Question 1

Why has Yes Futures rebranded, and why has it been done so now?

Accepted Answer

Yes Futures has drastically evolved since being founded in 2012. We have gone from a volunteer-run organisation, working with just 10 secondary school students in our first cohort, to a team of 12 employees, supported by over 100 volunteers working with 450 students last year. We have launched our Finding Futures primary schools programme, adapted our programmes to the pandemic, and launched our 2025 strategy, with the aim of working with more young people than ever before. As our charity enters a new stage of growth, we felt that the time was right for our brand to evolve too.   Additionally, the increased risk to young people’s wellbeing during the pandemic has increased the need for our work. It’s more important than ever that we can reach more schools and provide young people with desperately needed wellbeing support. By updating our brand, we expect to spread awareness of our work within the education sector, meaning that more young people can benefit from our life-changing programmes.

Question 2

Are you going to be changing your programmes?

Accepted Answer

No. We will continue to deliver our Finding Futures and Rising Futures programmes, and at present, do not have any plans to make any changes to the content of either programme. We hope that our new brand will enable us to grow our programmes more quickly, to provide even more young people with desperately needed support at this crucial time.

Question 3

Have your mission, vision or values changed?

Accepted Answer

No. While our visual brand may have changed, what we stand for hasn’t. Yes Futures remains committed to creating a world where all young people are empowered to believe in themselves and discover their personal potential. We hope that our new brand will boost our ability to do just that, by spreading awareness of our work to new schools, teachers, and the young people that desperately need our support.

Question 4

How did you come up with the new brand?

Accepted Answer

Last year, we began looking at the language we use to talk about Yes Futures, our programmes and our young people – the verbal expression of our brand. We spoke with different stakeholders; our students, staff, volunteers, funders, corporate partners to understand how they would describe Yes Futures and our work. We used this feedback to shape our new ‘why’, ‘how’ and ‘what’, our core purpose.   Why: Because positive futures begin with self belief.  How: Our positive IMPACT behaviours underpin the Yes Futures brand (Inclusivity, Motivation, Professionalism, Ambition, Collaboration, Trust).  What: We empower young people to believe in themselves and discover their personal potential.   We then ran focus groups with our staff team, Trustees, volunteers and the young people on our programmes, to find out what they liked about the old brand, and what the felt could be improved. This feedback was then given to a designer, who used our suggestions to produce the new logo and branding. We then worked closely with the designer to refine this branding until we felt it completely reflected Yes Futures’ vision, mission and values.

Question 5

Who was involved in coming up with the new brand and logo?

Accepted Answer

As a young person-centred charity, it was key to us that young people were at the heart of our rebrand. Young people on our programmes were asked for their feedback on the branding at all stages of the design process, along with our staff team, Trustees, and volunteers. Yes Futures only exists thanks to the support and dedication of our community, and so it was important to us that all of our community had the opportunity to anonymously share their feedback and contribute to the design process.

Question 6

What is the new logo and colour scheme meant to represent?

Accepted Answer

• Our charity name is positioned within the ‘Y’ of ‘Yes’ to create a strong and easily recognisable icon. The shape also links to the idea of connecting pathways; the fulfilling journey that young people go on during our programmes.  •  The shape and font of the logo is strong and confident, with equal emphasis given to “Yes” and “Futures”. “Futures” points up to the sky which aligns with our mission; empowering young people to reach their personal potential.  • The colour scheme is designed to be calm and nurturing, to highlight our role in young people’s growth and to reflect the outdoor elements of our programmes.  •  It was also important to us that we had a different colour scheme for our Finding Futures and our Rising Futures programmes, to highlight the differences between each programme and to tailor our approach for each age group.  •  The branding is modern, fresh, and expressive, while still being simple, inclusive and dyslexic-friendly.

Question 7

When will the rebrand take place?

Accepted Answer

As a small team, our rebrand is currently a work in progress, you’ll see that most of our website and resources have been updated, but we’re aiming to have everything done ready for the start of the new school year in September 2022.

Question 8

I have more questions about the rebrand. Who can I speak to?

Accepted Answer

If you have a question about the rebrand that isn’t answered here, our Communications Team would be delighted to help you. You can reach them on info@yesfutures.org.

Question 9

What does being a Coach involve?

