Question 1

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 two trips are optional but highly recommended that you attend: The World of Work day and the Into the Wild day;
- 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 2

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

Accepted Answer

The time commitment will vary depending on how many schools you choose to support.

For each school you volunteer with, your time commitment will be:
2 hour school intro session to meet the students before the programme begins. These two hours are spread across a day. 
Four Coaching half days that can run at any time between 8.45am - 3.30pm. You must be available for the whole time to deliver the Coaching sessions. Timings at each school vary, so we ask that you block the whole time to volunteer.

As well as the Coaching sessions, we also run two immersive trips taking the students outside the classroom, these are optional for coaches but highly recommended.

Into the Wild - one day  
World of Work - one day

Question 3

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 4

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 three-four training sessions depending on the role you take on including:

Coaching training
Impact Coaching training 
Talent toolbox training
Safeguarding Training
 
Your Programme manager 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 5

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 6

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 7

What opportunities are there to network with others?

Accepted Answer

At Yes Futures we love a social and  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 8

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 9

Is there an age limit/requirement to be a Coach?

Accepted Answer

Everyone over 18 is welcome, and there’s no upper age limit! We embrace people from all walks of life and value all levels of experience.

Question 10

Do I need to have a background of working with young people to become a Coach?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to be a qualified coach prior to joining our Coaching programme. We are looking for people with some previous interest or experience in supporting or coaching others. This could look like volunteering with local sports or youth groups, helping out at your child's school or managing and supporting direct reports. Equally, we are keen to accept individuals who are already experienced Coaches, who can add their experience to support both our young people and newer Coaches.

Question 11

What are the requirements to be a Coach?

Accepted Answer

Coaching experience is not required, as we provide full training. All you need is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn!

Question 12

What age groups does a Coach work with?

Accepted Answer

As a Finding Futures Coach, you’ll have the opportunity to work with Primary school students aged 10-11. For Rising Futures, you’ll get to support Secondary school students aged 11-16 and in Launching Futures you will get to partner with students aged 17-19. Each opportunity offers a unique and rewarding experience with these fantastic age groups!

Question 13

What is the selection process like?

Accepted Answer

Getting started as a Yes Futures Coach begins with you filling out our coach application form. If you are a good fit, we’ll invite you to a casual and friendly online interview with a member of our team. It’s a great chance to meet us, learn more about our programmes, and explore how you can make a difference as a Coach.

After a successful interview, we’ll guide you through the onboarding process, which includes completing a DBS application and providing references.

Question 14

How is a Coach paired up with a young person?

Accepted Answer

We start this process with a fun interactive speed networking session. During this time, coaches and students will have the chance to chat for 4-5 minutes, sharing their interests and discovering if they have anything in common. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other better and spark some great conversations.

After this engaging round, both coaches and students will share their preferences on who they’d like to work with. Our dedicated Programme Manager will then thoughtfully match students and coaches, considering everyone’s requests, past experiences, and valuable insights from parents and schools about each student’s needs.

Question 15

What happens if I do not create a good bond with the young individual?

Accepted Answer

We have several thoughtful strategies in place to enhance our sessions and build stronger connections. While issues are rare, we are proactive in our approach to support everyone involved.

First and foremost, we encourage stepping away from the formality of the Mural board and session plans, spending more time getting to know each other and building trust. The personal connection is key to a successful experience. If needed, our Programme Manager (PM) or Impact coach (IC) will then shadow a session, offering helpful advice and feedback. Following that, the PM or IC can join a session to ensure everything flows smoothly and provide additional support.

In the unlikely event that further action is required, the PM may decide to reassign a student to the IC or another coach to ensure the best possible experience for everyone. We’re committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment for all participants!

Question 16

What activities will I be doing with the young individual?

Accepted Answer

In your coaching sessions, you’ll find some exciting tasks on the session plan and Mural board to explore with your student. For example, in Coaching session 2 you will dive into setting 1,5, and 10 year goals. Then, in Coaching session 3, you will create a journey planner to map out the steps to achieve those long-term goals.

We also have fun trip days filled with practical activities like climbing, rifle shooting, or tackling Jacob’s ladder. These adventures are great opportunities to bond with your student and make lasting memories together.

Frequently asked questions