News: Youth Policy Development Group extended / new consultation on Genetic Modification to Food
ShoutOutUK have been given an extension to their Youth Engagement grant to continue their work getting young voices heard on the development Government Policies through the Youth Policy Development Group, by six months until the end of Sept 22. .The original youth engagement partnership was announced last year and initially covered the period between Sept 21 and March 22. The group met last weekend for the training and preparation for this month’s (April) consultation (on behalf of DEFRA) on GM food (aged 16-25 see below to have your say)
Thirty young people have been recruited and are trained in policy development and presentation skills monthly prior to regular Govt Roundtables and workshops with officials and Ministers from a range of departments. The work is coordinated through the Department Digital Culture Media & Sport (Youth Directorate) and has so far involved Departments for Education, DCMS and Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs covering a wide range of topics including covid vaccinations and testing amongst young people, children’s rights, poverty, homelessness, youth engagement, and the last – genetic modification to food (see below).
The programme, funded by Youth Engagement Grants (which also include an award to the British Youth Council to operate the UK Youth Parliament), is currently subject to a review. Input has been sought from young people (eg YVH circulated a Youth Engagement survey in February, and stakeholders via a National Youth Agency hosted a youth sector/stakeholders webinair on 3rd March. This included a presentation by DCMS officials.
Youth Policy Develop Group / Government Consultation with young people aged 16-25 Survey : DEFRA on Genetically Modified Food policy. 
“We [ShoutOutUK] have another opportunity for your young people to voice their opinions on how the government develops and delivers policies and programmes. Their input will be a key part of feedback put to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The responses to the survey will be reviewed again by the Youth Policy Development Group (YPDG) and will be shared with government officials and senior policy makers.”
The survey has 6 questions and should take no more than 5-10 minutes. Survey link
It would be amazing if you could share the survey with your networks before the 27th of April. I am aware that the timeline is quite tight, however, any and all responses will be greatly appreciated! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask: spencer@shoutoutuk.org”
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Training, Development and Support from Young Voices Heard.
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Young Voices Heard is the home of the campaign for greater youth recognition in public life, investing in, working with and celebrating youthvoice for good.
ENDS