Welcome to #YouthVoice News and Opportunities – a regular roundup from the world of youthvoice, participation and influence
This week: | UK Youth Council plans latest – Lloyds back | DCMS confirms Youth Voice budget 25/26 – to fund UKYP | DCMS Youth brief to move to DFE ? | Europe Youth Forum elect UK reps | UKYP reps attend Lords media literacy Committee | Votesat16 Watch | plus lots of opportunities to ‘have your say’ / join advisory boards .. with thanks to Youth Opportunities Digest co-authored by Molly Taylor | YouthVoice News is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer.
YOUTHVOICE HEARD – NEWS
⚡National Youth Council ‘revival’ next steps: Lloyd Russell-Moyle, former MP and former trustee of the British Youth Council (BYC) has recently been appointed a Consultant by the National Youth Agency (NYA). He joins a small team of staff, NYA Young Consultants and UK Young Ambassadors, tasked with taking forward next steps arising from their consultation report “What the Future Holds” So far there hasn’t been an opportunity for stakeholders, former youth council members, or young leaders to meet, discuss and respond to the proposals/recommendations. The Government has made no official announcement thought its expected something will be included in the forthcoming Youth Strategy. James Cathcart (former CEO of BYC 2008-2016) who has been calling for Govt to introduce a mechanism/Ministry/Minister (A National Listen) to match and meet a revived National UK Youth Council (A National Voice) caught up with Lloyd this week to learn more about NYAs plans and how others can have a say. (James will be writing his response to the report and exploring options to help inform the process going forward in a more detailed article coming soon. If you have written a response or want to share a view he’d love to hear from you/DM)
⚡DCMS confirm budget breakdown for youthvoice 25/26 In a Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament Lisa Nandy MP/Minister DCMS, confirmed to Parliament (15/05/25) “over £2.4 million to give young people a voice on the issues that matter most to them through the UK Youth Parliament; and to improve local places through a new approach to our youth social action funding, working in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund and the #iwill movement.” Its not clear exactly how much is allocated to the UKYP to continue to March 26 (beyond its initial contract with NYA until March 25), so its likely the bulk of the £2.4m budget will support social action grants to be distributed through the National Lottery Community Fund, possibly with a youthvoice themed social action. Youth Voice News has written to DCMS requesting more information. The UKYP programme is a fixed term contract. It is being independently evaluated and future funding is subject to review and will probably take account of any dialogue about the future of a national Youth Council for the UK. The UK Youth Parliament was originally established independently of the British Youth Council, as an alternative national voice mechanism/charity. It was locally supported by the same orgs that supported membership from youth councils to the BYC. When it looked likely to close in 2011, the Government invites proposals to ‘rescue’ it and subsequently funded BYC’s proposal to blend its membership into a unified Youth Voice programme, something which the other leading stakeholders in dialogue with Government (NYA, NCVYS and NCB, and the board of UKYP) backed at the time. The subsequent package ensured most UKYP staff were retained, and the UKYP steering group was delegated powers to continued to oversee youth-led delivery.
⚡Youth Voice to return to DFE? “Are plans underway to prepare for the restoration of the youth policy (and youth voice) brief back to the Department for Education? Does the recent article in Civil Service World, which references a report in the Times, suggest this might be the case? The Governments remit for youth policy currently lies uneasily within the brief of DCMS (Department of Culture Media and Sport) as part of the Youth Directorate, within the Office for Civil Society, a brief which the Minister Stephanie Peacock MP shares with Sport, Media, Civil society, Youth, Loneliness and social connection, Ceremonials, Legislation and corporate; and Gambling (in the House of Commons). DCMS Youth teams cover: youth work services (e.g. Youth Work / Grants, formerly NCS Trust) as well as Youth Voice (UKYP, National Youth Council, YouthVoice grants) and is currently leading and coordinating the Youth Strategy which will attempt to coordinate other Government Departments youth policies. When Labour were last in power (pre-2010) the remit for Youth used to be located at the Department for Education, where the last Minister for Youth under the Cameron Government, had to relinquish the role, first to the Cabinet Office, and then to DCMS. At the time (and ever since) the British Youth Council called for restoration of a dedicated Youth Minister, rather than a part-time shared one.