Accepted Answer

As a Coach, you are integral to students’ success on the programme. By working with the same students throughout, you really get to build a relationship with them and see their progress. As such, your commitment and attendance at all sessions is critical. In exceptional circumstances, if you are unable to make a session, please notify your Programme Executive as soon as possible. Your responsibilities as Coach include: - Delivery of the programme including the Welcome sessions and Coaching sessions. The three trips are optional but highly recommended that you attend: Play Your Part and World of Work days and the Into the Wild weekend; - Communicating regularly with your Programme Executive regarding student engagement and progress; - Joining briefing and debriefing sessions with your Programme Executive and Coaching team; - Keeping brief session records for each student; - Supporting the delivery of evaluative procedures. You will also have the opportunity to write blogs for the website, newsletters and social media should you wish to do so.

Question 10

How much time do I need to commit to the volunteering role?

Accepted Answer

The programme lasts for five months (September – February or March – July). The time commitment will vary on the number of schools you would like to Coach at. Most Coaches will support two schools, but you have the following options:  - One school across four days  - Two schools across eight days (recommended)  - Three schools across 12 days  - Four schools across 16 days  At each school there is an additional one-hour Welcome Session you are required to attend.  We highly recommend you volunteer at two schools across eight days to develop your understanding and skills in coaching a range of young people using the Yes Futures model.  Optional trips: Coaches are also invited on our trips. We run two separate day trips and one weekend residential during the five months which are optional to attend, but most of our Coaches will attend the weekend residential.

Question 11

How do I become a Coach?

Accepted Answer

We are always looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteer Coaches to help run the Yes Futures programmes. You will also find lots of information on the ‘Get Involved’ section of our website. Once you are ready you can register your interest in becoming a Coach and we will invite you to apply for the role. Interviews are conducted prior to the start of each programme and if you are successful, you’ll then be invited to a training day where you’ll get to meet the team and other Coaches prior to starting your school placement. Visit www.yesfutures.org/become-a-coach to apply

Question 12

Will there be any training?

Accepted Answer

Yes Futures believes strongly in investing in its team members, whether paid or voluntary. You will be given training when you begin your coaching role which will include an orientation of your role and an introduction to the Yes Futures policies and procedures that are relevant to you.   This will consist of two half-day training sessions before the programme, plus additional resources online.    Your Programme Executive will give you direction and guidance to help you settle into your role. You will receive ongoing support and feedback from them and be kept informed about training opportunities that may benefit you. Please let them know if there is any particular support or training from which you feel you would benefit.

Question 13

What are the students that we will work with like?

Accepted Answer

Every student is unique and different, as are our Coaches, so it would be impossible (and unfair) to assume what it will be like to work with each and every one.  What we can say is that our students come from a variety of backgrounds and have all experienced life differently. For this reason we provide training in managing behaviour and your Programme Executive will always be on hand to support you further should you require.

Question 14

How many students will I be working with?

Accepted Answer

You are likely to be working with anything from two to five students depending on the number taking part in the programme at your allocated school. Of course there may be sessions when a student, or even a Coach, is absent in which case your numbers may vary on that occasion.

Question 15

What opportunities are there to network with others?

Accepted Answer

At Yes Futures we love a social and, before Covid-19, have hosted summer and Christmas socials every year. In addition to this, you will also have the opportunity to socialise with your Programme Executive and Coaching team. We are always looking for new ways to unite our team so if, upon volunteering with us, you think of something you’d like to do, we would welcome your ideas.

Question 16

What are the benefits to me of volunteering with Yes Futures?

Accepted Answer

Yes Futures is a small, and rapidly growing, charity. By joining us at this critical stage in our development you will have a significant impact on our growth and future success. You will: - Join a team of committed, hard-working and friendly colleagues; - Get full training and ongoing support at no cost to you; - Receive ongoing support from a dedicated Programme Executive who will tailor your development needs to you and support you throughout the programme; - Make a real, tangible difference to the lives of young people; - Thrive in a volunteer role with a high degree of responsibility.

Question 17

How are you responding to the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure it is safe to volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Now more than ever, it is important that young people are given the opportunity to develop their Confidence and Resilience. For this reason we have taken a number of steps to ensure that staff, volunteers and students can remain safe at this time while still delivering our programmes: - Coach training has moved online with the Yes Futures team providing sessions on Zoom for both new and experienced Coaches.  - Coaching sessions have also moved online with Coaches joining Zoom sessions from the comfort of their home or workplace. This is made possible by our dedicated team of Programme Executives who meet with the students in school and facilitate mini workshops prior to your Coaching sessions. - Students will select a social action project for Play Your Part and will be set a structured task to complete over the Christmas break which they will then present to a small group in the New Year. - Volunteers will not be required to attend World of Work which will be an exciting ‘virtual’ day in school with a variety of webinars, virtual tours, live sessions, and videos.  - Our Into the Wild weekend has been adapted so that students can visit a local activity centre for one day towards the end of the programme. This is being reviewed regularly in response to the changes in government guidance. To find out more about how we are adapting the way we work due to the Covid-19 pandemic, please read our statement.

