News & insights
City Year UK and National Grid team up for Service Action Day at Blue Coat School
October 25, 2019
National Grid joined forces with the youth social action charity City Year UK to transform Blue Coat School’s Special Needs Hub on the 4th of October.
City Year UK’s Opening Day
October 8, 2019
City Year UK kicked off its 10th Anniversary celebrations on Friday the 13th of September with Opening Day. We brought together all our volunteer mentors from London, Greater Manchester and…
City Year UK’s Volunteers Week Blog
June 6, 2019
Our extraordinary volunteers are at the heart of City Year UK’s mission of transforming the educational outcomes of disadvantaged pupils. We currently have 126 volunteer mentors, aged 18-25, committing to a year…
MP calls for Government action on full-time social action in Commons debate
May 10, 2019
Yesterday Conservative MP Ben Bradley called on the Government to establish a youth full-time social action pilot in his constituency of Manfield in order to assess the impact of such…
Top tips from top business leaders at 6th annual Career Builder
May 3, 2019
Career Builder 2019 brought City Year UK volunteer mentors together with top business leaders and rising stars to hear them respond to the question: “What advice would you give your…
City Year UK Chief Executive Kevin Munday named one of the UK’s most inspiring social entrepreneurs
April 15, 2019
The BE Group has named City Year UK’s Chief Executive Kevin Munday one of 39 of the UK’s most inspiring social entrepreneurs.
City Year UK Holds Service Day to Give Back to the Local Community
April 11, 2019
City Year UK brought together volunteer mentors, staff, alumni and supporters for a Service Day on Saturday the 2nd of March.
Applications are open for the City Year UK leadership development programme
March 18, 2019
We’re recruiting the next cohort of passionate and resilient 18 to 25*-year-olds who will give a year to tackle educational inequality across London, West Midlands and Greater Manchester.
City Year UK selected for the Youth Programme Quality Intervention pilot
March 11, 2019
The Centre for Youth Impact has chosen City Year UK to take part in a groundbreaking pilot for the Youth Programme Quality Intervention (YPQI), an initiative that helps youth programmes…
City Year UK launches first Volunteer Mentor Appreciation Week
February 25, 2019
Today City Year UK has launched its first ever Volunteer Mentor Appreciation Week, which will run from Monday 25 February through to Saturday 2 March.
City Year UK celebrates university partnerships during Student Volunteering Week
February 17, 2019
Student Volunteering Week is the perfect opportunity for City Year UK to thank its university partners
City Year UK reacts to City Year, Inc. Co-Founder stepping down
January 29, 2019
City Year in the USA has announced today that its CEO and co-founder Michael Brown is stepping down from his position in June.
City Year and Bank of America Announce Expanded Partnership
January 24, 2019
Bank of America becomes the first corporate sponsor to invest in City Year teams in the US, UK and South Africa.
City Year UK announce two new recruits to its leadership team
January 17, 2019
City Year UK has announced two new additions to its leadership team. Simon Hepburn has been appointed to the role of Director of Programmes and is joined by Rodney Williams…
City Year UK Deputy Chief Executive awarded ACEVO Fellowship
December 5, 2018
The charity leaders’ network ACEVO has named City Year UK Deputy Chief Executive Arti Sharma as one of the five people to receive its prestigious Fellowship.
City Year UK at Party Conference
November 16, 2018
City Year’s Public Affairs team brought two volunteer mentors to the Labour and Conservative Party Conferences to tell politicians about the importance and value of youth social action. Here’s how…
City Year UK appoints new Chief Executive
July 12, 2018
Kevin Munday has this week been unveiled as the new Chief Executive of youth social action charity City Year UK. Kevin, who will start work with City Year UK from…
Heidrick & Struggles and City Year UK Bring Together Top Business Leaders to Inspire the Next Generation
April 13, 2018
Some of UK’s top leaders from business, government and public life gathered on April 10 and 11 in central London to share advice they would give to their 18 year-old…
Third Sector’s Fundraiser of the Week: Caley Eldred of City Year UK
March 13, 2018
Our Director of Development Caley Eldred talks reputation, regulation and superpowers.
