First Story changes lives through writing
We’re on a mission to empower young people in low-income communities with the skills and confidence to thrive in life and education. In our first decade we’ve impacted the lives of thousands of young people across England — and we’re just getting started. Think you could help? We look forward to hearing from you!
Staff roles
Sorry, we currently have no vacancies.
Hear about new opportunities first by following our social accounts and subscribing to our monthly newsletter, the Friday Story — quick links are at the bottom of the page.
Become a Writer-in-Residence
First Story writers are talented professionals with a publication record of at least one book, and/or an established reputation as a performance poet or playwright. As creative writing practitioners, they typically have at least three years of teaching experience, preferably working with young people. Ideally they will also have experience of bringing a project to publication.
Our writers are ambassadors for First Story within their school, and for creative writing within their region. Above all, we want to work with people who share our belief in the power of creative writing, and who can apply their enthusiasm and craft to develop young people’s confidence, creativity and writing ability.
Check out our current roster of talented writers here.
Role Requirements
Year-Long Programme
– Lead 16 x 90 min. after-school writing workshops for up to 21 students
– Lead a dedicated staff CPD session
– Edit and curate a printed anthology of the group’s work
Term-Long Programme
– As above, but reduced to 8 x 90 min. after-school workshops
In addition, we ask all Writers-in-Residence to attend a skills-sharing day, regional network meetings, and the school’s anthology launch event.
Throughout the year, additional opportunities are offered to First Story writers to lead workshops at Regional Writing Events, to speak and/or lead sessions our annual Young Writers’ Festival, and to lead our week-long summer residential programme.
How to apply
Please email your CV, detailing relevant experience and qualifications, along with a covering letter outlining why you want to work with First Story.
Please note that references will be required and you must be DBS certified.
Voluntary Roles
We’re a small charity with a lean staff team. We simply couldn’t achieve all that we do each year, without our amazing volunteers who generously donate their time and talents.
Regular volunteers at our north London HQ generally provide much-needed support to our core staff, by helping with programme, communications or fundraising related administration.
Volunteers are often needed for our events too, such as the Young Writers’ Festival in Cambridge, and Regional Writing Events in all our operating regions: Bradford and Leeds, Hull, the East Midlands and London.
Between January and July is First Story’s anthology production season, when we really need volunteers with specific skills and experience in publishing i.e. proof-reading, copy-editing, typesetting and design.
Please use our online form to register for volunteering opportunities.
Work Experience
We’re keen to offer opportunities to young people — particularly graduates of our programme — to gain practical work experience that can enhance academic or career prospects. First Story’s main office is in North London, which unfortunately tends to limit opportunities to young people living in the capital. However, we may be able to find regional placements, depending on the time of year and circumstances.
Please send us an email in the first instance, telling us more about yourself and what you’re interested in learning from work experience.
