Welcome to #YouthVoice News and Opportunities – a regular roundup from the world of youthvoice, participation and influence
This week: | NYA /British Youth Council invite | Youth Strategy/#youthvoice update | Children’s Commissioner Forum | NEW – links to other #youthvoice Newsletters Scotland and N.Ireland, plus our usual features & Youth Opportunities | YouthVoice News is produced by Young Voices Heard CIC as a non-profit venture, and edited by a volunteer.
YOUTHVOICE HEARD – NEWS
⚡NYA call for organisations to register an “Expression of Interest to learn more about becoming an organisational member of the new National Youth Council” (to replace the British Youth Council)
The National Youth Agency’s next steps in their plans for the restoration of a replacement body for the British Youth Council (which closed in March 2024) include an invitation to organisations to register their EOI asap. They had previously facilitated a consultation process during 2024, resulting in a report (What the Future Holds) and recommendations published in March 2025. Their Young Consultants helped to design the process. Since then Lloyd Russell-Moyle (former MP and trustee of BYC) was appointed as a consultant to help deliver the follow up. A Youth Advisory Group and an Expert Advisory Group were recruited (both by invite or nomination, its not clear yet who they are) have been “working collaboratively between March and July 2025 to co-design a sustainable and inclusive infrastructure for the new Council.” NYA have now posted an update on their website including the invitation to ‘organisations’ across the UK to register an Expression of Interest to learning more about becoming an organisational member of the new National Youth Council”. If your organisation is passionate about supporting young people to shape national decision-making, we encourage you to register your interest HERE and be a part of this exciting new chapter.”
Comment – I’ve written to both Lloyd and NYA for more information about the membership and work of the advisory groups but I expect they represent a range of experience and expertise from across the UK, and from former members or supporters. I’ve offered to help with my knowledge and experience as a former CEO of the British Youth Council – working in partnership with Government, the nations and overseas, especially around governance, funding, whilst ensuring that it was independently youth-led, representative and able to campaign on the key issues that matter to young people. Watch this space for updates.
Im expecting NYA will still host a meeting in November to consider draft proposals. This has previously been referred to as an “Annual Council Meeting”, though that implies some sort of interim membership structure/constitution has been drafted to cover the terms of the ACM? Whatever the interim arrangement, the consequent pathway an independence (NYA have stated they have no long-term ambition to manage a National Youth Council) will include several steps and arrangements to hand over authority and power to a youth-led structure, accountable, as before to its young members, supported and backed by host organisations.
The Government have so far not responded to the NYA’s call for core funding or responded to the report’s recommendations.
We are still the only country in the Commonwealth or Europe not to have an official/Govt recognised Youth Council. Young Voices Heard have asked the DCMS Youth Strategy team if the role of a youth council and Govts commitment to meet with it regularly, are included in the Youth Strategy – a national listen to a national voice in meaningful dialogue. This would provide a focal point for next steps being facilitated by NYA. JC/Ed]
⚡Govt Youth Policy Watch: Youthvoice influence – Plan for Change / Minister resigns / ‘Todays Youth Tomorrows Future’
It can be confusing keeping up to date with how #youthvoice is informing and influencing the various Govt policy initiatives and announcements recently. What’s being promised, what’s new, what’s delayed, and to what extent are claims that “young people are at the heart” meaningful? The key will be the extent to which the promise to publish “You said, We did” information – the elusive feedback – which young leaders have been calling for many years. Unfortunately, ‘Youth Policy ‘is a complex and nuanced area of government policy, and it’s not always easy to see how the various policy initiatives are interconnected and where #youthvoice influences. Here is a breakdown of some of the recent policies and their relationships referred to in the Government’s latest policy and funding announcement of 88m last week by the PM and DCMS Sec of State, Lisa Nandy MP . (FOR MORE DETAILS ON THE YOUTH STRATEGY & FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT – DCMS Youth Team Newsletter – August 2025 and/or DCMS website.
The “Plan for Change” is a broad government agenda, not a single departmental policy or document. It is an overarching set of principles and priorities that guides the government’s work across all departments. As such, there is no single lead minister for the entire plan. However, most of its policies fall primarily under the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), which is responsible for the pending long-term (10-year) youth strategy.