#PressforProgress | International Women’s Day
March 8, 2018
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day was Press for Progress, highlighting the need for a continued push to achieve gender parity across the globe. At City Year UK we…
Independent review into youth full-time social action publishes recommendations
February 5, 2018
City Year UK leads call for ‘decisive action’ The independent review into youth full time social action published its findings and recommendations today.
Deputy Mayor visits Barking Abbey School with City Year UK
January 12, 2018
Matthew Ryder, Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, spent the morning at Barking Abbey School with our team of volunteers who serve as mentors and role…
David Blunkett calls for national Government programme of full-time volunteering
November 16, 2017
Call follows a report showing full-time volunteering would net the UK economy up to £119m The Rt. Hon The Lord David Blunkett is leading calls for Theresa May to invest…
City Year UK at the Charity Times Awards 2017
October 6, 2017
City Year UK was shortlisted in two categories at last night’s Charity Times Awards, held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London.
Aramark employees in London join forces with City Year UK to share nutrition knowledge, inspire families to lead healthy lifestyles
October 3, 2017
On September 20th 2017, 34 Aramark team members volunteered to support Shoreditch Park Primary School, on Aramark Building Community Day (ABC Day), the company’s global day of service, bringing health…
[BLOG] How has City Year UK supported my development?: Shayna Mehta
August 30, 2017
City Year UK aims to support and encourage pupils from disadvantaged communities to succeed in school. However, not only do they help the children, they also guide us volunteer mentors.
How Independent School Alumni Continue “Giving Back”, Even Long After Leaving Education
August 15, 2017
Pressure has been mounting on independent schools over the last few years to support the state sector more, and partnerships between the two are at a high. Many fee-paying schools…
Putting the spark into mentoring: Bridge Builder Award 2017
August 3, 2017
City Year UK’s ‘Bridge Builder Award’ recognises supporters who have offered their spare time to mentor the charity’s young volunteers, helping to prepare them for the next step—whether that is…
[BLOG] MP support for full-time social action grows: Leo Watson
July 17, 2017
Parliament has been back in (almost) full swing since June’s General Election. Yes, there may be less business to get through owing to the fact the Conservative party is operating…
Pupils build the change one LEGO® piece at a time
July 5, 2017
Five London Primary partner schools came together this month to celebrate the culmination of their ‘Build the Change’ projects at the London LEGO® hub.
Yardley MP goes back to school
June 21, 2017
Jess Phillips MP visited Yardley Primary School on Monday 19 June to see how City Year UK’s full-time volunteers help tackle educational inequality in her constituency.
[BLOG] Team Lighthouse Volunteers’ Week Round-up: Girvin Gill
June 14, 2017
Volunteers’ week is an annual event which takes place at the start of June. It celebrates the contribution of millions of volunteers throughout the UK. It is run by the…
State Street brings pupils together for transatlantic video call
June 12, 2017
Thanks to State Street, which supports City Year in the US and UK, we were able to bring pupils from London and Boston together in a virtual video conference last…
City Year UK is joining over 700 organisations saying #iwill for young people in National Volunteer’s Week
June 7, 2017
7th June 2017 – Young people across the UK as young as 10 are doing inspirational things in their communities every day to help others, through social action activities such as…
[BLOG] Six things I have learnt from being a full-time volunteer with City Year UK: Alison Lydon
June 2, 2017
It’s Volunteers’ Week, what better way to celebrate my time at City Year UK then to share six things I have learnt as a full-time volunteer! So here goes…
[BLOG] Why I Serve: Josh Wood
June 1, 2017
In November of last year I was fortunate enough to be introduced to two City Year UK Alumni who had changed their lives for the better through City Year UK.
Young Manchester volunteer joins the Royal Household
April 24, 2017
A full-time volunteer from Hyde, Greater Manchester, has been awarded a coveted work placement at Buckingham Palace during the Easter holidays.