Question 18

What is the Creating Space programme?

Accepted Answer

Creating Space is a new coaching programme for teachers, developed in partnership with Animas Centre for Coaching, one of Europe’s leading coaching schools.  We are looking for 30 Teachers, Headteachers and Senior Leaders to participate in this exciting opportunity. Each teacher will receive 6 x 50-minute free one-to-one online coaching sessions, meeting weekly with your matched coach across a 6 week period, at a time best suited to you. This is an exciting opportunity for you to focus on your own wellbeing, skills and personal development.

Question 19

Who is Animas Centre for Coaching?

Accepted Answer

Animas is our delivery partner for the Creating Space programme and one of the leading coaching schools in Europe, offering the highest standard of coach training, accredited by the International Coach Federation.  All of our Creating Space coaches are volunteers, some are already certified and others have almost completed their training. However all are active coaches working with clients and always conduct themselves to the highest levels of ethics, integrity, accountability and responsibility.

Question 20

What is coaching?

Accepted Answer

Coaching gives you time to reflect, talk through challenges and explore solutions. It is a safe, non-judgemental space where you can speak openly about any areas of your life.  Coaching is not counselling, mentoring or consulting and is future focused.  Sessions are very open-ended and it’s up to you what you want to talk about. You may want to feel more comfortable with not always saying ‘yes’ or perhaps more confident at having conversations with your managers or colleagues. If you are selected to participate in the programme you will be matched with an external Creating Space coach who is completely impartial and entirely focused on you during your time together.

Question 21

How will I benefit from this programme?

Accepted Answer

Creating Space has been designed to support your wellbeing and personal development. It is a compassionate space where you can unpack professional as well as personal challenges.  The benefits of working with a coach can be: Gaining a new, objective perspective Increasing resilience and confidence Coping with stressful situations Navigating the unpredictable Improving relationships with yourself and others

Question 22

Who is best suited to coaching?

Accepted Answer

This programme is for you if: You want to address or tackle feelings of self-doubt, or self-limiting beliefs You want to ease worries about confrontation with parents, students or other staff You’d like a greater level of self-awareness around your wants and needs, thoughts and feelings You’d like to know that you don’t have to carry everything, and there’s a space to share your thoughts, concerns and feelings You may want to be able to better ‘switch off’ at weekends and during holidays or perhaps build a greater level of resilience.

Question 23

What does a typical coaching session look like?

Accepted Answer

This is a reflective space where you decide what you want to discuss. It may be something at work that is bothering you or perhaps there is something in your personal life that you would like to address. Everything you share is confidential.  Your coach is not there to provide advice but will listen and invite questions to help you gain a different perspective on a situation. Whilst there is no set structure for the coaching sessions a typical session may look like:  Introductions and hellos Contracting (if it’s the first session) - where you set goals and ways of working together Identifying area of work / the focus for the session Exploring area of work Uncovering challenges or issues Discussing ways forward Agreeing ways forward Wrap up and booking next session

Question 24

What does the programme look like?

Accepted Answer

Creating Space is a 6 week programme and sessions take place every week across the 6 weeks.  We will apply a loose structure to help guide your confidential coaching conversations, however this is flexible depending on what you want to discuss in your coaching sessions.  Session 1-2 | Explore Get to know each other (you and your coach)  Pull apart the subject matter and potential issue/s  Understand the challenges  Explore the desired outcome  Session 3-4 | Experiment  Consider various solutions  Try on different options for size Get creative with your approach  Create space and time  Session 5-6 | Empower  Reflect on interventions  Review insights and awareness e.g. ah-ha moments, blind spots, shadows etc Appraise actions, behaviours and practices  Agree what strategies to take forward and fully embrace

Question 25

Where do the sessions take place?

Accepted Answer

All sessions take place online via Zoom. Once you are matched with your coach you will book your sessions via their Calendly link. If you are selected more information will be provided in your Welcome Pack.

Question 26

Do I need to pay or commit to anything?

Accepted Answer

This is a completely free opportunity, all we ask is that you commit to supporting this pilot programme by: 1. Attending all six coaching sessions 2. Completing a short evaluation survey before and after the pilot 3. Providing feedback on your coach mid way through the pilot 4. Providing a testimonial of your experience

Question 27

How do I sign up?

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity please visit www.yesfutures/creating-space to find out more. 8th February: applications open 24th February: deadline for submitting applications w/c 1st March: successful teachers notified w/c 8th March: programme begins with first coaching session