FAQ's for Young People

When is the NCS programme happening?

How much time do I have to commit?

Where are the Residentials going to be?

Do I have to attend all of it?

What if I’ve got a holiday planned?

What if I am observing Ramadan?

What if I’ve got a job? Can I work and do the programme?

What if I have caring responsibilities or disabilities that will make it hard for me to get involved?

I have something pre-arranged, is it possible to miss a day?

What if I start the programme but then find I don’t like it?

What do you mean by ‘social action’?

Will I need money to get around?

How much does it cost to take part in NCS?

Can I get any qualifications from the NCS programme?

Could this help me get a job in the future?

What happens at the end of my NCS programme?

Is there a deadline for applications?

When is the NCS programme happening?

See the ‘Where & When’ page to find out the dates of the NCS programme for your region. Each regional group begins the programme on a different date in late July. All groups will start during July and finish their 3 NCS weeks by mid-August. You then have the remainder of the summer to deliver your social action projects before attending a graduation ceremony in September.

How much time do I have to commit?

By accepting a place on the NCS programme you must commit to attending the 3 week programme and completing at least 30 hours on your social action project. You will start the programme in mid-July with a couple of days to rest between each week of the programme. Your NCS experience finishes with a graduation event in early September. The programme will not conflict with GCSE exams or results day.

Where are the Residentials going to be?

The first residential (Week 1) will be at Wellington College in Berkshire. Free transport will be provided to and from your home city. The second residential week will be at a local university in/close to your home city. You will be staying in student accommodation and using university facilities during the programme. This is a fantastic opportunity to get a flavour of life at university!

Do I have to attend all of it?

Yes. If you sign up to the programme, you must commit to completing the whole programme. This is important as you will be working in teams to create fantastic projects in your local community and these will succeed best if everyone is there for the duration of the programme. If an issue arises that may affect your participation in the programme, please discuss this at the first possible opportunity with a Future Foundations member of staff.

What if I’ve got a holiday planned?

If your holiday dates clash with those of the NCS programme then it may not be possible to take part. In order to graduate from the programme you must have attended all parts in full.

What if I am observing Ramadan?

Future Foundations have put arrangements in place to support students observing Ramadan during the summer, click here to read more. For more information please contact the FF team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 0203 432 3450.

What if I’ve got a job? Can I work and do the programme?

We have tried to keep weekends during the programme free where possible so that you can maintain weekend work if necessary. However, the first three weeks of the programme will be intensive, so it’s important to make sure you’re balancing your commitments properly and getting enough rest. It is up to you and your team mates when you spend your time putting your projects into action during the rest of the summer, allowing you greater flexibility to manage other commitments.

What if I have caring responsibilities or disabilities that will make it hard for me to get involved?

NCS is an all inclusive scheme. If there are issues you’re afraid will get in the way of you taking part or getting the most from the NCS experience, talk to a member of the FF NCS staff team on 0203 432 3450 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

I have something pre-arranged, is it possible to miss a day?

You must complete the entire 3 weeks programme plus the 30 hours volunteering time in order to be able to graduate from the programme. Occasions arise where participants may need to miss a day of the programme. If this is pre-agreed with Future Foundations and with a parent/guardian’s consent then you can make up the time with extra volunteering hours. You may then proceed to graduate with the rest of your group in September.

What if I start the programme but then find I don’t like it?

Almost everyone who participates in NCS has a fantastic time. Participants are often surprised at just how much they are able to achieve in such a short space of time whilst making new friends and having fun. There will be mentors and coaches going through the programme with you who can support you and help you to work through any potential challenges you may face.

What do you mean by ‘social action’?

One of the most important parts of the NCS programme is the social action projects the teams design and run. Taking social action is about doing things for other people which could benefit you and your local area and which will have a long-term social impact. This could involve making a real difference to a situation or issue which affects your community and those who live in it, therefore benefiting everyone.

The programme will help you to look at ways in which you can have a positive impact in your local community, using the skills you’ve already got, plus the skills that you will develop on the programme. You can be as creative and innovative as you want. This is a fantastic opportunity to show your community how amazing young people can be.

Will I need money to get around?

The idea is that all the activities for the social action project will take place within your local community, so transport costs should be minimal. All travel within the programme (except your transport to and from the meeting destinations and also during the non-residential week) will be provided by Future Foundations.

How much does it cost to take part in NCS?

The Future Foundations NCS programme is a once in a life time opportunity. We only ask participants to contribute £50 to take part as the scheme is part government funded. This fee covers all costs throughout the duration of the programme – including food, accommodation, staffing and activities.

NCS is an inclusive programme. A limited number of bursaries are available. For more information please contact the FF team for more information on 0203 432 3450 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Can I get any qualifications from the NCS programme?

You will gain a First Aid certificate during the programme. Once you have completed all of the stages of the programme you will be eligible to receive your graduation certificate issued by the Cabinet Office. Although not an official qualification, it will recognise your new skills and fantastic NCS experiences thus enhancing your CV. During the programme there will even be a session on how to best describe your NCS experience on your CV, university application and/or in job interviews in order to support your next step after the summer!

Could this help me get a job in the future?

Definitely! By getting involved in NCS you are firstly showing that you are a pro-active and committed young person. Through the projects you create, you will have the opportunity to display a wide range of skills, including communication, team work and leadership skills. Your CV will look fantastic by the end of the summer!

What happens at the end of my NCS programme?

By September 2012, we are sure that you will come away from your NCS graduation event with a real motivation for continuing to making positive changes in your community, and with a clearer idea of where you want to go next. You’ll have gained links to lots of local organisations that you may continue to volunteer with or you may even start your own social enterprise business!

Is there a deadline for applications?

Places are limited and will fill up quickly so Apply now! to make sure that you don’t miss out!