City Year UK announces new chair of trustees
April 24, 2017
City Year UK is delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Clarke, former CEO of the Man Group and a long standing supporter of educational and philanthropic initiatives, as its…
State Street and City Year UK inspire next generation of female leaders
March 17, 2017
On 10th March, 50 young women who are dedicating this year to tackling educational inequality with us at City Year UK, swapped the classroom for Canary Wharf to take part…
Volunteers attend Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey
March 15, 2017
On Monday 13th March, 10 City Year UK volunteers attended the 2017 Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey.
Government announces Chair of the Full-time social action review
March 13, 2017
The Department of Culture Media and Sport has announced that the Chair of the Government’s review into full-time social action will be Steve Holliday, former CEO of National Grid.
Mayor of Greater Manchester candidate calls for year of service
February 17, 2017
Helping young people get ready to start work and achieve their goals is a key priority for Sean Anstee, a City Year UK supporter who is running to become the…
City Year UK Chief Executive listed in Debrett’s 500 most influential
January 23, 2017
Sophie Livingstone, City Year UK’s Chief Executive, has been listed in the Debrett’s 500 list for Philanthropists & Activists. The Debrett’s 500 is a recognition and celebration of Britain’s 500 most…
Broadcasting legend goes back to the classroom
January 18, 2017
Veteran journalist Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, and a Trustee of leading City Year UK supporter The Queen’s Trust, visited Sebright Primary School in Hackney on Tuesday 17th January.
It’s time for us to rediscover our national character
January 17, 2017
Sophie Livingstone, City Year UK’s Chief Executive, Co-Chair and Co-Founder of Generation Change, and a Trustee at Royal Voluntary Service, writes for Clore Social Leadership.
Volunteers benefit from Heidrick & Struggles annual career builder event
December 22, 2016
For the fourth consecutive year, Heidrick & Struggles, a premier provider of executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping worldwide, invited City Year UK volunteers to attend its annual Career…
Four years and going strong: Bank of America Merrill Lynch continues their support of the Pride team at William Ellis school
December 21, 2016
On Friday 2nd December Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofAML) hosted a networking event at their London office to officially welcome City Year’s ‘Pride BofAML team’ at William Ellis Secondary School in…
Government announces review into full-time volunteering
December 14, 2016
Today the Government announced it will launch an independent review into full-time volunteering. The Full Time Social Action Review will consider how to grow full-time volunteering in the UK.
City Year UK receives royal recognition
December 7, 2016
We’re thrilled to announce that the Queen’s Trust has donated £1 million to City Year UK. This funding, our largest one-year gift, recognises the impact, achievements and dedication of the…
City Year UK Chief Executive wins Mayor’s Fund for London Award for individual achievement
December 2, 2016
Sophie Livingstone, City Year UK’s chief executive, was given the Mayor’s Fund for London Award for individual achievement last night at City Hall.
Secretary of State for Education visits Birmingham School
November 17, 2016
The Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Justine Greening MP, visited St Francis’ Catholic Primary school in Birmingham today to witness the school’s partnership with City Year UK.
Minister drops in on City Year UK volunteers at Hackney school
October 19, 2016
The Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson MP, spent today at Sebright Primary School in London.
City Year UK makes two new appointments to Board of Trustees
September 27, 2016
City Year UK has appointed two new members to its Board of Trustees. Bringing the total to 15 Trustees, The Rt Hon. Baroness Royall of Blaisdon, Janet Royall and David…
Camden’s William Ellis School Takes Part in Global ‘Healthy Eating’ Volunteer Day
September 20, 2016
Today, over 100 pupils from William Ellis School in Camden took part in a worldwide initiative designed to inspire and educate children about healthy lifestyles.