Editorial “Whether this is merely a rumour or has some truth, is it time for the Government to match plans for a National Voice (UK youth council) with a National Listen (Govt depts) under a dedicated and coordinating Youth Minister, rather than current shared role at DCMS. The Dept for Education is one option as it would reunite the children and youth work sectors under a ‘curriculum for life’ youth policy agenda, delivering a continuum of education and connected youth services services – from school to community and active citizenship. The Education Act 1996 (507) legislation and guidance that underpins both the provision of local youth services, and the mechanisms for local youth voice/councils to inform and influence them. Other youth sector organisations have made periodic calls for the remit to be returned to the Dept for Education, but is it time, in the light of lowering the voting age and introducing democracy/citizenship education in schools – to go further, to explore the idea of a new Department and Ministry for Youth (16-25) to coordinate across Government departments, with representation at Cabinet Level? [See Youth Voice Participation in Democracy Reforms blog 2024). The new Government has demonstrated through its quick decision to abolish the NCS Trust, its willingness to move quickly to introduce reform.” (JC/Ed)
⚡UK Youth Parliament: Members of its Select Committee met the Lords Committee on Communications and Digital / Media Literacy this week: Here’s what Baroness Keeley (Chair) and some of the young reps had to say. video link https://x.com/LordsCommsCom/status/1922226276959490384 The Lords Committee will report by the summer – more info here https://t.co/eWyQIgZbqn
⚡Katrina Lambert BEM, elected to European Youth Advisory Council | At the European Youth Forum’s General Assembly last weekend, she was elected to the 2026-27 mandate of the Advisory Council on Youth of the Council of Europe! “Thank you to European YWCA and the European Youth Forum membership for your trust and support 🫶 I’m looking forward to working with an amazing group of 30 young people from across Europe, where I hope to contribute to the Council of Europe’s work on areas including gender equality, children’s rights, meaningful inclusion – and more! You can read more about the work of the Advisory Council here: https://lnkd.in/eUYQivvy ”
⚡The European Youth Forum also congratulated Maurizio Cuttin | LinkedIn following his re-election to the same Advisory Council. He stood as a candidate of the ‘British Youth Council’ . Despite its closure in March 24, the National Youth Agency submitted the nomination as ‘custodians of the ‘British Youth Council’ [brand] as it continues to support and manage the BYC former UK Young Ambassadors initiative until a revived national youth council is established to re-elect its UK representatives.
Votesat16 Watch – Labour predicted to axe votes at 16 to stop Reform winning youth vote | Politics | News | Express.co.uk predicts new Reform MP. However – Government insist plans are on track
Votesat16 Watch – My Life My Say meet Minister for Democracy, Rushanara Ali MP to discuss democratic engagement, the government’s commitment to votes at 16 and to brief MHCLG’s senior officials and civil servants about their forthcoming campaign which is youth-led by 16 members of a Campaign Steering Group.