The “Youth Strategy” is being led by Lisa Nandy as the Secretary of State and Stephanie Peacock MP as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth. It will be the overarching policy document, a comprehensive plan for all things youth-related. It is designed to ensure young people have access to safe spaces and positive activities. The £88 million funding announcement is a direct action to support this and is called…
The “Building Creative Futures” 88m funding package. Some of this funding was announced previously and some is new. Its supports a range of measures relating mainly to 25/26 and includes grants for Better Youth Spaces, a Local Transformation Pilot, Millions Hours Fund, Youth United Fund as well as school improvements. Together they are “the latest step towards the government’s National Youth Strategy, which will be shaped by insights from over 20,000 young people engaged through the ‘Deliver You’ campaign.” ….”the Youth Strategy will set out a long-term vision for youth policy across government and put young people at the heart of decision-making”.
Deliver You was a consultation process co-produced with young people through a Youth Advisory Group. “The group will guide the government on how to effectively engage with young people and create a strategy that truly resonates with them”. There is also a Youth Expert Group which “will sit alongside the YAG to help guide the national conversation with young people, providing expertise and challenging thinking throughout the Strategy development” Click here for details /members.
Todays Youth, Tomorrows Future – is the name of the consultation report of 20,000 young people views gathered be the Deliver You process. It was due to be published by now but will be published in the autumn with the Youth Strategy. Its promised to include a You Said We Did feedback referencing the Youth Strategy to YouthVoice.
Young People’s Influence – The government has stated that young people’s voices are central to the development of the Youth Strategy and the phrase “at the heart of decision-making”. So far the primary mechanism for this is through the Youth Advisory Group, and the views arising from 20,000 young people engaging with the consultation process itself. The DCMS has stated that this feedback report Todays Youth, Tomorrow Future, has been and is being used to shape the final version of the Youth Strategy, and promised that it would include a ‘You said We did’ section to evidence the extent to which the policy really is shaped by their views. This indicates that while young people cannot directly draft the policy, their input from the consultation is intended to have a significant influence on its final content. What is less clear is whether co-production and influencing decision-making is only for the duration of this policy development, and whether co-production and influence will be built into the policy, perhaps supporting and strengthening existing structures like local youth councils, and introducing a permanent Youth Advisory Board to the youth policy departments and relevant Minister. Other departments have ongoing advisory panels. (eg DWP/DfE have set one up recently to advise on the Youth Gaurantee on employment/training initiative). Will it also address the vacuum left by the closure of the British Youth Council in 2024, which had grant-assisted initiatives that used to regularly inform and influence policy development? (BYC Youth Select Committee, UKYP, Make Your Mark, Youth Policy Dev Group).
⚡Votes at 16 Minister resigns
Rushanra Ali MP, The Minister responsible for introducing Votes at 16 legislation in the next term, resigned last week to avoid “being a distraction” following an issue relating to her other ministerial responsibilities – for housing. Her formal title was ‘Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Homelessness and Rough Sleeping at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’ – no mention of democracy reform in the title but Ali had been liaising with various campaign groups in the run up to announcing a couple of weeks ago, that new legislation would be introduced in the autumn.
[Comment: At the time of writing her replacement hasn’t been announced, but whoever comes in will need to get up to speed to prepare for a public and parliamentary challenge of getting this legislation over the line. The various youth-led campaigner groups will need to re-engage quickly to ensure their calls for democracy education and associated preparation are heeded, and to respond to public and media criticism of one of the Labour Party GE Manifesto’s least popular commitments. Ed]
⚡Youth Strategy? Plan for Change? Votes at 16? We need a Youth Minister to coordinate. If not now, then when?
Editorial “I’ve said it before – we need a Youth Minister at Cabinet level to coordinate these, and other departmental youth policies (health, justice, education) and provide a single focal point for young people, a full-time dedicated post. We need the Government to also rationalise and coordinate its youth advisors, not as temporary co-producers of consultations, but ongoing advisors brokering views from a restored national youth council to inform and influence policy and delivery. The role of Childrens/Youth Minister used to be a single ministerial role within the Department for Education until 2013, but responsibility for youth services/volunteering and youthvoice element was split off from that of DfE’s Children’s Minister (which still resides at DfE), to be relocated first at the Cabinet Office and then to DCMS in 2016, where a revolving door of ministers who had to manage a list of other roles ranging from Sport to the Charities. The current Minister is Stephanie Peacock MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth, who has youth work, youth voice and is coordinating the new Youth Strategy (She has already held a co-ordinating meeting with other departmental Ministers) but has to find time for all her other roles as well!
