Youth Voice News | 2nd May | Roundup

Editor

1 year ago

Welcome to #YouthVoice News and Opportunities – a regular roundup from the world of youthvoice, participation and influence

This week: | NYA national Youth Council Plan | DCMS Youth Strategy Hacks | Votes@16 Watch | plus lots of opportunities to ‘have your say’ / join advisory boards .. with thanks to Youth Opportunities Digest co-authored by Molly Taylor (check it out and subscribe!) YouthVoice News is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer.

YOUTHVOICE HEARD – NEWS

⚡UK wide Youth Council – consultation report and next steps . On 28April the National Youth Agency launch its consultation report “What the Future Holds” Leigh Middleton, (CEO of National Youth Agency) NYA, introduced the launch with a reassurance that the aim was still to see an independent organisation established that was youth-led. Esther Horner-Aird, NYAs lead on youthvoice, who coordinated the six-month consultation, introduced the report and in response to a question at the end, gave some details on next steps – which would initially be steered by NYA Young Associates, a new Expert Advisory Group (not known who yet) with a view to an event/assembly/meet in September, depending on resources and funding options. The 100 webinar attendees, some of whom had advance copies of the report or accessed it via a link posted in the chat half way through the launch, had a few minutes for questions at the end. So its not clear what the sectors reaction to the recommendations and plans are yet. Most of the meeting was taken up with NYA Young Associate and Lundy model champion, Arthur Templeman-Lilley, choosing his favourite recommendations, and then in conversation with Laura Lundy on the role and need for a national youth council. ⚡A British Youth Council revival? Coming Soon : James Cathcart’s blog on the reaction to the consultation and plans for next steps for a Youth Council “During the launch of NYAs consultation report guest speaker Laura Lundy said that “its embarrassing that the UK doesn’t have a National Youth Council” It’s been over 12 months since the British Youth Council closed in March 2024 leaving its membership without a secretariat, professional support and a national platform. What do stakeholders, members, and future supporters think of the consultation process and NYA’s plans to facilitate next steps led by their Young Associates. How will the Government respond to the reports call for core funding without compromising its independence and freedom to campaign? I’d like to explore options and stimulate a debate about the exciting opportunities ahead, as more stakeholders, such as youth councils membership, engage with and are heard with the process going forward” ⚡DCMS Youth Strategy continues. May update from @MyLifeMySay : 14,000 survey completions ✅ 9 focus groups regions completed ✅ next… a programme of youthvoice ‘hacks’. “Following an incredible hack in Blackpool (United Youth Alliance thank you!!), organisations across the country are coordinating youth-led Hacks to feed into the DCMS/Gov National Youth Strategy consultation of 10-21 yer olds (25 SEND ) in England. There’s still time to signup for some of the dates below: https://lnkd.in/eEPYKyQZ – Bristol – April 29th, Manchester – May 1st, Gateshead – May 2nd (April28/29 too), Birmingham – TBC. Ipswich (closed to public)

⚡DCMS April update is in Newsletter2, with a timetable and details for further engagement. Follow link for full text and link to subscribe National Youth Strategy Engagement Update – DCMS Youth Newsletter “We’re also still welcoming evidence and ideas for the National Youth Strategy, you can send this to youth@dcms.gov.uk. Update, timetable and

YVH reaction: “Young people and Youth workers are still being consulted as part of this process in local forums, but other stakeholder and supporters of ongoing co-production and dialogue with Government should use this opportunity to submit their “evidence and ideas” in support of the Youth Strategy’s aims- especially on topics like the role of local youth councils, a new national youth council, and how Government departments will work together to deliver a coordinating Government Youth Strategy. Over 14,000 have completed the consultation survey (DeliverYou) raising issues which will span other Government Departments remits – Education, Justice, Local Government, Health…. I hope to submit evidence in support of the creation of a National Listening strategy (Dedicated Minister for Youth at Cabinet level, coordinating departments) to match a National Voice (Youth Council network and regular consultation/co=production) to make ‘meaningful dialogue’ an ongoing policy not a one off consultation” James Cathcart, Dir YVH. ⚡Co-op Foundation appoint #youthvoice champion Amelia Ireland as their Youth Participation Lead.. “to help us coordinate our work with young people and make sure we include youth voice in everything we do at the Foundation” She will be supporting the development of the Co-op Foundations Youth Participation Strategy and share their learning with other funders. Amelia is Chair of the Young Trustee Movement and is a trustee on the Holocaust Education Trust. “Having been involved in various youth participation opportunities as a young person myself, and more recently leading youth engagement work at a number of charities, I’m really passionate about the benefits of meaningful youth participation for both organisations and young people.” Amelia. YVH reaction: “Funders like the Co-op, the The Lottery, Paul Hamlyn, Children in Need are increasingly working together to coordinate their support of youthvoice, employing specialist workers and advisory boards to help. YVH has worked with and known Amelia as an exceptional champion of #youthvoice using her direct experience, and now in a professional role. We need more independent champions like this to shape the future direction of the #youthvoice and influence landscape.” James C, Dir YVH