National Grid and City Year UK hold festival to inspire children’s love of science
July 27, 2016
On Friday 15th July, over 30 pupils from Seven Sisters Primary School in London, took part in our annual National Grid Science Festival
Bridge builders nominated for special award
July 25, 2016
Each year our volunteers are matched with a mentor – or bridge builder – from one of our partner organisations. Our bridge builder programme gives volunteers the chance to interact…
Pupils get painting down to a fine art with the National Gallery
July 13, 2016
This year, City Year UK’s Pioneer Growth Partner, Credit Suisse, introduced us to an exceptional new opportunity for partner secondary schools in London and Birmingham:
City Year UK awarded a grant from The Old Trafford and Stretford Voluntary Sector Grants Scheme
June 29, 2016
We are delighted to have been awarded a grant from The Old Trafford and Stretford Voluntary Sector Grants Scheme, which allocates and donates £20,000 every year to local charities working…
City Year volunteer ‘most watched’ on the BBC
June 29, 2016
City Year Greater Manchester volunteer Connon Hannon, 20, gave the BBC a window into his family’s discussions on Brexit. Watch the video here. Here he talks about his City Year experience…
Annual City Year Football Championship brings pupils together
June 15, 2016
City Year UK volunteers recently organised our annual City Year Football Championships in London and Birmingham
We are not so different after all
May 26, 2016
A very special thanks to TowerBrook Capital Partners in London and New York City who hosted a global video ‘hang-out’ for pupils from Sebright Primary School (Hackney) and Patrick Henry…
Chief Executive Sophie Livingstone on the need to be bold on National Citizen Service legislation
May 19, 2016
“In the Queen’s speech today, the government set out its intention to bring forward legislation on the National Citizen Service (NCS), putting the scheme on “a permanent statutory footing”, as…
Volunteers and pupils celebrate diversity at International evening
May 10, 2016
City Year UK volunteers recently organised an ‘international evening’ where around 60 pupils came together to celebrate different heritages and demonstrate unity through diversity
Shadow Minister for Employment visits partner school in Camden
April 27, 2016
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Shadow Minister for Employment, today visited William Ellis School in Camden to hear how young people are giving a year of service to support pupils as mentors,…
House of Lords Select Committee on Social Mobility publishes report on improving the transition from school to work for young people
April 8, 2016
The House of Lords Select Committee on Social Mobility has published a report entitled ‘Overlooked and left behind: improving the transition from school to work for the majority of young…
City Year’s Got Talent showcases pupils from all three cities
March 26, 2016
Pupils from our partner schools in London, Birmingham and Greater Manchester, recently took to the stage to perform in the annual City Year’s Got Talent grand final, held across all…
Chief Executive Sophie Livingstone on the need to put gender on the agenda
March 9, 2016
“Last year, the World Economic Forum estimated that a slowdown in the already ‘glacial pace of progress’ means we’re not going to achieve global gender parity until 2133 to wait…
City Year UK’s red jackets are fit for HM The Queen
March 4, 2016
Yesterday, 3rd March, City Year UK was honoured to be one of the charities introduced to The Queen at a special visit to Lister Community School in east London. The event was…
US delegation highlights how voluntary ‘years of service’ could serve the UK
February 25, 2016
On 23rd February, Lord Blunkett hosted an event at the House of Lords to explore how the UK could replicate countries such as the US, Germany and France by creating…
City Year UK sets up healthy cooking club in Birmingham school
February 22, 2016
City Year UK volunteers at Marlborough Junior School in Birmingham have started up a healthy cooking club.
