part over the summer holidays would be difficult).

• Cohort 2: 13^th January to mid-July 2021 (Online)
• Cohort 3: 3^rd February to early August 2021 (Online)

• Cohort 4: 3rd February to early August 2021 (Online with potential face to face elements*)

*We cannot guarantee any face to face training but depending on Government guidance at the time we will seek to deliver some element of face to face for Cohort 4.

How much time commitment is required?
On Cohorts 2 and 3, you will attend at least two online sessions per week, with each session lasting between 2 and 3 hours (with a break).

All sessions will take place between the hours of 9am and 5pm.  We therefore encourage you to discuss this with your current manager before applying, if this falls within your normal working hours.

Cohort 2 will attend training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Cohort 3 will attend training sessions on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Cohort 4 will attend Tuesday and Thursdays*

Training sessions will alternate between morning and afternoon sessions.

*The delivery of Cohort 4 is yet to be confirmed, as we continue to review changing government guidelines, but we hope to create some face to face elements of the training where possible.

Will I need to take time off work? 
It depends on your working hours. All sessions will be delivered between 9am and 5pm during the week (see above). This is why you may need to seek your line manager’s approval to take part in the programme.

Will I need to commit any time outside of the training sessions?
Occasionally. There is no coursework or assignments involved in the programme; however, you will be expected to engage in 10 remote mentoring and coaching sessions, as well as a two-night residential in summer 2021 (depending on coronavirus restrictions). There will also be optional social and networking events.

Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit on this programme, but we are seeking practitioners who do not yet have leadership experience.

Is the programme online only?
Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, we have had to move the programme online for cohorts 1, 2 and 3.  We are continuing to monitor the situation carefully and remain hopeful that we may be able to introduce some face-to-face training delivery for cohort 4 later in 2021.

If you have any barriers to accessing sessions online, we encourage you to let us know in your Rise Up application, so that we can work with you to make the programme accessible for you.

What training modules are involved?
You will receive specialist practice training on:

Trauma Informed Practice, Systems Change, Mental Health First Aid, Self–awareness and Conflict Management, Contextual Safeguarding, Lead Safeguarding, Coaching Skills, Challenging Behaviour and De-escalation, , Co-production, Gender and culturally informed practice, Working with SEN, Working with young people online .

You will also receive leadership development training on Organisational Leadership, Business and Strategy Planning, Policy, Fundraising and Monitoring and Evaluation.

What days will the training take place?
We will provide exact dates once your place on a specific cohort is confirmed, but we expect the programme to be delivered as follows:

How much does Rise Up cost me?
The programme is free to participants, with each place worth at least £5,000 in training, coaching and mentoring costs.

I have a criminal record, can I still take part?
Yes, if you have been in conflict with the law, it will not stop you taking part. Having a past is part of life and in youth work it can be an asset, so we would encourage you to apply.

How many candidates can an organisation put forward for this programme?
We do not have a limit, but we will be assessing each application on its own merit as well as ensuring we have a diverse spread of organisations and boroughs represented.

Will I get a qualification?
No, the programme is currently not accredited. However, you will gain a wealth of knowledge and experience through training and mentoring from experts and sector leaders. All participants completing the programme will receive a certificate.

How often will we be meeting our mentor and will that be within the training hours?
You and your mentor will arrange sessions (outside of your training) at a time which works best for you. We would expect you to speak with your Rise Up mentor for 1 – 2 hours per month.

Will trainers and mentors reflect a range of experience and demographics?
Yes, our pool of trainers will be from a diverse range of backgrounds and will understand the contexts you work in.

What will you be looking for in applicants for shortlisting?
Please check the “Is Rise Up for me?” section in our info pack to see what we are looking for.

I live outside of London, could I take part?
Unfortunately this opportunity is only available for those working with young people in London.

Do applicants need to be from organisations that are London Youth members?
No, the programme is also open to youth practitioners working in organisations who are not current members of London Youth.

I may have barriers that stop me taking part – is there support available?
Yes. Successful applicants can apply to an access fund for support.  If you think taking part might be a challenge for you, please contact us at riseup@londonyouth.org to talk about how we can help.

Do I have to be employed to apply?
No, we welcome applications from youth practitioners who are self-employed, furloughed, volunteering or unemployed. You will need to have experience of working with young people.

What happens once I finish the programme?
You will become a Rise Up alumni and be able to stay in touch with your new network of fellow Rise Up participants. You will also have the opportunity to apply for an innovation fund for community initiatives.

Will there be job or volunteering opportunities after I finish the programme?
Not directly, however the programme will enhance your skills and networks to open up future career opportunities.