VOTES@16WATCH

⚡VOTES@16Watch A twin track approach to ensure “Votes at 16 + education” gets over the line during the lifetime of this parliament as promised, is gaining momentum this Spring . On one ‘track’ are the #youthled campaigners like My Life My Say and the #UKYouthParliament who marshalling fresh arguments and social action to target parliamentarians (and no doubt the public and media) to win over any doubters, and to ensure that the legislation is implemented. On another parallel ‘track’ are a network or organisations, educationalists, and researchers working to ensure that civil servants, legislators and the electoral commission have access to their information and support to ensure implementation is of the highest standard and draws on best practice. Both share the goal that Votes at 16 will need to accompanied with citizenship/democracy education/ political literacy in schools, and learn from a long legacy of campaigners and supports.

⚡VOTES@16 WATCH | 1 May 25 | The Politics Project will be launching its “Roadmap to Votes at 16” strategy in Parliament in July. Young campaigners will be supported to have an input and attend. Watch this space for more information.

Votesat16 Watch reports some of the latest developments from around the country. See YVHs Home Page under Votes@16Watch for full list.

RECOGNITION

⚡AWARDS OPEN – NOMINATE YOUTH VOICE! : Young Voices Heard BLOG by James Cathcart – Children Young People Now Awards 20th Anniversary – open for Nominations. Blog includes info on how to nominate. Why not nominate a #youthvoice project, young leader or youthvoice champion this year! | CYP Now – The CYP Now Awards reach 20th milestone. The awards opens for entries on Monday 31 March with the closing date of 5pm Closing Date: Thursday 12 June.

⚡James Cathcart writes for CYPNow Magazine on his relationship with the awards and their young judges .Children Young People Now Awards 20th Anniversary – open for nominations! – YOUNG VOICES HEARD Campaign4 Youth Recognition

HAVE YOUR SAY

⚡YOUTH VOICE CENSUS: The Youth Employment UK #youthvoice annual census is open to both young people aged 11- 30, AND employers, Govt policy people and Third Sector reps. Its one of the best annual capture of #youthvoice views by one of the most #youthvoice friendly organisations in the country. Check out previous findings on this link. The Youth Voice Census is your chance to share how you feel about school, work and life. It’s completely anonymous. Every year, thousands of people complete the survey, sharing their opinions to shape the future. Your answers will be used to help inform real-world change to make your experiences better through YEUK lobbying and the report is a great resource to all #youthvoice advocates and reps. Depending on the answers you give, the survey can take between 10 and 45 minutes to complete. You can start and stop as many times as you like, saving your progress as you go!- Have you say now. Youth Voice Census – Youth Employment UK Deadline 6th June

OPPORTUNITIES

⚡The National Children’s Bureau (NCB) is recruiting for its 11-17 Advisory Board on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) for children and young people with lived experience of children’s social care. The board will be formed of children and young people based in England for whom children’s social care (has played a role in their lives and who are passionate about making it better. They will play a vital role in informing proposals for reforms to children’s social care policy with the Department for Education (DfE), following the publication of Stable Homes, Built on Love. This includes, but is not limited to, children in care and care experienced young people, siblings of children in care, unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people, children who have ever had a social worker, e.g. been a child in need or on a child protection plan, and children of foster carers. More info for c&yp 7. Info Sheet – Children and Young People 3. Easy Read Info Sheet 6. Info Sheet – Professionals Please encourage children and young people you work with to apply by filling in this short application form by 9th May 2025. Applications can be by video. If you would like this information in a different language, please let us know. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on participation@ncb.org.uk

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES DIGEST – selection

Youth Opportunities 28th April edition | LinkedIn “for young people, curated by young people” founded and Co-Authored by #youthvoice pioneer Molly Taylor check it out . Below is just a selection of its opportunities that relate to #youthvoice Advisory Board roles – but check out the full issue for lots more – and subscribe!