Votes at 16 Watch – news from Jan to May can be found on the main Votesat16 Watch column on the main landing page of the http://www.YoungVoicesHeard.org.uk home page. YOUNG VOICES HEARD – CONSULTANCY, SHARING GOOD PRACTICE, SUPPORT SERVICES
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. PLUS … 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
VoiceBox | By young people, for young people
“The international content platform by young people for young people. Create content on the topics you care about and get paid!” VoiceBox is an international youth-led content platform and social enterprise whose mission is to amplify the voices of young people around the world. We feature a wide variety of topics and formats of content from people aged 13-25. Become a paid content creator
FUNDED / Paid OPPORTUNITIES
Ashoka UK & Ireland is making £2000 per person available to young leaders as part of their recently launched Generation Changemaker (GenC) initiative— a new national network for young changemakers aged 13–18 across the UK and Ireland. GenC is designed to support, celebrate, and amplify the voices of young people who are already leading impactful initiatives. Whether they’re building solutions, challenging systems, or reimagining their communities, this programme gives them the space, support, and recognition to go even further. “Young people care deeply about the future. In the UK, 83% say tackling climate change is a top priority, and 67% want careers that create a positive impact. But despite this drive, youth-led initiatives still face major barriers — from lack of funding to limited access to decision-making spaces. (YouthSight, 2022). We’re seeking 13–18 year olds who are already making a difference — whether by launching initiatives, reimagining systems, or mobilising their peers for change. GenC isn’t just a recognition; it’s a platform for growth, collaboration, and influence. Nominate them. Help us reach the next generation of leaders. 🔗 Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gKZ2caKd 📅 Applications are open until May 31st, 2025 Co-designed with young people and built on care and accountability, GenC is for founders or co-founders of initiatives making a real difference. Applications close on 31st May 2025
👉 Help shape the future of Girlguiding! Girls 11-18 ? Already a youthvoice rep? Passionate about making things better for girls like you? Got ideas on how this can be done? Girl Guiding UK would like to hear from you. Three online sessions £50 – “This is an opportunity reaching out to non-members of Girlguiding – to get opinions from youth reps across the UK who don’t currently access our services) to shape our future… Closing date 30th May
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES DIGEST – Editors pick…
Youth Opportunities 19th May 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!
⚡Patchwork : Applications are open for Patchwork’s 2025 Party Conference Programme, offering 18–30-year-olds from under-represented backgrounds the chance to attend a major UK political party conference. Participants receive free tickets, take part in roundtable discussions with senior politicians, and get tailored support to engage confidently in political spaces. Open to UK residents who haven’t attended a party conference before and are committed to participating fully. Deadline: 9am, Tuesday 27th May 2025
⚡The Politics Project : Local Government – free introduction event Join The Politics Project for a free online event on Thursday, 12th June 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 on Zoom. This session invites young people to explore a future in local government by hearing directly from sitting councillors across the political spectrum. Learn what the role involves, why youth voices are vital in local politics, and how to start your journey toward becoming a councillor.
⚡Northern Ireland Youth Forum: The AMPLIFY Youth Voice Programme, organised by the Northern Ireland Youth Forum (NIYF), offers a fantastic opportunity for 16-24-year-olds to engage with decision-makers and gain practical political work experience. The programme includes weekly commitments, qualifications and training, residentials, and one-on-one support. Participants will also benefit from travel and food provisions, ensuring a fully supported experience. This initiative is designed to empower young people by helping them develop essential skills, participate in political activities, and earn relevant qualifications. For more information or to get involved, contact Lauren at lauren.mcareavey@niyf.org. Ongoing deadline.
Advisory Boards -YVH pick..
⚡Children in Scotland is inviting young people aged 8 to 22 to join its youth advisory group, Changing Our World. This group plays a vital role in shaping the organisation’s work by sharing experiences and perspectives on issues that matter to children and young people. Members participate in regular meetings—both online and in person—collaborate on projects, contribute to policy development, and engage with decision-makers. Recent initiatives have included co-chairing the annual conference, developing a paper on education and learning, and meeting with government ministers to discuss youth health concerns. This is a voluntary role with no salary, but it offers valuable experience and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Applications are open until 14 July 2025.
⚡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.
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⚡Our Pick …
UK Youth for Nature is recruiting three new trustees (16+) to join the UK’s leading youth-led movement advocating for urgent action on the nature crisis. This is a remote, voluntary role requiring just 1–3 hours per month. The organisation is particularly interested in candidates with expertise in financial management, charity accounting, equality, diversity and inclusion, campaigning, advocacy, or organisational development. While most roles at UK Youth for Nature are youth-focused, this trustee position is open to all ages, including older allies, and applications from individuals underrepresented in the conservation sector are especially encouraged. To apply, email your application to applications.ukyouthfornature@gmail.com by 11:59pm on 25th May. Full details can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gurGS-xw.
MORE RESOURCES at Young Voices Heard website..
For YVH recommended resources go to the http://www.YoungVoiceHeard.org.uk main website / RESOURCES, or browse back issues of #YouthVoiceNews