Credit Suisse brings pupils together for a transatlantic ‘hangout’
February 5, 2016
Thanks to Credit Suisse, which supports City Year in the US and UK, we were able to bring pupils from London and New York together in a virtual ‘hangout’ last…
Running Events 2016
January 20, 2016
The Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon City Year UK is in the Fast Lane and recruiting runners for The Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon on the 13th March 2016. Run for City Year UK and support young adults tackle social and educational…
Mayor of Salford sees City Year in action at Summerville Primary School
January 15, 2016
On Thursday 14th January, the City Mayor of Salford, Ian Stewart, and Councillor Jane Hamilton visited Summerville Primary School to see how City Year UK is challenging young people to…
City Year UK volunteers help the homeless with Christmas party funds
January 12, 2016
Thanks to the generosity of local shops, young volunteers with City Year Greater Manchester have turned money donated by the charity’s staff from their Christmas activity fund into over £100…
City Year UK supporter wins Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Volunteering Award
December 18, 2015
We were delighted to learn that Serina Ramkhelawon has won a Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Volunteering Award for her work with City Year UK. Serina, who is a Liquidity Product…
City Year UK responds to the Government’s comprehensive spending review
November 25, 2015
Today the Chancellor George Osborne announced the details of the comprehensive spending review to Parliament. This lays out the Government’s spending plans for the next five years. The key issues affecting City Year UK are: National Citizen Service places will…
Festival of fun: Youngsters discover the lighter side of science
November 21, 2015
On Friday 20th November, 90 seven to eleven-year-olds from two Islington primary schools enjoyed a fun festival of science and engineering organised by National Grid and City Year UK. Running…
Chief Executive Sophie Livingstone on Ofsted’s Apprenticeship Report and the need for a ‘year of service’
October 27, 2015
Did you know what you wanted to do on leaving school or university and stuck to it? No? You’re not alone. A survey from last year found that only half of…
City Year UK announces Lord Blunkett as first patron at 5th birthday celebration
October 21, 2015
As part of our fifth anniversary celebrations we announced Lord Blunkett as our first honorary patron. The former Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Education and Employment, who has…
City Year launches in Greater Manchester
October 15, 2015
City Year Greater Manchester officially launched yesterday evening at a special event hosted by KPMG. 25 young people have already signed up, starting their ‘year of service’ in four primary…
Minister joins Generation Change to celebrate youth social action
October 8, 2015
The Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson MP, this week joined City Year UK and members of Generation Change to celebrate and support the power of youth volunteering. He said:…
City Year UK Spring awards evening
September 17, 2015
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque ligula elit, mollis ut laoreet id, convallis id massa. Nullam tincidunt varius mauris, a vulputate augue volutpat in. Mauris dapibus metus…
Manchester Events
September 17, 2015
Teaching Futures – Routes into Teaching Event Date: Wednesday 14th October 2015 Time: 1pm – 2.30pm Location: University of Salford Insight into Charity & 3rd Sector Careers Date: Tuesday 20th…
Birmingham Events
September 17, 2015
Aston University Teaching Fair Date: Wednesday 14th October 2015 Location:Aston University University of Wolverhampton Recruitment Fair Date: Wednesday 21st October 2015 Location:University of Wolverhampton Aston University Placement Fair Date: Wednesday…
London Events
September 17, 2015
The London Graduate Fair Date:Tuesday 13th October 2015 Time: 11am – 6pm Location: Senate House South Block, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU Career Exploration Fair 2015 Date: Friday 13th…
Alumni Q&A
September 17, 2015
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque ligula elit, mollis ut laoreet id, convallis id massa. Nullam tincidunt varius mauris, a vulputate augue volutpat in. Mauris dapibus metus…
City Year UK teams up with Aramark to host global ‘work readiness’ volunteer day
September 17, 2015
On Thursday 17th September, we teamed up with Aramark and two of our partner schools to host a day of activities on the theme of ‘workplace readiness’ as part of its Building…
Wishing corps members a Happy New City Year!
September 10, 2015
160 talented and inspirational young people from across the country have embarked on a ‘City Year’ this week, serving for the next 11 months in 24 inner-city schools as role…
President Clinton visits City Year UK in east London school to champion a ‘year of voluntary service’ for young people
August 4, 2015
City Year UK was honoured to host a special visit from former President Bill Clinton yesterday, as part of our fifth anniversary year celebrations. > Read the article
New report from Demos calls for government support to drive social action among young people
July 13, 2015
The Government is being urged to act to drive greater social action among young people. > Read the article
City Year UK volunteers open ‘the Oscars for responsible business’
July 10, 2015
Thanks to our longstanding partnership with National Grid, City Year corps members from London, Birmingham and Manchester, took centre stage at the Responsible Business of the Year Awards at the…
City Year UK corps member represents voice of young Londoners at St Paul’s Memorial Service
July 9, 2015
On 7th July our thoughts went out to all those affected by the London bombings in 2005. We were very proud of corps member Aaron Grant-Booker who represented the voice…
Bank of America Merrill Lynch visit City Year UK in school they sponsor
July 3, 2015
Serina Ramkhelawon, Foreign Exchange Sales Product specialist, Bank of America Merrill Lynch went back to school to see the City Year London team – that is sponsored by her firm…
Watch our new film celebrating five years of impact
June 30, 2015
We’ve produced a short film celebrating the last five years of City Year in the UK. Watch it here.
