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Young Leaders Pathway: Guidance for Branch Leaders

Welcome to the guidance for the Young Archaeologist Club Young Leaders Pathway.

With over 80 YAC branches nationwide, the CBA spent more than two years consulting stakeholders- including various branches, YAC Young Leaders, YAC members, and other Youth Engagement initiatives- to understand their perspectives, needs, and preferences for formalising the YAC Young Leaders Pathway. This process aims to ensure consistent guidance across all branches and that every YAC Young Leader receives equal support and consideration.

The guidance has been created to serve as a reference for YAC Leaders while ensuring that the identity and uniqueness of each branch is preserved.

Group of YAC Leaders and Young Leaders undertaking training around a large wooden table

What is a YAC Young Leader?

Welcome to the guidance for the Young Archaeologist Club Young Leaders pathway. The YAC Young Leaders is a volunteering programme for young people aged 16-17. With over 80 YAC branches nationwide, the Council for British Archaeology spent more than two years consulting stakeholders- including various branches, YAC Young Leaders, YAC members, and other Youth Engagement initiatives- to understand their perspectives, needs, and preferences for formalising the YAC Young Leaders Pathway. This process aims to ensure consistent guidance across all branches and that every YAC Young Leader receives equal support and consideration.

What is the Young Leaders Pathway?

The guidance has been created to serve as a reference for YAC Leaders while ensuring that the identity and uniqueness of each branch are preserved throughout.

What guidance and support is available?

The guidance has been created to serve as a reference for YAC Leaders while ensuring that the identity and uniqueness of each branch are preserved throughout.

YLP Guidance Documents and Templates

Young Leaders Pathway FAQs

Is the Young Leader Pathway mandatory for YAC groups?

No – YAC groups are not required to have Young Leaders. This decision must be made by the individual branches themselves based on capacity and need.

However, if you are a CBA-managed group and choose to have Young Leaders you must follow the recruitment process as set out in this guidance. Affiliate groups should follow their own safer recruitment policies.

Once recruited we recommend using the pathway guidance to support your Young Leaders. You may wish to adapt it for your branch or specifically for the Young Leader. YAC-HQ are happy to discuss this with you if useful.

How long is the YAC Young Leader programme?

The programme runs for 24 months, with review meetings every three months and certificates awarded at fixed milestones.

Can affiliate groups use this guidance for their own Young Leaders?

Yes, affiliate branches can use this guidance. However, affiliate branches follow their own safeguarding procedures, health & safety policies etc., so please refer to these when recruiting and training volunteer posts for minors.

Do YAC Young Leaders need to have a DBS, PVG or AccessNI check?

This depends on where the branch is based:

Scotland: Yes. YAC Young Leaders aged 16–17 must have a PVG check because their role is classed as regulated work under Scottish safeguarding legislation.

England and Wales: No. YAC Young Leaders do not require a DBS check because their role does not meet the criteria for a regulated role when supervised.

Northern Ireland: No. YAC Young Leaders do not require an AccessNI check because supervision removes the need for vetting.

All adult YAC Leaders must continue to hold the appropriate vetting for their nation. A vetted adult must always supervise young Leaders.

PLEASE NOTE: If you belong to an Affiliate YAC Branch you must follow your own safeguarding proceedings.

Is it only the mentor’s responsibility to support the YAC Young Leader?

No. The mentor is the main point of contact, but supporting the Young Leader is the shared responsibility of the whole YAC leadership team.

What if a Young Leader misses a review meeting?

The review should be rearranged as soon as possible. Reviews must be completed to keep the Progression Passport and certificate schedule on track.

Can a Young Leader take a break during exams or busy periods?

Yes. Young Leaders can pause or reduce involvement during exam seasons or other commitments. Branch Leaders should record this in the Communication Log.

What if a Young Leader’s mentor changes?

Branches should update the Welcome Pack, inform the Young Leader and parents/carers, and ensure a smooth handover between mentors.

Are Young Leaders counted as volunteers?

Yes. Although they are still young people within the group (and should be included in adult:child ratios), they take on supported volunteer responsibilities. They must always be supervised by YAC Leaders.

Can Young Leaders take photos or videos?

No. Young Leaders must not use personal devices to take photos or videos. All images must follow CBA safeguarding and GDPR guidance.

What if a Young Leader is struggling or needs extra support?

Use the support section in the review meeting template to identify needs and adjust responsibilities. Speak with the Branch Leader or safeguarding lead if concerns continue. You can always seek advice from the CBA.

How do we manage safeguarding concerns?

CBA Managed Groups: Follow the CBA Safeguarding Policy and Procedures. Young Leaders must know who to speak to and how to report worries. Leaders must log all relevant communication.

Affiliate Groups: Follow your own organisations safeguarding policies and procedures.

What happens if a Young Leader leaves early?

Record the reason in the Communication Log. They can still receive a summary of their involvement or a partial certificate if appropriate.

Can Young Leaders progress after the programme?

Yes. They may become a YAC Leader at 18, apply for the Youth Advisory Board (18–25) or join the Young Associates Network.

We already have Young Leaders at our branch. Can we still use this guidance?

Absolutely! We’ve put together a section about what to do if you have Young Leaders already in post, which you can find here XXXX.