Francesca Hutchin, a member of Esmée’s Involving Young People Collective, shares reflections on being part of the Collective, the different working relationships, and her experience of assessing grants.
What attracted you to the role?
I initially saw the role advertised on Linkedin. As I was scrolling through my feed full of people announcing new jobs and career advice, I came across a post about a ‘paid opportunity for young people.’ As I was a student at the time, this instantly interested me! I clicked the link and read on. I did not fully understand grant-making and funding, but having some experience of the other side of funding, writing applications and reporting in the climate activist and arts sector, I was intrigued.
After filling out the application I was invited to an interview with HUDL Youth Development Agency and a few Involving Young People Collective (IYPC) associates. I never remember interviews or what happens in them, but I do remember feeling welcomed and comfortable in the company of the IYPC and HUDL. When, after a few weeks, the offer came through I was confused and surprised! I knew how much of a good deal this opportunity was - a paid, remote, flexible opportunity for young people, and was shocked that I’d been chosen. I was soon onboarded into the IYPC learning all about their work so far and the world of grant-making. Throughout all of this, I’ve still not been able to fully explain what the job is and entails to my parents - who are still confused about it! This role is so unique - the opportunity to work in a Collective to innovate and develop new funds, work on grant assessments and shape the organisational strategy of Esmée and of the IYPC itself, that it is hard to fully explain and capture to anyone else (especially parents!) But the skills and experiences are so transferable to everything else I’ve done since.
What have you learned while being in the role and from the working relationship?
My favourite thing about the role is learning. Esmée works across three main strategic aims - Our Natural World; Creative, Confident Communities and A Fairer Future, including specific funds such as Youth Led Creativity. Even within these funds there is a huge range of organisations, communities and sectors represented. Working across different funds and grants has given me the chance to learn about a diverse range of social justice issues in many different contexts and regions. I’ve also learnt so much from people, other IYPC consultants, HUDL, Esmée colleagues and all the people working at the supported organisations, about all the incredible work and organisations that are out there across the country and across social and environmental justice issues in a range of sectors!
What's it like assessing grants?
I’m always surprised in how confident and competent I now feel doing grant assessments. Esmée shares applications with the IYPC that they think may be of interest and would value our input on. Individual consultants can then indicate their interest to join the assessment process, which can involve joining calls with the applicant and sharing our reflections in the assessment notes.
We first shadow another IYPC consultant for our first few, and in those I couldn’t imagine doing one on my own. I initially found it difficult to come up with questions to ask. Whilst I was extremely interested in reading and hearing all about the organisation's work, I didn’t then have any follow-up questions or know how to ask them. As I continued to be involved in grant assessments, I have developed my questioning skills, how to think critically and constructively, and to ask questions which can build a more vivid and nuanced picture of an application, an organisation and the people behind it. Through my experience, I became more confident in the process of grant assessments - from being involved from the Expression of Interest stage, and then seeing an organisation submit a full application and then getting to speak to them. It slowly builds a picture of an organisation and their application, layer by layer creating a detailed picture of their impact and work.
What do you use from the IYPC in your life?
So much! When I applied I never expected it to fit so well into my life and career. In my day job, working in climate change in local government, it has provided me with perspective on the funding and grants we provided. Having knowledge and experience in increasing the accessibility and inclusivity of funding has enabled me to work towards this in my work. As well as in my other roles as a Trustee at a theatre, as a volunteer for a Youth Climate Organisation and as a mentor. Funding is a huge part of almost every sector and industry, having an understanding and experience of how it works from both sides is hugely beneficial.
Any final reflections on being an IYPC consultant?
Being a member of the IYPC has changed the way I approach work and volunteering. The commitment of the IYPC to embedding joy and care in the workplace, into formal and informal structures, has translated into all the work I do. It has prompted me to ask and challenge how joy and care can be at the root and centre of everything we do in work and life.
