The Current is for young people aged 16–21 with a strong interest in policy and research, including how evidence informs government and the decisions that affect young people's lives.

You might already be studying, volunteering, working or getting involved in something connected to these areas, but there isn't one route into The Current. We're interested in what you care about, what you've already explored and what you want to understand more about.

Applications to The Current open at different points throughout the year. When applications are open, you can apply through our website and tell us a little about yourself, what you're interested in and why you'd like to join.

We'll review applications after each application window and let you know the outcome.

There isn't a set time commitment. Opportunities will come up at different times, and you can decide what you want to get involved in based on your interests and availability.

Members will typically be part of The Current for 12 months. This gives you time to get involved in different opportunities, build your experience and make connections as they come up throughout the year.

In some circumstances, there may be an opportunity to continue for a second year. We'll talk to you about this towards the end of your first year.

No. Being part of The Current doesn't mean you have to say yes to every opportunity. You choose what you want to take part in.

Opportunities will vary, but The Current will have a strong focus on policy and research. This could include contributing to research, exploring live policy issues, taking part in policy discussions, developing your understanding of government and parliamentary processes, contributing to written content, or hearing directly from people working in these areas.

As The Current develops, we'll share opportunities with the network as they become available.

Both. Some opportunities will take place online, while others may be in person. Where something is location-specific, we'll make that clear when we share it with you.

Some opportunities may be paid, but this won't apply to everything offered through The Current. We'll always make it clear when an opportunity is paid before you decide whether to take part.

We'll review your application and let you know what happens next. If you join The Current, we'll use the contact details you provide to keep you connected to the network and share relevant opportunities with you.

When you contribute to The Current, you're sharing your own perspective. We won't expect you to represent or speak on behalf of other young people.

Depending on the opportunity, what you share may contribute to The Collective's research, policy work, projects, content or communications. We'll make it clear how your contribution will be used when we ask you to take part.

Yes. You can leave the network at any time and ask us to stop contacting you.

You don't need professional experience or to have worked in policy or research before. However, The Current is designed for young people who already have an interest in these areas and want to develop it further.

Your application is a chance to tell us about that interest and anything you've already done to explore it, whether through your studies, volunteering, work, independent learning or other experiences.