Advisory Boards

⚡Fair Education Alliance is recruiting 12 new Youth Steering Group members to help campaign for a fairer education system. Applicants must be aged 14–21 on 1st August 2025, live in England, and be passionate about reducing educational inequality. No prior experience or qualifications are needed. Priority will be given to underrepresented young people, especially those from the care system, alternative provision, or from London, the North East, or South West. Apply by midnight on 22nd June 2025 here: https://lnkd.in/darz9b-H

⚡The Youth Hood Project is inviting passionate young changemakers aged 14–25 to apply for its Young Leaders Board. [Our aim is to foster a profound sense of community, identity, and equity in youth development, empowering young people to reach their fullest potential. We also strongly believe that young adults deserve a seat at the decision-making roundtable to share their experiences and directly influence youth-related policy.] As a Young Leader, you will help shape YOUTHOOD’s campaigns, partnerships, and national advocacy work, design youth-led projects, represent young people’s voices at national events, and develop leadership, communication, and policy skills in a supportive environment. YOUTHOOD believes in real change driven by youth leadership, not just consultation. If you are passionate about education, careers, wellbeing, or social justice, this is your chance to make a difference. Applications close on Friday 27th June at 11:59 PM. Find out more and apply at: youthood.uk/governance.

⚡The Childnet Youth Advisory Board is a dynamic group of young people aged 13–17 from across the UK who are passionate about making the internet a safer and more positive space. As a board member, you’ll meet monthly online to share your experiences, shape Childnet’s campaigns and resources, and influence key conversations around online safety. Members have had the chance to speak at national events, co-create educational tools, engage with the tech industry, and even visit Parliament to advocate for change. If you want to help shape a better online world for young people. Apply by 5th May 2025 to join the Youth Advisory Board.

⚡Earth Echo: Passionate about protecting our ocean planet? Apply to join the EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council (YLC)—a global team of young environmental leaders (ages 15–22) who help shape EarthEcho International’s programs and lead campaigns to mobilize youth worldwide. As a YLC member, you’ll gain leadership skills, collaborate with peers and global partners, and contribute to the mission of a leading international environmental nonprofit. The 2025 application is open until May 5 and is available exclusively through GenSea, EarthEcho’s digital platform for young ocean advocates.

⚡Youthwise: Applications are open for Youthwise 2025, the OECD’s Youth Advisory Board, from 15 April to 15 May. Established in 2021, Youthwise brings together dynamic individuals aged 18 to 30 from across OECD member countries to share youth perspectives on key global issues. Members engage directly with policymakers, participate in high-level discussions and workshops, and contribute to shaping inclusive policies on topics like climate, education, technology, social mobility, and more. The programme runs from July 2025 to June 2027, and applicants must be fluent in English, passionate about international debates, and committed to active participation. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard—Apply by 15 May!

Trustee positions

Interested in becoming a trustee? Only 3% of trustees are under the age of 30. Find under-30 friendly trustee boards through Young Trustees Movement

Message from Molly – Feedback on Youth Opps Digest. Please complete/share.

“As Youth Opportunities continues to grow, we’re taking a moment to reflect — and we’d really value your insight. We’ve created a short organisation Check-In Form to hear how you’ve been using the resource, who it’s reaching, and how we can do even better. 🕐 Takes just 5–10 minutes: 👉 Partner Form https://lnkd.in/ebQfu7Ab “If you are a young person or work directly with young people, we’d also love for you to share this youth-friendly feedback form — so we can hear from those accessing our newsletter and opportunities first hand: 👉 For young people https://lnkd.in/eWrSqrWB

RESOURCES

For YVH recommended resources go to the http://www.YoungVoiceHeard.org.uk main website / RESOURCES, or browse back issues of #YouthVoiceNews