Joining criteria
Specific people are invited to be on the Panel. The facilitator, along with the young people, decides who to ask. They should be interested and supportive. At least one panellist must have completed the Keyfund facilitators training and be a current member of the Keyfund Federation. The facilitator panellist must be from an organisation different to the group’s facilitator. The groups’ facilitator can support them with the preparation for their presentation to the Panel, but should not be present in the Panel meeting.

The minimum number of panel members is two. Along with the facilitator panellist the other panel member must have completed the Keyfund’s Community Panel Training course and be a current members of the Keyfund. Anyone can become a Community Panel Member and examples are; another young person who isn’t involved in the group, a caretaker, a councillor, a teacher, a cleaner, a youth worker, a colleague, etc.

Recruitment process
Prospective Community Panel members will complete a membership and training application form, which is assessed and processed by the Keyfund team. Each successful applicant will then complete the initial training programme. These training programmes take place every 6 months and on-demand where appropriate.

Role
To use the live panel process to provide young people with the opportunity to present their ideas and what they have learnt whilst planning to put these ideas into action. The Panel decide if the group has been able to clearly demonstrate their learning of the Keyfund skills and set any conditions to enhance the group’s experience. This role is important to ensure that Keyfund activity stays within our ethos and that it used as a learning process and not as a funding source.

Responsibilities
To support the groups’ Keyfund facilitator by having a conversation prior to the Panel meeting to discuss the background, development and future progression of the group. To ensure the group experienced learning of the Keyfund skills in planning their project. To increase learning opportunities by setting surmountable conditions. To check that the funds are used fairly and are adequately controlled and that the young people have done most of the work themselves.

Membership at all levels is not only about benefits. Members are also contributing to the youth-led learning movement. As a member you would be encouraged to;

• Share your experience and information with other members
• Welcome enquiries and visits from Keyfund staff and / or interested parties
• Attend local, regional and national Keyfund events wherever possible
• Support your local network and value the work of other members
• Promote Keyfund and its values