The British Youth Council first called for the restoration of the Minister for Youth post in 2013 shortly after the role was split off from DfE. In 2019 the APPG on Youth Affairs also called for the Ministerial role to be restored to DfE. Having worked with many of these Ministers at both DfE, Cabinet Office and DCMS, I’ve been calling for it ever since, and especially now, when there appears to be an emerging commitment to young policy across Government. An expected reshuffle in the autumn may be too soon to expect such an appointment. But supporters of such a proposal should start lobbying now, calling on the Government to work with officials to plan a new office for youth affairs as part of a general re-engagement of youth in our democracy. It took 25 years of campaigning to get Votes at 16, and it may take a ‘campaign for a youth minister’ to achieve matching reform sooner. We are about to herald a sea-change in the engagement and influence of young people in public life through votes at 16, and all young people over the age of 16 (to 24?) deserve a Youth Minister to both hear young people, coordinate policies, and represent their interests at the Cabinet top table. JC/Ed]
- #The Big Conversation Survey – “The first opportunity I want to share with you is the chance for you to tell me about issues that you are worried about and want to change. You can tell me your views about any subject from the importance of listening to children, housing, school, being a young carer, being care experienced or how important you think youth services are.” The Big Conversation Survey only takes a few minutes to fill in and you can share it with your friends and siblings. Parents/carers can fill it in on behalf of younger children or those with additional needs.
- #ScreenFree Summer – a campaign this summer for young people to share things they like to do that don’t involve being on screens. What do you like to do outside school with your friends or on your own? Do you like playing sport or volunteering at a museum – or anything else? What are the benefits of being off your phone and other screens? If you’re happy for your submission to be shared on our social media, please send a photo or video of your activity by replying to this email with your first name along with 100 words explaining what you like to do and why it’s important to have time away from your screens. Click here for an example.
- #CC Plan for 25/26 – Every child and young person deserves to feel listened to and empowered to have their say. Your voices are key to improving children’s policy and services. My ambition is the same as yours. Children are not passive members of society – you should be considered in every piece of legislation which will have an impact on your lives. My plan for the year sets out the things I will focus on in 2025-26 and for my remaining time as Commissioner, but my team and I will always stay on top of what matters most to you.
- #Instagram – Follow my work on Instagram to hear young people’s voices on what matters to them @ChildrensCommissioner #OurFutureOurVoice #TheBigConversation
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⚡#iwill Ambassadors – amplifying #youthvoice through podcasting#iwill ambassadors are using podcasts to share powerful, unfiltered stories on issues that matter to young people — from mental health and inclusion in sport to global politics and LGBTQ+ rights.
✅ Led by the #iwill Movement and Be the change. Media Network
✅ Shows include: Sports For All, The Imperfect Activist, The Forgotten Generation and more
✅ A global network of young hosts across 7 countries
This International Youth Day, tune in to hear youth voices in action.
⚡YouthVoice Newsletters
YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES – Editors pick…Youth Opportunities 10th August edition | LinkedIn “for young people, curated by young people”. Below is just a selection of opportunities that relate to #youthvoice Advisory Board roles – but check out the full issue for lots more – and subscribe! and Find even more opportunities on the Youth Opportunities website → youthopportunities.co.uk
Who Cares? Scotland invites Care Experienced people aged 16+ to join the Empowered Voices Programme, offering training in campaigning, public speaking, and activism over three weekends (Sept 6-8, Nov 22-24, 2024, and Feb 7-9, 2025) in Edinburgh and Stirling. Travel, accommodation, and meals are covered. Participants gain skills, confidence, and opportunities to influence change. To apply, be a Care Experienced member (or join), reliable, and committed. Apply asap.
Advisory Boards -YVH picks..
⚡The Mix is seeking seven young people (under 25) to join its Youth Advisory Board, representing youth voices in mental health charity decisions. Members work with senior leaders to shape strategy, attend virtual meetings, and advocate for young people’s needs. No experience needed; training and mentoring provided. This voluntary, two-year role helps build leadership skills and offers networking opportunities. Apply by 25th August.