President Bill Clinton visits City Year UK at partner school
June 26, 2015
City Year UK was honoured to host a special visit from former President Bill Clinton yesterday, as part of our fifth anniversary year celebrations. The event, which took place at…
Bank of America Merrill Lynch offer their expertise at an interview skills afternoon for corps members
June 16, 2015
Over 50 professionals from City Year UK’s corporate and other supporters recently joined its 120 London volunteers (known as corps members) to offer one-to-one interview practice. The session concentrated on…
Every Child Journal – Leading the way
May 25, 2015
Every Child Journal speaks to our CEO, Sophie Livingstone, who reports on the success of the City Year scheme imported from the US. Read the full article here.
City Year UK Chief Executive, Sophie Livingstone, writes to Prince Harry about national service
May 20, 2015
“Prince Harry, Thousands of Young People Are Already Serving Their Country – voluntarily” > Read the article
City Year UK praised in new Ofsted inspection
April 27, 2015
A recent Outstanding Ofsted report on Lozells Junior and Infant School in Birmingham has said: “The ‘City Year’ volunteers make a positive contribution to the welfare of the pupils. The…
Parkfield School wins a National Pupil Premium Award
March 25, 2015
Our partner school Parkfield School has won a National Pupil Premium Award. > Read the article
Judy Murray demonstrates tennis skills at partner school in Birmingham
March 24, 2015
Corps members Avneet Bhambra and Shaheen Ratansi were excited to meet tennis coach Judy Murray when she visited one of our partner schools, Broadway Academy in Perry Barr, Bimringham. She was at…
City Year UK and National Grid mark five years of supporting young people in London
March 18, 2015
We were delighted to welcome special guest, Hackney South and Shoreditch MP Meg Hillier, to an event at Whitmore Primary School in March to celebrate our five year partnership with…
Investing in our young people is vital to the future of Britain
March 15, 2015
We must help teenagers develop other vital life skills. > Read the article
Kids enjoy whizz bang experiments at Science festival organised by City Year UK and National Grid
March 9, 2015
On Friday 6 March, over 200 children from schools across Hackney convened for the fourth annual National Grid Science Festival which celebrated the joys science and engineering. Attractions included ‘whizz-bang…
City Year UK wins DfE Character Award
March 2, 2015
City Year UK is delighted to have been recognised as a leader in character education by winning a Department for Education Character Award. Our ‘50 acts of greatness ‘club is…
City Year UK recognised by DfE as a leader in character education
February 25, 2015
Investing in character education “is vital for preparing young people for life in modern Britain” > Read the article
Children & Young People Now – Today’s young people are more socially aware
February 19, 2015
Children & Young People Now reports on the study ‘Introducing Generation Citizen’ by think tank Demos. The report concludes that, in spite of a negative media portrayal, young people are…
City Year UK and Nesta hold education event to share transatlantic insights
February 18, 2015
City Year UK and Nesta recently hosted an event which saw US experts on education reform joining specialists here to share transatlantic insights into closing the education gap in the…
Evening Standard – Hackney pupils get lesson from basketball pro
February 17, 2015
The Evening Standard reports on the visit of NBA basketball star, Alan Anderson, to Whitmore Primary School in Hackney, where he met with pupils and City Year volunteers. View the…
Children & Young People Now – School youth volunteer scheme has positive impact
December 20, 2013
Children & Young People Now reports on an evaluation of the City Year programme’s third year in London. Read the full story here.
Serving and Learning: A New Skills Pathway for Young People on the Road to Employment
October 8, 2013
In her latest blog in the Huffington Post, CEO of City Year UK, Sophie Livingstone explains how City Year can be a new pathway into employment for young people. Read…