⚡Co-operatives UK is recruiting 16–30-year-olds for its paid Youth Advisory Group to help shape the co-op movement and promote a fairer society. Members advise on Co-operatives UK’s work, lead projects to boost youth engagement, champion youth voices, and advocate for co-ops within wider networks. Open to both experienced co-op members and newcomers. Apply by Monday, 18 August 2025.
⚡Coram Voice is seeking care-experienced young people (16–25) to join its Youth Advisory Board for 18 months (with possible extension). Members will help shape plans, join projects, and meet with managers and trustees through monthly online meetings, four in-person London meetings a year, and training. Support and expenses for travel/accommodation are provided. Voluntary role — apply by 12 September 2025.
⚡Join the Electoral Commission’s Youth Voice Network for Scotland and help shape the future of democracy. If you’re aged 12 to 18, live in Scotland and are keen to find out more then download our information sheet. You’ll meet (online and in-person) around four times a year to share views, create resources, and contribute to national campaigns on voting. Recruitment is open from June to September 2025. Learn more and apply here. by end of Sept 25
⚡FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES for youth-led initiatives/England/age 25 and under
“The two opportunities featured below are for young leaders only. You must be between the ages of 18-25 (Blagrave/Eng) or 16-25 (YouthBank/Eng) to apply, and your initiative must actually be youth-led. What is Youth-led? In 2020, the young founders of a Covid initiative ‘Project Hope’ challenged organisations that were supporting youth-led social action projects “Don’t call it Youthled when it’s not” because many were org/adult, initiated or designed. However, some are aspiring changemakers on issues they have chosen and need to support to turn their ideas into action. This reminds of my time at the Prince’s Trust which offered mentoring and small grant programmes for young people coming to us with their ideas and proposals, and since then at BYC and YVH, where Ive see small ‘start-up’ ideas turn into successful campaigns and projects, and some cases established charities or social enterprises – founded and developed as self-led initiatives. The Blagrave Trust and YouthBank are two funders who targeting support and micro-finance to make this happen. So if you are a young leader/changemaker (or you know one), maybe working on your own, or part of a group founded by your peers that meets and makes its own decisions – these opps are for you. You may have enlisted support from older people, mentors, workers, as your advisors, or even host orgs who give you space and support to take forward YOUR agenda, then read on about these two amazing support and finance programmes for genuine youth-led projects by individuals or groups. They both make it clear what their ‘youth-led’ criteria is. (I particularly like Blagrave’s guidance on who this fund is NOT for, and Youth Bank use the term ‘self-led’ Read on and good luck!” [James C/Ed YVH]
⚡Challenge & Change: Funding for Youthled change – Blagrave Trust [YVH recommended] £10,000 each for 38 changemakers.
Applications are officially OPEN… but wait – what is Challenge and Change tho? Young people are already organising, resisting, repairing and building — but too often, they’re underfunded. Challenge and Change is here to back you. £10,000 grants | 12 months | 38 changemakers | | Click this link for full details and how to apply: https://lnkd.in/eSDWKYm6 ➡️ Follow Challenge and Change on IG to not miss out on a thing: https://lnkd.in/es9fk2Jn Apply by Sunday 14th Sept Challenge and Change is for you if:
• You’re 18–25 years old and living in England
• You’re using your lived experience to lead change
• You’re an individual, or part of a collective or movement
• You’re already involved in social justice work but lack resources
• You’re ready to create the change you want to see and want to create positive lasting impact
⚡YouthBank International: Posts | LinkedIn – funding for youthled groups England. Aged 16-25 – part of a Self Led group? Support package and £3000 for your local YouthBank.
We are calling all youth-led groups from England 🏴 Win our YouthBank GO! Package training and up to 3,000£ grants for your YouthBank fund! Apply by 26th September
✅ You run a real fund that invests in young people’s ideas
✅ You lead with purpose, not just participate
✅ You build in-demand leadership skills
✅ You create a visible impact in your community & beyond
✅ You leave a legacy of youth-powered change
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
RESOURCES
Top Pick – Tips⚡
For other YVH recommended resources go to the http://www.YoungVoiceHeard.org.uk main website / RESOURCES, or browse back issues of #YouthVoiceNews